Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Paully's Picks - 2010 NRL Grand Final
St George Illawarra Dragons v Sydney Roosters
A tremendous game of rugby league awaits us all on Sunday at 5.00pm EST from ANZ Stadium in Homebush.
The minor premiers, St George Illawarra, come into this match with one of the best defensive records ever seen and have based their run for title on this impressive achievement: Try-saving tackles, winning the ruck, excellent wrestling techniques and an overall desire to protect their try line at any cost. Mobile defensive weapons like Neville Costigan and Dean Young have led the way in this regard whilst Beau Scott and Matt Cooper have also lived up to their reputations as defensive specialists. It has all led to the Saints allowing only 2 tries per game over the course of 2010. Remarkable.
The Sydney Roosters, however, have made it this far through outstanding play from their spine. Born again Jake Friend and Todd Carney have combined beautifully with Mitchell Pearce and the walking miracle, Anthony Minichiello. Their attack is creative and makes good use of many weapons in the chook's arsenal. A dominant performance against the Titans last week has given more credit to their defence and this will be the key against the Dragons on Sunday.
So, my very good friends, strap in and get comfortable as this will be a hard fought, nail-biting close encounter of two old rivals. The 2010 premiership will be decided in the final 10 minutes of this match where, historically, the minor premiers have been able to pile on the points in many of their matches when the opposition has been sufficiently destroyed. However on this occasion, I’m tipping that the Roosters get the better of them with an attack that still has legs in the dying moments and carries them to the Telstra Premiership by a feather.
Experience is always a benefit in big games so keep an eye out for Nate Myles and Braith Anasta to lead the way for the Bondi boys, whilst Mark Gasnier and Jeremy Smith will be standouts for the Dragons. Whilst you have your eye on them, keep an eye on Saints fans anywhere around you. They will be half expecting something very very bad to happen and half feeling quietly confident. It is a joy being a Rugby League fan at this time of year and good luck to both clubs on the greatest day, in the Greatest Game of All.
Tip: Roosters 16-12
Clive Churchill Medallist: Anthony Minichiello
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Paully's Picks - Finals Week 2
Canberra v Wests Tigers
How quickly fortunes can change in the Greatest Game of All. Last week, the Tigers were 30 seconds away from a huge win... a week off.... and a much needed rest for their many injured players followed by a 'home' semi final to qualify for the big one. Instead, they are heading to our nations capital to face the form team of the competition and the biggest set of forwards in the southern hemisphere in front of 27,000 Green Machine believers. The McIntyre system really bends you over a barrel, doesn't it?
To avoid an end to their season, the Wests Tigers will have to deliver the best performance of their collective careers. They must overcome the heartbreak of last week's loss and a long list of wounded troops. However, let's say they do turn up on Friday night with a full squad.... it probably won't matter anyway. The Raiders are surging and have all the momentum in this match. Unless the visitors get off to a blinding start and put pressure on this young Canberra team, they are in for a long night. Rather, we predict Canberra lead from start to finish and the party begins in Bruce.
Tip: Canberra 30-12
Result:
Eastern Suburbs v Penrith
Make no mistake - the Roosters were unbelievably lucky last week. Granted, they made all the big plays when they needed to and deserve credit for their remarkable victory, but not until Todd Carney took over did they really show any direction in that match. The same can be said for the Panthers - not until they threw away their game plan and played on instinct against the Raiders did they show signs of a being a real semi final football team. Perhaps a symptom of being over-coached?
If Brian Smith hands over the reigns to Pearce and Carney on Saturday night at the SFS, the Panthers are in trouble. If not, then we have another very close game and the Panthers are a chance. We predict the latter unfolds and the visitors stay close until late when Carney realises he can win this game whenever he wants to - and does so. The boys from Penrith do not go quietly though - and this will be another memorable finals match but ultimately, it's Mad Monday time for the Mountain Men.
Tip: Roosters 24-18
Result:
For live updates go to http://www.leagueunlimited.com/
How quickly fortunes can change in the Greatest Game of All. Last week, the Tigers were 30 seconds away from a huge win... a week off.... and a much needed rest for their many injured players followed by a 'home' semi final to qualify for the big one. Instead, they are heading to our nations capital to face the form team of the competition and the biggest set of forwards in the southern hemisphere in front of 27,000 Green Machine believers. The McIntyre system really bends you over a barrel, doesn't it?
To avoid an end to their season, the Wests Tigers will have to deliver the best performance of their collective careers. They must overcome the heartbreak of last week's loss and a long list of wounded troops. However, let's say they do turn up on Friday night with a full squad.... it probably won't matter anyway. The Raiders are surging and have all the momentum in this match. Unless the visitors get off to a blinding start and put pressure on this young Canberra team, they are in for a long night. Rather, we predict Canberra lead from start to finish and the party begins in Bruce.
Tip: Canberra 30-12
Result:
Eastern Suburbs v Penrith
Make no mistake - the Roosters were unbelievably lucky last week. Granted, they made all the big plays when they needed to and deserve credit for their remarkable victory, but not until Todd Carney took over did they really show any direction in that match. The same can be said for the Panthers - not until they threw away their game plan and played on instinct against the Raiders did they show signs of a being a real semi final football team. Perhaps a symptom of being over-coached?
If Brian Smith hands over the reigns to Pearce and Carney on Saturday night at the SFS, the Panthers are in trouble. If not, then we have another very close game and the Panthers are a chance. We predict the latter unfolds and the visitors stay close until late when Carney realises he can win this game whenever he wants to - and does so. The boys from Penrith do not go quietly though - and this will be another memorable finals match but ultimately, it's Mad Monday time for the Mountain Men.
Tip: Roosters 24-18
Result:
For live updates go to http://www.leagueunlimited.com/
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Paully's Picks - Finals Week 1
Gold Coast v NZ Warriors
The amount of painkilling injections that league players will take to ensure they get on to the field in the finals is remarkable. Scott Prince basically has a separated shoulder and Luke Bailey has a broken thumb. You'd be shocked if they didn’t play in this match on Friday night as the finals series opens with a beauty. No better example can be found of how important the finals are and to what lengths our NRL stars will go chasing the ultimate prize.
The Titans face the upstart Warriors who present a real danger to them. The visitors do not have many weaknesses and the home side will have to be at their gritty, determined best to outlast the boys from Auckland. They will. The Gold Coast were quite easily dispatched from last years finals and their defence was the major issue; not this time. They are a year older and wiser and the addition of Greg Bird will provide the tenacity and experience they need to get over the Warriors - but only just.
Tip: Gold Coast 21-20
Result: Gold Coast 28-16
Wests v Eastern Suburbs
Chris Lawrence in a huge loss for the Tigers; make no mistake. They might be able to get by without him in the regular season, but when it comes to finals time, players like Lawrence can make a big difference. The Tigers have shown great depth this year and will call on it again through Mitch Brown and whilst Brown is being tested out wide, the Tigers forwards will be in a battle of their own against a Roosters pack with one goal and one goal only, make some room for Pearce and Carney.
Given enough time to pick their spots, the celebrated Roosters halves can cause major damage to the Tigers but this is where experience tells. The likes of Farah and Galloway and Payten and Fulton will stand up and be counted. We predict the Wests forwards make a name for themselves in this match and allow Benji Marshall a chance to produce the kind of magic he is capable of. A brutal battle in the middle and I can't wait. Tigers get home in a violent encounter.
Tip: Wests 19-18
Result: Roosters 19-15
Penrith v Canberra
Another bottler. Semi Final time is truly the most exciting time in a Rugby League season. The upstart Raiders have come a long way this year and along with the Warriors, are the biggest surprise of 2010. The boys from our nation’s capital take their show to the foot of the mountains this Saturday night to face a Penrith team whose form at CUA stadium has been scorching. The Panthers will miss Petero Civoniceva but will welcome the return of Luke Walsh and Luke Lewis.
This should be enough to put an end to the dreams of a young Canberra team lacking the experience required to pull off an upset in this match. The Panthers pull away to a healthy lead early and hold off the fast finishing Raiders. Penrith halfback Walsh finds another way to get his team across the try line and proves that they can score points without kicking. Penrith get a week off and the visitors head home for Mad Monday to ponder a very bright future.
Tip: Penrith 30-20
Result: Canberra 24-22
St George Illawarra v Manly
As Manly captain Jamie Lyon mentioned during the week, this match is a big opportunity for the Sea Eagles to pull off one of the great victories in the clubs history. Ravaged by injury and suspension, up against the minor premiers, facing arguably the best defensive unit in recent memory, and away from home, Manly have it all to do and are understandably 15 point outsiders. It will take a major collapse from the Dragons for the visitors to get over the line here.
Not this week. Saints turn up and defend as they have all year and their attack will benefit from this and a glut of possession. The Eagles fight bravely but to no avail as a fresh Dragons outfit put them to the sword. Interesting to see any evidence of nerves in the home side and how they approach this match after receiving so much criticism over the past year about their September form. We predict they respond by crushing the Eagles to win the clubs first finals match since 2006.
Tip: St George Illawarra 29-10
Result: St George Illawarra 28-0
For live updates go to http://www.leagueunlimited.com/
The amount of painkilling injections that league players will take to ensure they get on to the field in the finals is remarkable. Scott Prince basically has a separated shoulder and Luke Bailey has a broken thumb. You'd be shocked if they didn’t play in this match on Friday night as the finals series opens with a beauty. No better example can be found of how important the finals are and to what lengths our NRL stars will go chasing the ultimate prize.
The Titans face the upstart Warriors who present a real danger to them. The visitors do not have many weaknesses and the home side will have to be at their gritty, determined best to outlast the boys from Auckland. They will. The Gold Coast were quite easily dispatched from last years finals and their defence was the major issue; not this time. They are a year older and wiser and the addition of Greg Bird will provide the tenacity and experience they need to get over the Warriors - but only just.
Tip: Gold Coast 21-20
Result: Gold Coast 28-16
Wests v Eastern Suburbs
Chris Lawrence in a huge loss for the Tigers; make no mistake. They might be able to get by without him in the regular season, but when it comes to finals time, players like Lawrence can make a big difference. The Tigers have shown great depth this year and will call on it again through Mitch Brown and whilst Brown is being tested out wide, the Tigers forwards will be in a battle of their own against a Roosters pack with one goal and one goal only, make some room for Pearce and Carney.
Given enough time to pick their spots, the celebrated Roosters halves can cause major damage to the Tigers but this is where experience tells. The likes of Farah and Galloway and Payten and Fulton will stand up and be counted. We predict the Wests forwards make a name for themselves in this match and allow Benji Marshall a chance to produce the kind of magic he is capable of. A brutal battle in the middle and I can't wait. Tigers get home in a violent encounter.
Tip: Wests 19-18
Result: Roosters 19-15
Penrith v Canberra
Another bottler. Semi Final time is truly the most exciting time in a Rugby League season. The upstart Raiders have come a long way this year and along with the Warriors, are the biggest surprise of 2010. The boys from our nation’s capital take their show to the foot of the mountains this Saturday night to face a Penrith team whose form at CUA stadium has been scorching. The Panthers will miss Petero Civoniceva but will welcome the return of Luke Walsh and Luke Lewis.
This should be enough to put an end to the dreams of a young Canberra team lacking the experience required to pull off an upset in this match. The Panthers pull away to a healthy lead early and hold off the fast finishing Raiders. Penrith halfback Walsh finds another way to get his team across the try line and proves that they can score points without kicking. Penrith get a week off and the visitors head home for Mad Monday to ponder a very bright future.
Tip: Penrith 30-20
Result: Canberra 24-22
St George Illawarra v Manly
As Manly captain Jamie Lyon mentioned during the week, this match is a big opportunity for the Sea Eagles to pull off one of the great victories in the clubs history. Ravaged by injury and suspension, up against the minor premiers, facing arguably the best defensive unit in recent memory, and away from home, Manly have it all to do and are understandably 15 point outsiders. It will take a major collapse from the Dragons for the visitors to get over the line here.
Not this week. Saints turn up and defend as they have all year and their attack will benefit from this and a glut of possession. The Eagles fight bravely but to no avail as a fresh Dragons outfit put them to the sword. Interesting to see any evidence of nerves in the home side and how they approach this match after receiving so much criticism over the past year about their September form. We predict they respond by crushing the Eagles to win the clubs first finals match since 2006.
Tip: St George Illawarra 29-10
Result: St George Illawarra 28-0
For live updates go to http://www.leagueunlimited.com/
Friday, September 3, 2010
Paully's Picks - Round 26
Brisbane v Canberra
The mighty green machine have had a wonderful season and are now within a whisker of playing semi final football. A remarkable effort and congratulations must go to David Furner and his coaching staff. However, they still have to beat the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night. A big ask considering Brisbane are playing for pride and the Raiders are slight underdogs.
It won't matter. The Raiders are clearly playing with confidence and the home side simply has none. Wallace tender, Lockyer out, the season effectively over and the Broncos defence in disarray. They have allowed an average of 34 points over the past month and the visitors will make them pay. The Canberra forwards will roll right over Ivan Henjak's troops and end their season with a whimper. The Raiders book themselves a trip to Kogarah.
My tip: Canberra 26-16
Result: Canberra 18-16
Gold Coast v Wests Tigers
Both teams semi final bound, fully aware that they might meet again in the very near future with a lot more at stake. Tim Sheens and John Cartwright will be keeping their cards very close to the chest. The Tigers are suffering a few injuries and this match is the perfect opportunity to rest up. So what does this mean for Friday night's match at Skilled Park? I'm not really selling it very well.
You can be sure that Scott Prince and Benji Marshall will both want to win this one as old friends face off again. Robbie Farah and Nathan Friend also have a recent history and will be determined not to let each other get away with a win. Here's hoping the very first scrum blows up and if it does, we have a beauty. The Tigers have the Titans measure and will revert to their less flamboyant style of play. It works in a close one.
My tip: Tigers 24-20
Result: Titans 21-18
Parramatta v NZ Warriors
The Parramatta Eels have had a number of chances to turn their season around this year, a number of opportunities to turn up in big games and prove that last year's grand final appearance was no fluke. They have blown it each time. This inconsistency has now led to a season over, a club in shambles and a farewell match at Parra Stadium on Saturday for Nathan Cayless, Feleti Mateo and Kris Inu.
To suggest that the Eels will suddenly be motivated because of this is a stretch. They are capable of so much but once again, will deliver so little. The Warriors taught them a rugby league lesson in their last meeting in Auckland, and we predict the same happens here. The visitors defence will stand up and the frustrated Eels will fold in the final 20 minutes. We also wish Luke Burt the best of luck in facing a man 3 times his size.
My tip: Warriors 20-10
Result: Warriors 26-12
North Queensland v Eastern Suburbs
A tough end to a horror season for the North Queensland Cowboys. They are completely out-gunned here and will need to pull off a miracle in defence if they are any chance at rewarding their fans with a win. Perhaps motivated to send off a few departing players, perhaps with a poor game from the Roosters, perhaps if the referees are completely incompetent, the Cowboys could get up.
Or perhaps, the visitors continue their resurgence and run up 50?? The latter seems more likely with Mitchell Pearce and Todd Carney combining beautifully and a healthy forward pack in front of them. Willie Mason possibly plays his last NRL game, Clint Amos and a bunch of other Cowboys get an opportunity to keep their positions for next season, but ultimately the only thing happening in this game will be the home side itching for Mad Monday.
My tip: Roosters 36-10
Result: Roosters 18-8
Penrith v Cronulla
The Panthers showed plenty of spirit last week to win in miraculous fashion against the Bulldogs on Monday night. Playing the last 10 minutes of that game without their captain, and without their halfback, the Penrith forwards turned it up a notch and pulverized the Bulldogs into submission. This was the definition of making your own luck and without Luke Walsh and Petero Civoniceva again this week, they will need it.
Against the Sharks on Saturday night at CUA stadium, the supporting cast will stand up and finish the regular season in style. Michael Jennings destroyed the visitors when they met at Toyota Stadium earlier in the season and will again be looking to run straight past his opposite number, as well as every other member of the Cronulla back line. Tim Smith must be having nightmares. Panthers get themselves a home semi.
My tip: Penrith 26-12
Result: Penrith 50-12
Melbourne v Newcastle
For just a dollar, you can buy a ticket to this match at AAMI stadium in Melbourne. The Storm are rewarding their fans with $1 tickets to the season finale and will want to end the shambles that was 2010 with a win. A bargain in anyone's language when you consider the footballers on display in this match. No surprise though as the Melbourne club have a history of getting more bang for their buck... jokes aside though we wish them well.
Brett Finch has been a great servant to the NRL and will be missed; Ryan Hoffman is also off to England and a host of others on their way out of Melbourne. This is enough reason to tip them here against a Newcastle side which may have already began its Mad Monday celebrations by the time this Sunday afternoon match kicks off. Adam MacDougall v Greg Inglis a highlight.
My tip: Melbourne 30-12
Result: Melbourne 34-4
Manly v Canterbury
It's not often you get a group of blokes from Belmore congregate in the Northern Beaches, but when the Bulldogs play Manly at Brookvale, there will be hundreds. Dogs fans are known to travel well and will do so again here to add to the atmosphere of the Eagles last home game for 2010. This match also officially closes the curtain on Brett Kimmorley's career and the visitors will be keen to send him out a winner, along with Luke Patten.
Unfortunately for the Dogs and their supporters, the Eagles have bigger plans. In what is effectively a must win game for the home side, we predict they come out blazing and punch a number of holes in the Canterbury defence to end this one early. Trent Hodkinson gives the visitors a preview of what they can expect from him in 2011 and the Eagles forwards dominate. Let's hope for some open football with the battle between 4 very tough centres a definite highlight.
My tip: Manly 30-12
Result: Canterbury 30-24
St George Illawarra v South Sydney
The current generation of rugby league fans were weaned on stories from an era when these two clubs were lords of the land. Saints v Souths represents a traditional rivalry like no other in the Greatest Game of All and how fitting that the J.J. Giltinan shield will be presented after this match. The Dragons have had another wonderful season and their defence is some of the best we've seen. The Rabbitohs have struggled with injury but are still a chance of making the semi finals.
Unfortunately for the visitors, mathematical equations will not matter on Sunday night as the Dragons defence will hold firm again and lead them to another victory. This will be a celebration of St George Illawarra's dominance in 2010 and a reward to the Jubilee faithful. Meanwhile... deep down in the pits of their collective red and white stomachs, the butterflies are starting to flutter and bad memories are rising to the surface. Take a deep breath, Saints fans.
My tip: St George Illawarra 26-6
Result: St George Illawarra 38-24
For live updates go to http://www.leagueunlimited.com/
The mighty green machine have had a wonderful season and are now within a whisker of playing semi final football. A remarkable effort and congratulations must go to David Furner and his coaching staff. However, they still have to beat the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night. A big ask considering Brisbane are playing for pride and the Raiders are slight underdogs.
It won't matter. The Raiders are clearly playing with confidence and the home side simply has none. Wallace tender, Lockyer out, the season effectively over and the Broncos defence in disarray. They have allowed an average of 34 points over the past month and the visitors will make them pay. The Canberra forwards will roll right over Ivan Henjak's troops and end their season with a whimper. The Raiders book themselves a trip to Kogarah.
My tip: Canberra 26-16
Result: Canberra 18-16
Gold Coast v Wests Tigers
Both teams semi final bound, fully aware that they might meet again in the very near future with a lot more at stake. Tim Sheens and John Cartwright will be keeping their cards very close to the chest. The Tigers are suffering a few injuries and this match is the perfect opportunity to rest up. So what does this mean for Friday night's match at Skilled Park? I'm not really selling it very well.
You can be sure that Scott Prince and Benji Marshall will both want to win this one as old friends face off again. Robbie Farah and Nathan Friend also have a recent history and will be determined not to let each other get away with a win. Here's hoping the very first scrum blows up and if it does, we have a beauty. The Tigers have the Titans measure and will revert to their less flamboyant style of play. It works in a close one.
My tip: Tigers 24-20
Result: Titans 21-18
Parramatta v NZ Warriors
The Parramatta Eels have had a number of chances to turn their season around this year, a number of opportunities to turn up in big games and prove that last year's grand final appearance was no fluke. They have blown it each time. This inconsistency has now led to a season over, a club in shambles and a farewell match at Parra Stadium on Saturday for Nathan Cayless, Feleti Mateo and Kris Inu.
To suggest that the Eels will suddenly be motivated because of this is a stretch. They are capable of so much but once again, will deliver so little. The Warriors taught them a rugby league lesson in their last meeting in Auckland, and we predict the same happens here. The visitors defence will stand up and the frustrated Eels will fold in the final 20 minutes. We also wish Luke Burt the best of luck in facing a man 3 times his size.
My tip: Warriors 20-10
Result: Warriors 26-12
North Queensland v Eastern Suburbs
A tough end to a horror season for the North Queensland Cowboys. They are completely out-gunned here and will need to pull off a miracle in defence if they are any chance at rewarding their fans with a win. Perhaps motivated to send off a few departing players, perhaps with a poor game from the Roosters, perhaps if the referees are completely incompetent, the Cowboys could get up.
Or perhaps, the visitors continue their resurgence and run up 50?? The latter seems more likely with Mitchell Pearce and Todd Carney combining beautifully and a healthy forward pack in front of them. Willie Mason possibly plays his last NRL game, Clint Amos and a bunch of other Cowboys get an opportunity to keep their positions for next season, but ultimately the only thing happening in this game will be the home side itching for Mad Monday.
My tip: Roosters 36-10
Result: Roosters 18-8
Penrith v Cronulla
The Panthers showed plenty of spirit last week to win in miraculous fashion against the Bulldogs on Monday night. Playing the last 10 minutes of that game without their captain, and without their halfback, the Penrith forwards turned it up a notch and pulverized the Bulldogs into submission. This was the definition of making your own luck and without Luke Walsh and Petero Civoniceva again this week, they will need it.
Against the Sharks on Saturday night at CUA stadium, the supporting cast will stand up and finish the regular season in style. Michael Jennings destroyed the visitors when they met at Toyota Stadium earlier in the season and will again be looking to run straight past his opposite number, as well as every other member of the Cronulla back line. Tim Smith must be having nightmares. Panthers get themselves a home semi.
My tip: Penrith 26-12
Result: Penrith 50-12
Melbourne v Newcastle
For just a dollar, you can buy a ticket to this match at AAMI stadium in Melbourne. The Storm are rewarding their fans with $1 tickets to the season finale and will want to end the shambles that was 2010 with a win. A bargain in anyone's language when you consider the footballers on display in this match. No surprise though as the Melbourne club have a history of getting more bang for their buck... jokes aside though we wish them well.
Brett Finch has been a great servant to the NRL and will be missed; Ryan Hoffman is also off to England and a host of others on their way out of Melbourne. This is enough reason to tip them here against a Newcastle side which may have already began its Mad Monday celebrations by the time this Sunday afternoon match kicks off. Adam MacDougall v Greg Inglis a highlight.
My tip: Melbourne 30-12
Result: Melbourne 34-4
Manly v Canterbury
It's not often you get a group of blokes from Belmore congregate in the Northern Beaches, but when the Bulldogs play Manly at Brookvale, there will be hundreds. Dogs fans are known to travel well and will do so again here to add to the atmosphere of the Eagles last home game for 2010. This match also officially closes the curtain on Brett Kimmorley's career and the visitors will be keen to send him out a winner, along with Luke Patten.
Unfortunately for the Dogs and their supporters, the Eagles have bigger plans. In what is effectively a must win game for the home side, we predict they come out blazing and punch a number of holes in the Canterbury defence to end this one early. Trent Hodkinson gives the visitors a preview of what they can expect from him in 2011 and the Eagles forwards dominate. Let's hope for some open football with the battle between 4 very tough centres a definite highlight.
My tip: Manly 30-12
Result: Canterbury 30-24
St George Illawarra v South Sydney
The current generation of rugby league fans were weaned on stories from an era when these two clubs were lords of the land. Saints v Souths represents a traditional rivalry like no other in the Greatest Game of All and how fitting that the J.J. Giltinan shield will be presented after this match. The Dragons have had another wonderful season and their defence is some of the best we've seen. The Rabbitohs have struggled with injury but are still a chance of making the semi finals.
Unfortunately for the visitors, mathematical equations will not matter on Sunday night as the Dragons defence will hold firm again and lead them to another victory. This will be a celebration of St George Illawarra's dominance in 2010 and a reward to the Jubilee faithful. Meanwhile... deep down in the pits of their collective red and white stomachs, the butterflies are starting to flutter and bad memories are rising to the surface. Take a deep breath, Saints fans.
My tip: St George Illawarra 26-6
Result: St George Illawarra 38-24
For live updates go to http://www.leagueunlimited.com/
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