After some intensive research and reviewing of previous games videos, The 6packian Times assisted by touch expert Peter Balls brings you the fans, an exclusive pre-match analysis on how the individuals of both 6pack and Pukeko match up.
The Captains
6pack-Alan Lowton
Last year's non-existent and extremely reluctant co-captain has come out in full-force this year, following the loss of Leander through injury. Alan has single-handedly dragged 6pack out of its doldrums and back into STL Title Contention with his Wigan-like doggedness and his inspirational Melvin Gibson's speeches. He has the wierdest kind of sidesteps that have already put many defenders to shame. His Lowton special is widely regarded as one of the most deadly weapons in touch football history. He will be desperate for his 1st victory over Pukeko as Captain. Rating-7.5
Pukeko-Devon Wong
Devon has been Pukeko Captain for a number of years now and has been the sole playmaker of Pukeko. It was highlighted last year in a league game against 6pack, which he did not play, Pukeko lost the match by a score of 15-3. They were obviously lacking the only creative talent of the team. He has added into HIS squad a number of young and talented players to boost the creative play in the team. Whether it will work, remains to be seen. Rating-9.0
Seems like Devon's experience as Captain is the main factor here. We hope that Alan will step up his Leadership role this Saturday.
The Centres
6pack- David Teo
Instrumental Centre whose time has been plagued by other commitment such as Contact Rugby and work commitments. When on song, he is a real joy to watch. Unfortunately when he is off it, he can be a real nightmare to work with. With just a year of experience, he has been a huge figure in 6pack, finishing last year's NTL as Joint-Top Scorer. His creative plays and dangerous Serevi-like steps make him the one to watch out for this Saturday. Pukeko will be keeping a close eye on this one. Rating-8.5
Pukeko-Clifford"Wank" Wong
Regarded by some as the other creative force in Pukeko. Unfortunately he has always been outshone by his brother and Team Captain, Devon. Clifford is also known for his wierd sense of humour. Most recently during the NTL final last year, he gave Gideon of bro-rape fame, a "wanking" gesture. You do not do that to Gideon. You do not put ideas into his head. Clifford punches up really hard and tends to draw the centres out at the 5m in order to catch them off-guard as a follow-up runner scores off a quick dump. 6pack's defence is not known to be great at the 5m line. Rating-9.0
6pack-Adam"Mr Modest" Chan
Here we go! What more can we say? He was last year's MVP and this year after a slow start to the season, it seems that Mr Modest is back to his best. Adding 4 tries to his already impressive scoring record last week. Its been rumoured that a new-found flame has steadied his game and he is now more focused on touch football. Contact rugby is out for the time being. His ape-like agility makes him very dangerous at the 5m line. Rating-8.5
Pukeko-Simon Gibbo
Simon Gibbo, surprise of the season. He has put away many tries already. Unfortunately the 6packian Times had no time to view the replays of him. Therefore we will give him the not so good but yet not so bad rating of 7. Rating-7.0
Seems like 6pack will edge out Pukeko here in the Centres as the David & Adam partnership will look again to dominate the Wong brothers and leave Gibbo wondering what hit him. The Wong brothers will try and dispell the myth that Teo & Chan are better. Look forward to the battle of the Chinese here.
The Links
6pack-Taufiq "Coolness"
This dude has the god-like agility. Side-stepping the best in trainings and games. He is expected to be 6pack's answer to Dan the French. Widely regarded by many as Singapore touch rugby's
Willie Ryder. This young fella who is still in school, will be scoring many more tries before the end of the season. Rating-8.0
Pukeko- Dan
Being French its easy to see where this player gets his enthusiasm from. He thrives under pressure. He feeds off passes from both Devon and Clifford. Nimble and quick, the 6pack defence will put him on close watch. Rating-8.0
6pack-Sujan
Seasoned Campaigner. Age has caught up with this veteran of sorts. Fitness is always an issue with this highly volatile player from the island off INDIA. Slow as he may be, his experience is invaluable and he makes up with his lack of pace with impressive dive touches.Rating-6.5
Pukeko-Huffer
The man that 6pack will be targetting. His form is good and he is scoring regularly against the weaker team. He has picked up the game extremely quick. Unfortunately the same cannot be said about his pace. 6pack will most definitely try to captitalise on this. Rating-5.5
6pack-Kevin"Roids" Loo
"Roids" as he is commonly known, has good hands and a good knowledge of touch rugby. However his temper on the field has been a worry for 6pack. But it is not his temper that worries the team the most. It is his strapped-up knee, following Leander's injury. The fellas in 6pack do not want to see another player out. Rating-7.0
Pukeko- David Devonshire
Brilliant lad, always a joy to talk to. He is one of the Pukekos this year that has been outstanding. One of the unsung heroes in the team. Rating-7.0
6pack to control the link area well. Taufiq will most probably end up with 2 tries.
The Girls
Pukeko-Alvinia Ow
Alvinia has been voted MAN of the match a few times already for the Pukeko's side. Her side-steps are devastating. Its been rumoured that she has already side-stepped a number of 6packs in last year's mixed tournament. Those 6packs will remain unknown for the time-being. Rating-7.5
6pack-Gideon Luo of Bro-Rape Fame
Following in Carmel Seetoh's(her mentor and predecessor) footsteps, Gideon has taken on a role as coach of the 6pack team. Gideon's diagonal cutting edge runs always leave her opposite number in the dust. Unfortunately her passes leave alot to be desired. Rating-7.5
The Wings
6pack-Xiang Junn aka Mr Shades
Mr Shades has his own agenda when he plays. It seems that he is always at loggerheads with his teamates. Fortunately his pace and cacat-like sidesteps seem to work. However his reading in defence can be better. Rating-7.0
Pukeko-Tony Koh
Not much is known about him, other than the fact that he is one of Devon's fast paced boys and will look to repay the faith Devon has put in him with a try against 6pack. Rating-6.0
6pack-Edmund
Young Talent. Being groomed for the future. Extremely quick. However his reading of the Gaps must improve. Rating-6.5
Pukeko-Ben Ting
Same as Tony. Rating-6.0
Evenly Matched here at the Wings. The outcome could be decided on how well these players support their inside links.
The Deadly Weapons
6pack- The Shadow
Little is known about this secret weapon of 6pack. Only that when it is unleashed, there is no stopping 6pack from running riot over teams. It is said that THE SHADOW has no social life, and resides on top of Tai Keng Mountains and makes the tastiest pizzas. 1 thing is confirmed though, that THE SHADOW actually wears a 20kilogram weight-vest to slow itself down during trainings, therefore not allowing itself to burn its much slower comrades in the team. Thus increasing the morale of the team. THE SHADOW IS NOT ONLY QUICK, IT IS WISE. Rating-11
Pukeko- Moses
Leander calls him MR Invincible. This is Moses strength. Despite being the biggest player on the pitch, he has managed to evade touches from even the best at the wings. 1 thing's for sure, 6pack will be extra careful in counting their man when Mr Invincible is playing. Rating-8.0
Pukeko has the edge here, because we all know about Moses's reliability. Unfortunately the same cannot be said about THE SHADOW, we do not know whether it will turn up. Or whether its alter ego-Mr ChaoYang will spring a surprise. Which one will turn up? Only time will tell.
The Fans
6pack-Sheema, Mag, the entire touch community and Leander
Leander and Sheema will lead the 6pack's fans contigent this saturday. They will be singing and dancing. A large crowd is expected to turn up as 6pack are halfway in their journey of claiming their 1st STL title.
Pukeko-
THE OUTCOME
We know that 6pack have more of the creative and intelligent players. However it is the Team Unity of Pukeko that they lack. Nevertheless if they can get their act together, then a convincing victory is likely. A tight battle is on the cards if that doesn't happen.
