Eyewitness Match Reports  

 

 

North Harbour vs Horowhenua Kapiti
Albany Stadium
4:35pm, Saturday 14 July 2007
99
06

Tries: J McPhee (3),
V Wasaqeduadua (2), T Pisi (2),
R Wilson (2), T Chamberlain (2),
C Smith (2), G Pisi, M Harris, J Afoa,
N Williams
Cons: J McPhee (6), M Harris

Pens: D Nepia (2)
Halftime: 36 - 03

Some interesting facts about our opposition:

  • Visits In 2005 international and domestic travellers made a total of 2.12m visits to Kapiti-Horowhenua .
  • International overnight travellers accounted for 51,500 (2.4%) of these visits, domestic overnight travellers 291,300 (13.7%), international day travellers 20,200 (1.0%) and domestic day travellers 1.76m (82.9%).
  • This presumably was for the nightlife and scenery because it wouldn't be for sporting prowess on the rugby field.
  • Visitor Expenditure. In 2005 international and domestic travellers spent a total of $179.9m in Kapiti-Horowhenua. Perhaps a little of this could be directed to the local rugby union?

Cheap shots aside, the second defence of the Ranfurly Shield went largely unnoticed on the mighty networks of CNN, ESPN, BBC and Triangle TV.

It also, more importantly, went unnoticed in North Harbour, as one of the lowest attendances ever recorded at the Stadium filed through the lonely turnstiles. Free entry was provided for people in Harbour jerseys but given the Union have only ever sold 78 items of apparel in their existence; this was unlikely to have the desired result. I personally have 12 items of clothing which when thinking about 1994 under the winter duvet with suitable adult lubricants, come in very handy when slightly moist.

For the record the game was a blur due to the 17 tries being scored and the lack of resolve from a vastly outclassed opposition. I am in a bit of a rush but suffice to say we discovered very little about our 2007 side except for the known fact that Tusi can't kick a bloody ball. Pivac and co. must also be a bit concerned about the "soft" sides played so far, oh well onwards and upwards.

Luke Hamilton looked to go off with a nasty knee injury which leaves us in an awkward position at half-back.

Sorry for the lack of creative genius but I'm just not up to it today, I look forward to the last remaining pre-season fixture against Canterbury on Saturday.

After this 80 mins we should know a bit more about the year of disappointment that lies before us.