This next game is the moment for chief to prove his style and the players to show what they can do and I'm hyped for it. We have chico now who both can play number 10 and is apparently really class, we have Rufer and Payne back for the full 90 (Rufer said he could play 60 atm but I feel he will play 90 unless we are getting thrashed), and it's the final derby against top of the table in front of a sell out crowd with big away support to save our playoff chances/the season so you know they lads will be up for it (especially because the other derby games we played well, but lost out due to silly errors so they will want revenge). I think every other game so far you can give chief and the players the benefit of the doubt (to a degree) for performance as it's either been huge errors, relying on inexperienced/new players to step up when they aren't ready, or missing key players for many games that has caused us to be where we are now on the table.
I hope we play 4-3-3 with chico and rufer starting and try to surprise them with a proactive and attacking first half as Auckland are usually pretty slow getting into games and they won't expect it from us. I feel we are more likely to play defensively for the first half with 5 at the back or double 6 (hopefully with rufer) to hold them off and then second half sub on chico and rufer if not already on and try to snatch a late victory which is less ideal, but I will take that sort of win.
Auckland do look really good now and it will be tough especially without Sutts, but we are a lot better than what the table suggests with a full squad and we have far more to play for so I do believe we will show up and have a good game.
I hope we play 4-3-3 with chico and rufer starting and try to surprise them with a proactive and attacking first half as Auckland are usually pretty slow getting into games and they won't expect it from us. I feel we are more likely to play defensively for the first half with 5 at the back or double 6 (hopefully with rufer) to hold them off and then second half sub on chico and rufer if not already on and try to snatch a late victory which is less ideal, but I will take that sort of win.
Auckland do look really good now and it will be tough especially without Sutts, but we are a lot better than what the table suggests with a full squad and we have far more to play for so I do believe we will show up and have a good game.