Alice & Vic's Picks - choose your own!
It only gets harder from here
The first half of this week was the Black Fern’s camp which Vic was a part of (hooray!). So I don’t have a video for you with the picks this week. So make up for it, here are our picks along with a column for you to play along.
I have gone back and forwards on those last two matches several times.
Canterbury v Waikato is a replay of the last two premiership finals. Neither team has yet played to their full potential to my mind. Waikato have had moments of brilliance where they build something spectacular and Canterbury have ground their way out of a couple of deficits to pull off a win.
I guess I’m just more confident in the Canterbury programme this season which is why I’m tipping them.
It’s been back to the future for Waikato, with former head coach (2016-2019) Wayne Maxwell back in the drivers seat. It was James Semple who took this team to their two finals. You can see glimpses of the team Semple developed but under Maxwell, they just aren’t as intimidating or cohesive as they were.
A shame that Waikato have been let down like this without a plan to instate the next coaching talent to take over the reigns.
What impact does a coach have? Well a massive one on these sprint seasons, just ask the Volcanix.
I had not really given them much thought in the preseason cause while they have always had the talent, it’s never really fired in the Farah Palmer Cup. They don’t usually make play offs, it’s more a case of playing to avoid relegation. They have looked another side entirely under the Kaua. Brad and Krystal working beautifully with this group and taking a massive (albeit, hideous!) win over the Auckland Storm.
Their group is playing with a belief I have not seen in my time in the FPC. Which is why I’m tipping them for an upset win over the Counties Manakau Heat.
I’m going to be on the road to get up to the Manawatū Cyclone and Wellington Pride match. Both have been sides full of promise who have been disappointing with their results this season. This match now potentially shaping up to be a relegation game as neither team’s season will get any easier from here.
I have been invited to have some kai and attend the jersey presentation by Manawatū’s CEO, Andrea Jackson. This is hilarious because I don’t think you could have picked a more hearty Wellington fan… except maybe the Taumoli’s Dad. I have assured AJ that I will leave my Pride gears in the car for the presentation but all bets are off after that!
Games of the round for you to watch? Cyclones v Pride, Canterbury v Waikato and Volcanix and Heat. Sorry to the Championship but it’s the Premiership with the tastier match ups this week!
With you,
Alice