VB NSW Cup rd #13 preview - Auckland Vulcans vs. Manly Sea Eagles

Auckland host their third home match in a row, looking to continue their rich vein of form against cellar dwelling Manly
The Vulcans thrashed the Illawarra Cutters 36-10 last week, while Manly went down 26-10 to Wyong.
History shows that if Auckland can hold their opponents to below 16 points they will most likely win.
Although often slow starting in matches, the Vulcans are capable of scoring back to back points in matches once they get some confidence, a point which will no doubt have Manly worried.
The Vulcans best player last week, Suaia Matagi, has been called up as 18^th man for the Vodafone Warriors so may miss this clash.
While his absence would be a big blow, they gain from the return of backrowers Murray Iti and Sam Lousi from injury.
Not many teams could say their centre is a key player, but for the last couple of weeks that has been the case for the Vulcans.
Ngani Laumape, a player with first grade experience who is still eligible to play for the under 20’s, has simply been on fire.
He breaks multiple tackles almost every time he hits the ball up and is the key to gaining early tackle count yardage.
The game will see one of Laumape’s former 20’s teammates in Ligi Sao return home.
The prop could be a key figure for Manly as he tries to show the Warriors just what they let go.
Esi Tonga is another important player for the visitors, his defence will need to be first class or it could be a long day down his side of the field.
Although only five points separate them on the table the Vulcans are a much better rounded team and should win this clash.
But Manly have some gutsy players and will give themselves some hope of leaving Mount Smart Stadium with two points.
The game will be broadcast live on Sky Sport 2 in New Zealand and Fox Sports 1 in Australia.

Auckland Vulcans:
1. Tangi Ropati
2. Bill Tupou
3. Ngani Laumape
4. Carlos Tuimavave
5. Atelea Nafetalai
6. Steve Waetford
7. Harry Siejka
8. Charlie Gubb
9. Alehana Mara
10. Daniel Palavi
11. John Palavi
12. Sam Lousi
13. Murray Iti
14. Pita Godinet
15. Herman Retzlaff
16. Agnatius Paasi
17. Nathaniel Peteru
18. Patrick Sipley
COACH: Willie Swann

Manly Sea Eagles:
1. Dane Chisholm
2. Ben Farrar
3. Jacob Gagan
4. Esi Tonga
5. Jackson Williams
6. Kasey Greer
7. Zac Nicholls
8. James Cunningham
9. Liam Higgins
10. Ligi Sao
11. Nathan Cooper
12. Ben Musolino
13. Dylan Strickland
15. Dylan Hill
16. Harry Rorke
17. Michael Chapman
18. Troy Savage
COACH: Luke Williamson
Source : http://www.sportingpulse.com