Quote:
> Being a current sufferer of 'Downed Dictator Syndrome', I'm worried about
> having to deal with this weekend's match between the Auck's & Otago.
> Seriously though, reading Pivac's comments after the last Auck loss he seems
> like a coach that will not have his team spit the dummy that easily, but
> we've yet to see. The brain is saying that the Auck's might get up and take
> the top spot back. If not then they will have to start thinking about a semi
> in the South Island. Otago at the brook is always a big assignment.
Somehow I don't think Otago have what it takes to win this one. Last year
they lost to a rather average Auckland side at Eden Park with a side
containing their All Blacks (I remember Kronfeld had an absolute
shocker). Auckland have been their bogey team for a few years now in both
the S12 and NPC, and if things go as they have in the past, Auckland
would come out comfortable winners.
Quote:
> And the Aucks have yet to face the Waikato ...
This will be an interesting matchup, as IMO it will decide who finishes
first or second. Canterbury still have to play Harbour and Otago, and
either of these teams could upset. Otago are staring at three possible
losses, as they play the top three teams in three weeks starting with
Auckland, then Canterbury then finally their Ranfurly Shield challenge
against Waikato. Three losses would see them slide as far back as 5th or
6th before the end of the round robin.