At the start of the season, most pundits would have identified the mouthwatering encounter between Northland and Southland as a potential battle for the wooden spoon.
How wrong we turned out to be. We got it half right with Northland, who have conceded 3.93 points to every one registered (75for, 295 against), Southland are still in the running for a semifinal place (TAB rates them $200 to win the title, but at least they're rated, - more than Taranaki, Bay of Plenty and Northland can say).
Co-coaches Simon Culhane and David Henderson talked pre-season about not only being competitive but also winning games and they have shown they can just about do that. If they had beaten Waikato (14-12) and Auckland (38-37) in the early rounds of the NPC, they would have gone into this weekend's round on 21 points, only one off a spot in the top four. Who would have thought?
It's a fantasy world in Taniwha territory. Without a win in 25 games, Northland have not only a monkey on their back, but the entire cast of Gorillas in the Mist, and Planet of the Apes. At least they have the new NPC 14 to look forward to next season, and the arrival of Manawatu.
The All Blacks selectors might have an eye on Hoani Macdonald as a bolter for the end-of-year tour, so it would be remiss not to do the same. The 2m-tall lock's athleticism and ball skills stand out in a decent Southland pack. Lanky jumper Brad Taylor has been something of a beacon for Northland, although there's not much competition.
Where will the game will be won and lost? Everywhere, including on the scoreboard. The Southland forwards will be too good.
