Auckland Nines – Day One Wrap

It has been said across social media, but isn’t it great to have rugby league (even a condensed format) back?

Even detractors of the two-day tournament surely have to admit that yesterday produced some amazing highlights. Plus, any rugby league is better than no rugby league right?

Below is a quick wrap up of the best and worst of day one:

Form Team: Manly Sea Eagles

Although three sides enter day two with two wins, it is the Manly Sea Eagles who took the honours on day one following two amazing wins.

For those who missed their opening game against the Broncos, the Sea Eagles trailed with less than 25 seconds to go, on the last tackle, on their own 40.

A brilliant Nathan Green run and kick set up former Bronco Matt Parcell who kicked forward and score the winner on the siren.

Despite the last minute win, very few people gave the Sea Eagles much of a hope against the red hot Warriors, who belted the Bulldogs 34-8 earlier in the game.

Despite a big and vocal home crowd vying for their blood, the Eagles were able to upset the pre-tournament favourites and are now all but guaranteed a spot in the quarter finals.

Only a huge loss to the Dogs, combined with a Warriors win, would see them fall out of a well-deserved spot in the knock out stages.

Surprise Packet: Melbourne Storm

Melbourne entered the competition at long odds to trouble the favoured sides, but after day one have sent a big message on route to securing their spot in the quarter finals.

The Storm, minus the big three and Jesse Bromwich, started the day by upsetting the fancied Eels 14-4 before knocking off defending champions the Bunnies 18-12.

Cameron Munster, despite off-field distraction all week, has been one of the stars of the tournament thus far, although it is veteran Blake Green who pulled all the strings.

Melbourne won both games based on good defence and field position on the back of Green’s kicking game, proving that the nines is not all that different from week-to-week NRL competition.

No matter what happens in tomorrow’s fixture against the Roosters, the Storm will be there come the knock out stages.

Not surprisingly they end the day with the best defensive record, which has become a trademark of the Storm under Bellamy.

Game of the Day: Raiders vs Dragons

This was somewhat unfairly labelled as the game that would decide which team advanced along with the Sharks, and both teams played it as though it was a must win.

The scoreboard will say that the Raiders ended up winning 28-20 although it was the Dragons who lead with less than two minutes to go.

The Raiders were able to take a two-point lead with under a minute to go, before scoring another try from the kick off.

This game had it all and will be hard to top tomorrow in terms of entertainment or suspense.

Shock of the day: Tigers beating the Cowboys

Reigning NRL champions the Cowboys sent a side containing 13 of the 17 players who took to the field on Grand Final day last October, and were backed into almost equal favouritism as a result.

Prior to the Tigers clash, the Cowboys took the Newcastle Knights apart in a big way, beating their Newcastle opponents 28-12. Truth be told they completely took their foot off the pedal after dominating for the entire first half.

The Tigers meanwhile were smashed 23-7 in the opening round by the Panthers, and looked downright horrid in the process.

Many, myself included, were scrambling for nines record scores in anticipation of what the Cowboys would do to the hapless Tigers.

Despite only scoring two tries to the Cowboys three, the Tigers shocked the NRL community when they wrapped up a 13-12 victory.

Anyone who said they saw that coming after the first round is telling fibs.

Disappointing side of the day: Lack of tries converted

Although they didn’t win a game on day one, and are the only side to enter day two with no chance of advancing, the Roosters showed enough to avoid this dubious ‘honour’ and in all honesty could have secured a win in both of their games.

The real disappointment of the day came via the fact Shaun Johnson and a few select others aside, no one seemed able to convert tries.

It’s no secret that conversions in the nines come via drop goal due to the time taken to set up a kicking tee to take a traditional conversion, so it’s not like players didn’t have time to practice.

The fact so many teams ‘timed out’ in not attempting the conversion before their allotted time ran out was also sad to see.

Last year the Sharks managed to send the final into extra time on the back of a sideline conversion from Val Holmes.

Yesterday there was more than one instance of players failing to convert from right in front. Definite room for improvement.

Other Thoughts:

- With only Melbourne assured of a safe passage into the next round, and only the Roosters entering day two without a shot at playing finals, this could be the best day of Nines action we have seen across the three tournaments.

- The home side, the Warriors, are a very real chance of missing out on qualification. After a shaky start against rank outsiders the Bulldogs, they scored a flurry of late tries to flatter the scoreboard. Shaun Johnson only ran the ball on two or three occasions yesterday, which could be due to the injury he suffered late last year. I believe they’ll qualify, as even if they lose I believe Manly will do the job over the Dogs, but they’ll need a massive improvement on day two.

- The return of Matt Bowen, Jason Croker and Braith Anasta has been great fun, with Bowen and Anasta playing big roles in points. Although it takes up a roster spot that could be used to blood a younger player, I think we’ll start seeing more guest cameos in future seasons. Trent Barrett may have to strap on the boots given Manly’s injury toll on day one.

- Ben Bara looked very, very confident one day one of the tournament, scoring two brilliant tries and showing pace he hasn’t had for at least the last two seasons. Shane Flanagan’s decision on who starts fullback for the Sharks has just been made harder. Although in saying that, Bird scored a try and set one up running wide and looks a tailor made centre.

- I can’t be the only one who enjoys the Jillaroos vs Kiwi Ferns clashes. I believe there is an opportunity for a PNG vs Maori clash for instance to be scheduled between semi-finals in future years. Either that or bring the Jets in to play a feature game against PNG. The possibilities are there. The women’s games have proven there is entertainment to be had outside of the tournament itself.

- Although it was always going to happen, it was sad to see the stadium empty out after the Warriors second game. Last year’s final was a classic, but it was played in front of a half empty stadium as fans of the home side left following the Warriors exit. Playing the Warriors last is an option but would Warriors fans arrive early or would the opening games in the morning be played in front of a quarter-full stadium. It might be time to look at expanding the tournament to be hosted in Sydney, Brisbane or even a target market like Adelaide or Perth in future years once the current contract is up.

- Plenty of fans have asked me for a prediction on the final. I believe the Storm will play the Cowboys in one semi, while either Manly or the Warriors will play the Sharks in the other. From there it is anyone’s guess. Let me know who you think is going to take it out today.