PREVIEW: Waikato vs Manawatu
12th October 2010 10:24AM
• When these two teams last met in Palmerston North they both recorded their highest score in a drawn match 38-38.
• Manawatu have not been a regular opponent over the years - just 10 encounters since the start of NPC in 1976 - Waikato have won half of these.
• There may be a battle within a battle - between Stephen Donald of Waikato and Aaron Cruden of Manawatu to secure a position at first five eight in the All Black team for the end of year tour - team to be announced on Sunday.
• Stephen Donald to play in his 50th game for Waikato.
• Aled de Malmanche to play in his 50th game for Waikato.
• Current Waikato players with tries against Manawatu are Sosene Anesi and Stephen Donald with two apiece and Hikairo Forbes with one try.
• Waikato have scored 298 points and conceded 214 points this year.
Manawatu have scored 201 points and conceded 372 points this year.
• Waikato have scored 32 tries and conceded 24 tries this year.
Manawatu have scored 21 tries and conceded 49 tries this year.
