JV, I could have written that match precis myself.
Auckland's style of play doesn't seem to work without Tade and Lea'alafa on the pitch. When their build-up is so slow and deliberate, they seldom get behind other teams. Which is fine when you have someone to do the Messi stuff, but otherwise not.
I had expected Auckland to win, if for no other reason than Wellington's disciplinary shortcomings.
Well done to Tom Jackson - and the snarly, feisty, wound-up Harris
Not such a good game from referee Conger. I would rank him behind Nick Waldron, John Rowberry and Chris Kerr on summer form.
Congrats to Matt Calcott and his team - you have finally arrived. The win should be all the sweeter for having been live on TV.
Agree that ACFC have gotten a lot slower this year. Jessie Edge labours on the ball a lot and I thought that Sam Burfoot was better at recycling the ball quickly. There were also 2 imports not playing last night in Marco and Tavano because they had the maximum 8 in the match day squad. Thats just crazy
I am interested in Ivan because it seems obvious he is being groomed to replace Ramon which seems logical. Will Ivan play the same way and rely on the same amount of imports?