Wai-Coa-Bay Stallions prop Shaquille Jakeman struggling along with his fellow forwards against a large and mobile Counties side. Photo / Andrew Warner
Wai-Coa-Bay Stallions prop Shaquille Jakeman struggling along with his fellow forwards against a large and mobile Counties side. Photo / Andrew Warner
The Wai-Coa-Bay Stallions will be looking to turn their season around when they take on the Northern Swords at Whangarei's Toll Stadium on Sunday.
The round five clash marks moving time for a side drawn from far and wide. A win would mean the Stallions stay in touch with thecontenders. A loss would see them on one win from five rounds and consigned to life near the foot of the table.
Confidence will not be high after last weekend's dismantling by the Counties Manukau Stingrays at Tauranga Domain.
The visitors had too much fire power and, with a distinct edge in ruck speed, were untroubled dominating territory and possession in their 68-0 win.
Powerful winger Tomas Aoake started the rot with a well taken try down the left in the opening moments and the Stingrays never looked back.
They ran in 12 tries, including long-range stunners, second-man plays and soft efforts through the middle of the Stallions forward pack.
Halfback William Stowers had a hand in almost everything, scoring a brace and kicking 10 goals for a haul of 28 points. The left side was particularly potent, where centre Mapa Tuipulotu powered his way to a hat-trick.
Fullback George Edwards and backrower Eko Malu were equally impressive, underlining why the Stingrays are considered among the title favourites.
The game against the Swords could not come at a better time. The Northlanders have also been on the wrong end of some large scores, including 74-16 to the Central Vipers in round four.
