England vs. France: English Won through Set Pieces in Tight Game

England vs. France: English Won through Set Pieces in Tight Game

Tuesday, September 8, 2015 / No Comments

English Won through Set Pieces

It was a high pressure game between England and France. At the end England secured their victory by 19-14 at Tw Ickenham. Penalty count and poor set pieces of France made the win easier for England. England had showed that they can also play attacking game in this match. France players should be motivated to play better in the upcoming world cup (September 18) from this match. After the game England captain Tom said that it was important for them to start the warm up games with a win.

Dmitri Szarzewski was the skipper of France team. His team did much positive and stronger gameplay at the beginning. They almost did a flying start with winger May and center Dulin. But Dulin did not able to put his hand on ball right before the dead ball line. But they continued pressuring on France and Parra won the penalty for France when Sam burgess did a bad tackle. Morgan Parra scored and give France lead at the sixth minute of the match. But England took only five minutes to score back against France. Watson was tackled by Dulin and we must say that it was not Dulin’s best effort. England got the penalty and Anthony Watson scored at the eleventh minute. The score became 3-3. On the very next minute Owen Farrell scored for England. They took the lead as 7-3 in twelve minute. France tried their best to stop England’s next attack from the right wing. But they could not make it as Anthony Watson took the pass with a tremendous position and finished his run properly to the corner side. He scored his second at the eighteen minute of the game.  Not a single defensive hand from France was able to touch him. A hit by Burgess allowed France to drop the ball. Parra was in his best form during that day and earned a penalty from England due to scrum. He scored in that penalty at twenty sixth minute and lift up the confidence of France.  After six minutes Parra scored again. He sailed his third penalty through post at thirty two minute of the first half. Luke Burgess got the yellow card and forced to sin-bin. Luke Burgess scored at thirty four minute for England. England did lead after half time. The score was 12-9.

In the second half England showed an outstanding performance. The high cross kick by Alex Goode was perfect for May as he chased the ball. He did perfection for another score on behalf of England at the forty five minutes. OWEN FARRELL did another score in forty six minute. Calum Clark was replaced for Guilhem Guirado. But the flank player (Calum) got the yellow card at fifty four minutes which reduced England team into fourteen men. French team took the advantage and started fight back. At sixty minutes flank player FULGENCE OUEDRAOGO made his way by bull dozing to the bottom corner and made another score for France. Winger ANTHONY WATSON from England got the man of the match award.

France vs. England Live Stream: Match Time, Venue, Squads, Prediction

France vs. England Live Stream: Match Time, Venue, Squads, Prediction

Thursday, August 27, 2015 / No Comments

France vs. England: Match Time, Venue, Squads, Prediction

France and England will play against each other on August 15 at the Stade de France, Paris. This match will be the 101st edition of the Le Crunch. Rumors going that almost twenty six changes have been made by these two teams from the last week.

In England team, the only player who has the experience from 19-14 victory. For France there are three players who has the same experience. Yoann Maestri, Scott Spedding and Louis Picamoles. Another two players Philippe Saint – Andre and Stuart Lancaster got themselves out from the team line ups.

France’s last week team was full of experiment. But in Paris, coach will not do much experiment with the lineup. For France, Mathieu Bastareaud, and Wesley Fofana are going to join back in the midfield. Also wingers Noa Nakaitaci and Yoann Huget are coming back on the team line up. For England Guilhem Guirado, Sébastian Tillous-Borde and Bernard le Roux all are coming back. But France’s Frédéric Michalak will remain the most interesting addition to the team. He is only four points behind from the record, France’s all time point’s scorer. Fans are hoping that he will be able to touch the milestone on this match as Saint Andre was not selected.

Frédéric Michalak has started his journey for this record milestone only two years ago. H is one of the most talented, smart and erratic international rugby player. He has versatile skill for the scrum half cover and also have extra value for fly half holds at the time of trimming down. Now it is the time to see whether his team members are going to give him proper support or not. Senior players Eddy Ben Arous, Rabah Slimani, Guirado will return for the front line up. For France, key player Michalak can make the difference. But the whole France team need to lift their confidence level and also the execution level.

In their last match, France did not play up to their level. Often they kicked aimlessly and also took many wrong decisions. In many times, they just let the ball go through their hands. Also they did not able to make enough scoring threats. They must improve their finishing. They should reduce the percentages of wasting chances.  Though it is a warm up match, Right now they badly need a win more than any other team to boost up their confidence level. They only managed to able two wins from their last six matches.

On the other hand England will mostly focus on their top player’s form. Lancaster is ready with their best line up. The only risk is selecting James Haskell and dropping Tom Wood.  

Tournament: Pre world cup campaign.

Date: august 15, Saturday.

Time: 19:00 GMT

Venue: Stade de France, Paris

Match referee: Jaco Peyper (South Africa)

Live Stream: Sky Go (UK)

Squad members:

France:  Eddy Ben Arous, Yoann Maestri, Noa Nakaitaci, Rabah Slimani, Mathieu Bastareaud, Guilhem Guirado, Louis Picamoles, Wesley Fofana, Noa Nakaitaci, Damien Chouly, Rabah Slimani, Pascal Papé, Scott Spedding, Sébastien Tillous-Borde, Frédéric Michalak, Yoann Huget, Bernard le Roux, Pascal Papé.

Replacement: Gaël Fickou, Vincent Debaty, Alexandre Flanquart, Rory Kockott, Uini Atonio, Benjamin Kayser, Yannick Nyanga, Rémi Talès.

England: Joe Marler, Courtney Lawes, Chris Robshaw, Ben Youngs, Jonny May, Jonathan Joseph, Mike Brown, Joe Launchbury, Luther Burrell, Billy Vunipola, James Haskell, Dave Attwood, Jack Nowell, George Ford, Tom Youngs, Dan Cole.

Replacement: Billy Twelvetrees, Danny Care, David Wilson, Mako Vunipola, Danny Cipriani, Nick Easter, Jamie George.

Canada vs. USA Live Stream: Match Preview, Date, Time, Venue, Squad

Canada vs. USA Live Stream: Match Preview, Date, Time, Venue, Squad

Saturday, August 22, 2015 / No Comments

Canada vs. United States: Match Preview

The United States and Canada are going to face each other on their final warm up match before their 2015 rugby world cup campaign in Twin Elm Park, Ottawa. This International match is scheduled to kick off at 16.00 Eastern Time (13.00 Pacific Time; 20.00 GMT). The USA recently beat the CANADIANS in the Pacific Nations Cup, 2015. So they might expect to repeat the history one more time. On the other side, the Canadian will expect to take some revenge upon the Eagles and seal a win over them. Both the teams are taking this match very seriously and rugby lovers’ audience all over the world are expecting to enjoy a thrilling match.

In a glimpse:

Date: Saturday, August 22
Venue: Twin Elm Park, Ottawa
Kick-off: 16.00 Eastern Time (13.00 Pacific Time; 20.00 GMT)
Referee: Stuart Berry (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Andrew McMaster (Canada), Ed Gardner (USA)

Squad report:

USA team news: USA fly half AJ MacGinty led his team on the win over the CANADIANS with a late minute goal. He will again make a partnership with scrum half Mike Petri in this match. Thretton Palamo and Seamus Kelly will also resume their partnership as like as the last one year. Brett Thompson will also start for the fourth time on the wing opposite to Blaine Scully who scored total three tries since the year 2011 against the CANADIANS. USA head coach Mike Tolkin demands that the wing should be aerial and side by side also strong runners to win the ball. Zach Fenoglio, Eric Fry and Titi Lamositele will retain their positions on the final row. Al McFarland- as a flank, Andrew Durutalo’s place will be also in the back. Mike Tolkin said in the press conference,

Certainly we have excellent talent in the centers. The boys were in outstanding form.

United States Team: Chris Wyles (captain), Seamus Kelly, Blaine Scully, Brett Thompson, Thretton Palamo, Mike Petri, AJ MacGinty, Andrew Durutalo, Danny Barrett, Greg Peterson, Al McFarland, Cameron Dolan, Zach Fenoglio, Titi Lamositele and Eric Fry.

Replacements: Phil Thiel, Chris Baumann, Olive Kilifi, Matt Trouville, Louis Stanfill, Niku Kruger,  John Quill,  Andrew Suniula.

Canada Tema News: On the other hand, for CANADA due to Tyler Aarond’s absence, Aaron Carpenter will captain the side. Besides Carpenter, only Hubert Buydens, John Moonlight and Harry Jones are the CANADIAN players to be listed in this match after their last 15-13 defeat to the Eagles. Buydens will be in the front row with newly recruited Ray Barkwill and Doug Wooldridge, while Jon Phelan and Tyler Hotson will play in the lock. Another new recruiter Nanyak Dala will join up with Moonlight and Carpenter at the back row. McRoie will be at the scrum half, Hirayama as the fly half, Blevins at the center with Trainor, Jones at the full back, Mackenzie and Paris at the wings. Canadian Coach Kieran Crowley said,

 There are some guys in the team who did really well in the PNC and therefore deserve places in the team. Some talented guys are the newcomer and we hope they will prove their potential in the pitch.

Canada Team: Aaron Carpenter (captain), Phil Mackenzie, Harry Jones, Nick Blevins, Conor Trainor, Nathan Hirayama, Taylor Paris, John Moonlight, Gordon McRorie, Jon Phelan, Nanyak Dala, Tyler Hotson, Ray Barkwill, Doug Wooldridge and Hubert Buydens.

Replacements: Benoit Piffero, Andrew Tiedemann, Djustice Sears-Duru, Kyle Gilmour, Evan Olmstead, Phil Mack, Matt Evans, Ciaran Hearn..

After this match, the Eagles will host Harlequin on Sunday. Then they will face Australia on the next week’s Saturday. On the other side, Canada will face Glasgow Warriors on 29th August, Georgia on September 2 and take on Fiji, the PNC champion on 6th September.

Italy vs. Scotland Live Stream: match preview, Schedule, venue, team line up

Italy vs. Scotland Live Stream: match preview, Schedule, venue, team line up

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Italy vs. Scotland Live Stream

Italy will play their first warm up international game against Scotland on Saturday. There are so much predictions are going on because of this high pressure match. Scotland has already did a lot of changes in their team to ensure the best outcome. On the other hand this will be Italy’s first match after March.

Scotland will try to increase their game play level in the field. They lost their last game against Ireland which was really impressive the final score was 22-28. Coach Vern Cotter will try to ensure that his team should avoid this kind of little margin loss. He also said that he will talk with Matt Taylor, the defense coach about the lacking and will give extra effort on set pieces. Also it is important to ensure that Scotland’s breakdown area will not show any weakness during match time. They already replace a very potential player John Hardie (New Zealand) to repair the damage of their defense.

The host team Italy will also play for the win. It is sure that they will do some experiment with their team to find the perfect combination. Italian coach Jacques Brunel gave a huge surprise by letting Tommaso Benvenuti a start in the center position.  Also Zebre’s Guglielmo Palazzani replaced on the position of Edorado Gori as a scrum-half. He was suspended at the last match. Another player Davide Giazzon, will start his third match against Italy. He will make trio attack on the front row with Matisas Aguero and Lorenzo Cittadini.

If you see the last three matches between Italy and Scotland, all of them was decided by only five points in total. In the last game, Scotland was defeated at the last minute. An unpredictable penalty gave the win title to the visitor team Italy. So it is sure that the next game will be a high pressure match.

Tournament: Pre world cup campaign.

Teams: Italy vs. Scotland.

Date: On Saturday, 15th august.

Kick off time: the game will start at 18:00 GMT.

Venue: Stadio Olimpico, Turin.

Referee: JP Doyle from England.

Live Stream: BT Sport App (UK)

Squads

Italy squad: 1. Matias Aguero, 2. Andrea Masi, 3. Lorenzo Cittadini, 4. Tommaso Benvenuti, 5. Giovambattista Venditti, 6. Guglielmo Palazzani, 7. Alessandro Zanni, 8. Valerio Bernabó, 9. Leonardo Sarto, 10. Gonzalo Garcia, 11. Tommaso Allan, 12. Samuela Vunisa, 13. Francesco Minto, 14. Quintin Geldenhuys, 15. Davide Giazzon.

Replacements: 1. Carlo Canna, 2. Mauro Bergamasco, 3. Martin Castrogiovanni, 4. Leonardo Ghiraldini, 5. Luke McLean, 6. Marcello Violi, 7. Marco Bortolami, 8. Michele Rizzo.

Scotland squad: 1. Gordon Reid, 2. Mike Cusack, 3. Grant Gilchrist, 4. John Hardie, 5. Sam Hidalgo-Clyne, 6. Richie Vernon, 7. Greig Tonks, 8. Rory Hughes, 9. Stuart McInally, 10. Richie Gray, 11. Alasdair Strokosch, 12. Adam Ashe, 13. Duncan Weir, 14. Matt Scott, 15. Sean Lamont.

Replacements: 1. Damien Hoyland, 2. Henry Prygos, 3. Jim Hamilton, 4. Alasdair Dickinson, 5. Ross Ford, 6. Peter Horne, 7. Willem Nel, 8. Hamish Watson.

Springboks inflict their revenge upon the pumas

Springboks inflict their revenge upon the pumas

Wednesday, August 19, 2015 / No Comments

SPRINGBOKS INFLICT THEIR REVENGE UPON THE PUMAS

The South Africans managed to gain their revenge upon the Hosts for the last week’s sudden defeat to them in Durban securing a comfortable 26-12 win in Buenos Aires on Saturday. The Springboks made a huge difference between the results of these two weeks from the early of the game and led the Pumas by 20-9. The visiting sides just simply outnumbered the Hosts with such a dominative fashion. This game will also help the both teams to think about some places for the upcoming Rugby World Cup 2015.

Before their first worm up match for the world cup rugby, the South Africans had lost their last four games consecutively. So they were really in need of some great performance as a whole to boost their confidence up. From the very first moment of the game, the Boks were trying to tear the Pumas’ defense line up. They got the success at the 7th minute as they achieved a penalty after some impressive works from Brussow and Lambie converted this chance to the lead for the Boks. The Pumas also tried hard to come back in the game and their attempt was rewarded by their first penalty. Sanchez leveled the score as 3-3 for the team. But just after only two minutes the Boks intercepted the kick from the Pumas and tried to make a way to the Pumas half. But Strauss was tackled rough and their team got another penalty. Lambie scored as well. At the 26th minute of the game, a long pass was given to Habana from Pienaar and Havana was able to make a nice try. Lambie scored again and the score-line was 13-3. Lambie was superb in the ground and added some extra points this time. The Boks led by 20-3. Sanchez helped the Pumas to score some consolation points for the team from a penalty take-out. Sanchez stunned the audience again as he secured 3 points from 50m away and the score was 20-9. The first half ended with this score.

Just after two minutes of the second half, Pienaar passed a nice ball to Lambie who scored a drop goal. Sanchez converted a penalty from 45 meters away and the score turned to 23-12. At the 56th minute, Lambie scored from another penalty awarded to the Springboks and the team got a lead of 26-12. The score didn’t change further anymore. The South Africans got so many chances after their last score but they weren’t able to avail those. Tomas Lavanini was booked and sent to sin bin at the 63rd minute, but the Springboks were not able to take some benefits of one man being short.

Patrick Lambie was judged as the Man of the Match as he had 100% of kicking record. Moreover, he was versatile on both the attack and defense. He was the brightest performer among the all on the pitch.

The scorers:

For Argentina:
Pens: Sanchez 4

For South Africa:
Tries: Habana, Mvovo
Cons: Lambie 2
Pens: Lambie 3
DG: Lambie

South Africa will face Japan on their opening match of Rugby World Cup 2015. On the other side, Argentina will compete with New Zealand as their opening.

IRELAND vs. SCOTLAND: WORLD CUP WORM UP MATCH PREVIEW DATE TIME VENUE SQUAD & LIVE STREAM

IRELAND vs. SCOTLAND: WORLD CUP WORM UP MATCH PREVIEW DATE TIME VENUE SQUAD & LIVE STREAM

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IRELAND vs. SCOTLAND

Ireland must be morally boosted up for their latest 40-10 win over Scotland at the Murrayfield as they are going to compete again in the worm up battle of rugby world cup 2015 this Saturday at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin. Despite a disappointed winless six nations tournament ending with the defeat against the Irish, the arrival of new head coach Vern Cotter is also making the Scottish optimistic about some positive result this time. This match is scheduled to kick off on 15 August, Saturday at 17:00 local time (16:00 GMT).

Match: Ireland vs. Scotland (world cup worm up match)

Date: Saturday, August 15

Kick-off: 17:00 local (16:00 GMT)
Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Referee: Pascal Gauzère (France)
Assistant Referees: Jérôme Garcès (France), Marius Mitrea (Italy)

Live Stream: Sky Go app (UK), Super Sport stream (SA)

TV Info: Sky Sports 1 (UK), Super Sport 6 (SA)

Coverage: Live commentary on BBC Radio Ulster FM and the BBC Sport website. 

Squad Report:

Ireland Team News:  Irish coach Joe Schimdt has announced Sean O’Brien as the captain for the team for the Dublin encounter of Rugby World Cup 2015. Jack Conan, 23 years old young Leinster flanker is expected to make his place for the senior Ireland team for the first time as a replacement of Chris Henry. Henry got a mini stroke last November while playing test against South Africa. He had to undergo a surgery and back to the field again. Henry was the second half replacement against the Wales match and impressed Schimdt to secure his place in the team. Devin Toner and Dan Tuohy are going to join in the second row while Mike Ross, Sean Cronin and Dave Kilcoyne will join the first row. Gordon D'Arcy and Jared Payne will play at the centre position. Isaac Boss and Ian Madigan are going to pair up at the half-back. The Irish are pretty much confident with this squad. Their back row Sean O’Brien said, 

No doubt the last five or six weeks were full of hard work and intensive. We hope we can make this on the field now and approach it in the exact way.

Ireland Team: Tommy Bowe, Simon Zebo, Gordon D'Arcy, Jared Payne, Ian Madigan, Luke Fitzgerald,   Dave Kilcoyne, Isaac Boss, Mike Ross, Sean Cronin, Dan Tuohy,  Devin Toner, Chris Henry, Jack Conan and Sean O'Brien.

Replacements: Michael Bent, Richardt Strauss, Paul O'Connell, Nathan White, Eoin Reddan, Jordi Murphy, Dave Kearney and Paddy Jackson.

Scotland Team News: Henry pyrgos has been announced officially the captain of Scotland side for the Dublin battle. Greig Tonks also gets a chance at the fly-half position. The 22 years old Hugh Blake has secured a place in the back row with Blair Cowan and David Denton. Ruaridh Jackson has been selected as the full back and Fraser Brown for the first time as a hooker. Jim Hamilton is going to start up with Grant Gilchrist in the second row. Their head coach Vern Cotter have evaluated their team as he said, “The boys have worked really hard for the team strength and conditioning as well, so that we can have more power and tolerance level from our players. We are also focusing to upgrade their basic skills.”

Scotland Team:  Sean Lamont, Ruaridh Jackson,  Peter Horne, Richie Vernon, Greig Tonks, Tim Visser,  David Denton, Henry Prygos (c), Blair Cowan, Hugh Blake, Jim Hamilton, Grant Gilchrist,  Fraser Brown Jon Welsh and Ryan Grant

Replacements: Gordon Reid, Ross Ford, Rob Harley, Mike Cusack, Sam Hidalgo-Clyne, John Barclay, Matt Scott and Duncan Weir

Taranaki vs. Wellington: Match Preview, Date, Time, Venue, Squads and Live Stream

Taranaki vs. Wellington: Match Preview, Date, Time, Venue, Squads and Live Stream

Saturday, August 15, 2015 / No Comments

Taranaki vs. Wellington

Taranaki, the defending champion of ITM Cup Premiership are going to start up their title retaining battle against local rivals Wellington at Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth. This match is scheduled to kick off at 14:35 local (02:35 GMT), Saturday, August 15. The strong side of Taranaki are hoping to have an easy win over the poor Wellington as they have been hurting from their relegation from the championship in the 2014 season of ITM cup competition.

A very powerful lineup has been announced by the head coach of the Taranaki Bulls Colin Cooper. Moreover, they have been strengthened as James Broadhurst has joined in the squad. His partner will be Blade Thomson at the lock. James Marshall will lead the fullback position of the team. The amber and blacks are going to miss Jamison Gibson-Park for a long term season ending injury. They are expected to make debut of New Zealand under-20 team’s promising halfback Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi. Reuben O’Neill, Caleb Mawson, Latu Vaeno and David Ormrod are also expected to make their debut and impress all with their skills as well. On the other hand Cory Jane is back from the ankle injury which kept him away for the last three weeks. He is set to start off the game for the lions with their starting lineup against Taranaki. Jane will take his place on the right wing. Ardie Savea and Matt Proctor are also expected to return from their knee and ankle injuries as well. Hoani Matenga and Johny Bantley are also set to make their debuts for Wellington in lock and first five eighth positions respectively. Ben May, James Blackwell and Tomasi Alosio are also expected to play their first game of IMT Cup 2015 for the Lions on the next half of the game as they have been enlisted in the reserve list.

Wellington coach Earl Va’a that though the history is not on their favor, the Lions who are enlisted in the team will put some strong and brave performance against the Taranaki and start their campaign for the IMT Cup 2015 Championship. He said, “A stronger side of the experienced and the strength of the young and energetic guys have been mixed up. We are expecting to have a crack on the field and put some excellent performance.”

When:  14:35 local (02:35 GMT), Saturday, August 15
Where:  Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth

Referee: Steve Walsh (North Harbor) 

Teams:
Wellington Lions: Jimmy Gopperth, Lome Fa'atau, Ma'a Nonu, Tana Umaga, Roy Kinikinilau, Tamati Ellison, Piri Weepu, Rodney So'oialo (captain), Serge Lilo, Jerry Collins, Luke Andrews, Ross Filipo, Neemia Tialata, Luke Mahoney, John Schwalger. 
Reserves: Mahonri Schwalger, Tim Fairbrother, Ross Kennedy, Thomas Waldrom, Brendan Haami, Conrad Smith, Cory Jane. 
Port Taranaki Bulls: Scott Ireland, Brendon Watt, Mathew Harvey, Lifeimi Mafi, Sailosi Tagicakibau, Sam Young, Craig Fevre, Chris Masoe, Joe Lawn, John Willis, Jason Eaton, Scott Breman, Gordon Slater (captain), Andrew Hore, Tony Penn. 
Reserves: Laurence Corlett, Hamish Mitchell, Brendon McGlashan, Sisa Koyamaibole, Andrew Suniula, Todd Feather, James King. 

Otago vs. Canterbury: Match Preview Date Time Venue Squad & Live Stream

Otago vs. Canterbury: Match Preview Date Time Venue Squad & Live Stream

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Otago vs. Canterbury

Match: Otago vs. Canterbury (Week 1, ITM cup 2015)

Match Day: Saturday, August 15, 2015.

Kickoff time: 16:35 local (04:35 GMT)

Venue: Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin

Referee: Michael Lash

This Saturday is going to be “Super Saturday” as the Southern Derby is going to be kicked off with the host Otago Razorbacks are going to compete with another local rivals Canterbury on 16:35 local time (04:35 GMT), Saturday, 15th August, 2015. This match is going to be held at Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin. With this match both teams are going to start up their battle on the IMT cup 2015.

Both the teams had a very well prepared preseason. The Razorbacks have played their preseason games against Tasman and Southland away from the home. Canterbury have also defeated Wellington in their first preseason battle with a comfortable 50-33 win. In their last derby battle Canterbury was the winning side against Otago. If we go through their previous match histories we will also get a clear view of the dominance of Canterbury over the Razorbacks. So, this is going to be a better choice for the Razorbacks to make a comeback. For this purpose, Otago are going to make the debuts of five players. Otagos’ newly appointed coach Cory Brown has tried to make some mixture of local potentials and the foreign augmentation as well. The number eight of the Razorbacks Mike Mafi and the blindside flank of their team Adam Knight are going to start the game. For the Razorbacks, Fletcher Snith who is a local boy and a playmaker of the University level will also get the first cap of the ITM cup. Kaide Whiting, the halfback for the Razorbacks is also waiting for the debut against Canterbury. Well experienced Jack Wilson’s name has also been included in the squad of Otago for the Saturday match.  On the other hand Canterbury head coach Scott Robertson has put an eye on his team’s outstanding performance of the preseason. Hooker Nick Werahiko, halfback Jack Stratton and loose forward Mitchell Dunshea have higher chances of making their debuts for the ITM cup 2015. Canterbury’s outside back and ex-Otago player Marshall Suckling will face his old club-mates and this is going to be his first appearance for the Canterbury.

Canterbury head coach said, 

The boys have had a tough and challenging pre-season. Now it’s time to keep it up on field.

Meanwhile, the Razorbacks’ captain Lee Allan said,

Our team is a balanced mix of the young boys and full of experience. We hope this will help us to keep our nerves firm to bring some impressive result.

This exciting derby battle can be enjoyed on air in Otago vs. Canterbury Live Stream.

The teams:

Otago: Matt Faddes, Tony Ensor, Teihorangi Walden, Jayden Spence,  Fletcher Smith, Jack Wilson, Mika Mafi,  Kaide Whiting, Adam Knight, James Lentjes, Jackson Hemopo, Josh Dickson,  Liam Coltman, Craig Millar, Hisa Sasagi.
Replacements: Michael Collins,  Sam Anderson-Heather, Scott Manson, Donald Brighouse, Charlie O'Connell, Josh Walden, Naulia Dawai, Peter Breen.

Canterbury: Johnny McNicholl, Tom Taylor, Rob Thompson, Jack Goodhue,  Richie Mo'unga,  Patrick Osborne, Luke Whitelock (c),  Mitchell Drummond, Reed Prinsep, Matt Todd, Dominic Bird, Siate Tokolahi,  JJ Manning, , Daniel Lienert-Brown,  Ben Funnell.
Replacements: Alex Hodgman, Nick Werahiko, letauTom Sanders, Sione Fa, Mitchell Dunshea, Milford Keresoma, Jack Stratton,  Marshall Suckling.