MARCH 22nd 2024 APOLLO PROJECTS STADIUM CHRISTCHURCH NZ
Warriors and Their Season Kickoff: A Bumpy Start
Just as one anticipates the emergence of a fresh Warriors squad, they kick off the season with two defeats that epitomize the quintessential Warriors style. They had the Sharks on toast in Round 1 before falling asleep, and they had the Storm beaten with eight minutes remaining and let them score two tries. How will that loss against Melbourne effect them? They might come out fighting, or they might give in. I hope they fight.
The Warriors are one of four teams who are winless through the opening fortnight,
Raiders Surpassing Expectations: Undefeated Streak Continues
Meanwhile, the Raiders have been exceeding everyone’s expectations, comfortably dismissing the Knights and Tigers to remain unbeaten.
Injury Updates and Lineup Changes for the Warriors
Upon Captain Elliott Whitehead’s comeback from a groin injury, Zac Hosking is relegated to the bench, displacing Ata Mariota from the 17. Seb Kris’s absence due to concussion paves the way for Nick Cotric’s return after being sidelined in Round 2. Cotric will take to the wing, prompting Albert Hopoate’s move to the centre position.
Concerns Over Warriors’ Form as They Face Raiders
They will be without Seb Kris after he suffered a concussion in Round 2, while Jordan Rapana was also sent for a head injury assessment after a late head knock.
Historical Insights: Warriors vs. Raiders Rivalry
The upcoming Multicultural Round match at Apollo Stadium on Friday night marks the Warriors’ ninth appearance in a competitive game in Christchurch. However, it will be their inaugural occasion playing as the home team in the city.
Current Lineup for Warriors and Raiders
Last year the Warriors won both clashes against the Raiders, while across 25 matches in New Zealand – which span across five different venues – Canberra have 10 wins, 14 losses and a draw.
Key Stats and Trends Ahead of Warriors vs. Raiders Clash
Warriors
1. Taine Tuaupiki 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Rocco Berry 4. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Luke Metcalf 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Jackson Ford 12. Kurt Capewell 13. Tohu Harris
Bench: 14. Freddy Lussick 15. Tom Ale 16. Bunty Afoa 17. Dylan Walker
Reserves: 18. Adam Pompey 20. Jazz Tevaga 21. Te Maire Martin 22. Jacob Laban 23. Chanel Harris-Tavita
Raiders
1. Jordan Rapana 2. Nick Cotric 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Albert Hopoate 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Danny Levi 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Morgan Smithies
Bench: 14. Tom Starling 15. Emre Guler 16. Zac Hosking 17. Pasami Saulo
Reserves: 18. James Schiller 19. Kaeo Weekes 20. Ata Mariota 21. Trey Mooney 22. Zac Woolford
Referee. Liam Kennedy Touch Judges, Chris Sutton, Paki Parkinson, Bunker, Matt Noyen
What to Expect in the Warriors vs. Raiders Showdown
In three out of their last four encounters with the Raiders, the Warriors emerged victorious.
Raiders are 2-0 to start the season
Warriors are 0-2 to start the season
Warriors have won just three of their eight games in Christchurch
Six of Warriors’ last seven wins over Raiders have been by four points or less
Raiders have covered a +15.5 line in 15 of their last 16 games vs Warriors
Twelve of the last 13 meetings between the teams have produced Over 32.5 points
Eight of Raiders’ last nine NRL games have seen Over 32.5 points
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak has scored 24 tries in his last 18 NRL games
Marcelo Montoya has scored a try in three of his last four games
Xavier Savage has scored a try in his last four games
Hudson Young has scored two tries in his last three games vs Warriors
The Raiders will play in Christchurch for the first time.
The Warriors have won only three of eight games played in Christchurch.
Ricky Stuart is set to mark his 250th game as the coach of the Raiders.
PREDICTION
Well, I don’t know. I think the Warriors will start as favourites, but their brain fade worry me. They switch off at vital times. The sold out Christchurch crowd will help them, and again shows the in roads the NRL are making into a Rugby Union strong hold area. But, from a betting point of view I have found Canberra with a 15.5 points start. That will do me.
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