Planet Rugby Forum

STARTS 16TH AUGUST
I made this thread last year so why not this year, only Northland fully confirmed thus far

Northland
Counties Manukau
Forwards
Joseph Royal, Gafatasi Su'a, Suetana Asomua, Sean Bagshaw, Nepo Laulala, Howard Sililoto, Coree Te Whata-Colley, Kalolo Tuiloma, Daymon Leasuasu, Matiaha Martin, Viliame Rarasea, Sam Henwood, Dan Hyatt, Fotu Lokotui, Matthew Vaai, Sikeli Nabou, Kieran Read, Viliami Taulani

Backs
Liam Daniela, Siaosi Nginingini, Jonathan Taumateine, Latiume Fosita, Luteru Laulala, Nigel Ah Wong, Sam Furniss, Obyn Leger, Cardiff Vaega, Sonny Bill Williams, Kalione Hala, Sione Fifita, Toni Pulu, Sione Molia, Tevita Nabura, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Te Aihe Toma

Otago
Forwards
Dylan Nel, Naulia Dawai, James Lentjes, Slade McDowall, Sione Misiloi, Josh Dickson, Tom Rowe, Joketani Koroi, Josh Larsen, Hisa Sasagi, Aki Seiuli, Tom Hill, Donald Brighouse, Jonah Aiona, Sam Anderson-Heather, Liam Coltman, Sekonaia Pole.

Backs
Vilimoni Koroi, Ben Smith, Jona Nareki, Mitch Scott, Josh Timu, Matt Faddes, Michael Collins, Sio Tomkinson, Finn Strawbridge, Josh Ioane, Kurt Hammer, Josh Renton

Southland

Bill Fukofuka, Brayden Mitchell, Brenton Howden, Chris Apoua, Flynn Thomas, Jack Capil, Joe Walsh, Manaaki Selby, Morgan Mitchell, Phil Halder, Ray Tatafu, Reuben Northover, Shaun Stodart, Tony Lamborn, Wade McCrae, Aleki Morris, Greg Dyer, Jackson Ormond, James Wilson, Jay Renton, Lewis Ormond, Matt Johnson, Nico Costa, Ray Nu'u, Tauasosi Tuimavave, Tayler Adams

Canterbury
Taranaki
Beauden Barrett, Jordie Barrett, Scott Barrett, Lachlan Boshier, Mitchell Brown, Mitchell Croswell, Logan Crowley, Tom Florence, Chris Gawler, Mitchell Graham, Toa Halafihi, Fin Hoeata, Jarrad Hoeata, Jack Jordan, Brendan Leonard, Avon Lewis, Donald Maka, Manasa Mataele, Ciarhan Matoe, Marty McKenzie, Scott Mellow, Kiniviliame Naholo, Waisake Naholo, Brayton Northcott-Hill, Reuben O’Neill, Jesse Parete, Stephen Perofeta, Jayson Potroz, Leighton Price, Jared Proffit, Ricky Riccitelli, Xavier Roe, Bradley Slater, Asaeli Sorovaki, Pita Sowakula, Kyle Stewart, Angus Ta’avao, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Seta Tamanivalu, Kane Thompson, Latu Vaeno, Tupou Vaai, Beaudein Waaka, Sean Wainui, Daniel Waite, Tehorangi Walden, Adrian Wyrill.

Hawkes Bay Bay of Plenty
Nathan Harris (29 games), Liam Polwart (14), Sabastian Siataga (13), Ross Geldenhuys (0), James Lay (10), Tevita Mafileo (0), Tom McHugh (0), Aidan Ross (24), Solomona Sakalia (33), Jeff Thwaites (21), Tyler Ardron (7), Kane Le'aupepe (0), Baden Wardlaw (1), Hugh Blake (20), Sam Cane (19), Mitchell Karpik (6), Tanerau Latimer (79), Aileone Junior Lafaele-Mua (1), Hoani Matenga (0), Luke Campbell (16), Richard Judd (10), Mike Delany (72), Jason Robertson (0), Lalakai Foketi (30), Terrence Hepetema (19), Liam Steel (4), Trael Joass (0), Matthew Garland (3), Fa'asui Fuatai (0), Kaleb Trask (0), Bailey Simonsson (0), Chase Tiatia (26)

some names there , Rene ranger returns from his Top14 stint and the Rebels 10 who will probably lose his place there next year, Jack Deb will now play in a much stronger competition..

in some other news, NZRugby legend, Graham Henry will be the assistant coach at Auckland

Taniwha stacked in the midfield - plenty of options there. Hope Scott Gregory gets enough game time to develop.

added southland otago and counties

COME ON YOU NORTHLAND!

Got my season ticket for me and my boy

Graham Henry is the assistant coach for Auckland, so there is that at least.

Could be an interesting year for Canterbury. A new coaching setup, and our two most important players in captain Luke Whitelock and Richie Mo'unga are unlikely to feature due to All Black commitments. Plus injuries to some key forwards (Sanders, Harmon, Jed Brown and Funnell all missed the end of the SR season with injury, though I'm not sure when/if they're due back), and Bird heading off to France.

Whether or not we can win yet another title will likely depend on how well the new coaching team of Joe Maddock, Reuben Thorne, and Nathan Mauger adjust, and more importantly, how well Brett Cameron (presumably) adjusts to the 10 role, with Mo'unga unlikely to feature much, if at all. Having said that, our first XV should still be as strong as any. I'd expect something like:

15. George Bridge
14. Josh McKay
13. Tim Bateman (c)
12. Rob Thompson
11. Braydon Ennor
10. Brett Cameron
9. Mitchell Drummond
8. Whetu Douglas
7. Tom Christie (dependent on Jed Brown/Billy Harmon's injuries)
6. Reed Prinsep/Tom Sanders
5. Mitchell Dunshea
4. Hamish Dalzell
3. Siate Tokolahi/Ollie Jager (injury dependent)
2. Nahthan Vella/Ben Funnell (likewise)
1. Alex Hodgman/Daniel Lienart-Brown

Jeff the Bear wrote:COME ON YOU NORTHLAND!

Got my season ticket for me and my boy

Nice! Might spill my Lion Red on you sometime

mrbrownstone wrote:Could be an interesting year for Canterbury. A new coaching setup, and our two most important players in captain Luke Whitelock and Richie Mo'unga are unlikely to feature due to All Black commitments. Plus injuries to some key forwards (Sanders, Harmon, Jed Brown and Funnell all missed the end of the SR season with injury, though I'm not sure when/if they're due back), and Bird heading off to France.

Whether or not we can win yet another title will likely depend on how well the new coaching team of Joe Maddock, Reuben Thorne, and Nathan Mauger adjust, and more importantly, how well Brett Cameron (presumably) adjusts to the 10 role, with Mo'unga unlikely to feature much, if at all. Having said that, our first XV should still be as strong as any. I'd expect something like:

15. George Bridge
14. Josh McKay
13. Tim Bateman (c)
12. Rob Thompson
11. Braydon Ennor
10. Brett Cameron
9. Mitchell Drummond
8. Whetu Douglas
7. Tom Christie (dependent on Jed Brown/Billy Harmon's injuries)
6. Reed Prinsep/Tom Sanders
5. Mitchell Dunshea
4. Hamish Dalzell
3. Siate Tokolahi/Ollie Jager (injury dependent)
2. Nahthan Vella/Ben Funnell (likewise)
1. Alex Hodgman/Daniel Lienart-Brown

It would be great to see Tom Sanders back playing, especially looking forward to SR 2019.

Kiwias wrote:

mrbrownstone wrote:Could be an interesting year for Canterbury. A new coaching setup, and our two most important players in captain Luke Whitelock and Richie Mo'unga are unlikely to feature due to All Black commitments. Plus injuries to some key forwards (Sanders, Harmon, Jed Brown and Funnell all missed the end of the SR season with injury, though I'm not sure when/if they're due back), and Bird heading off to France.

Whether or not we can win yet another title will likely depend on how well the new coaching team of Joe Maddock, Reuben Thorne, and Nathan Mauger adjust, and more importantly, how well Brett Cameron (presumably) adjusts to the 10 role, with Mo'unga unlikely to feature much, if at all. Having said that, our first XV should still be as strong as any. I'd expect something like:

15. George Bridge
14. Josh McKay
13. Tim Bateman (c)
12. Rob Thompson
11. Braydon Ennor
10. Brett Cameron
9. Mitchell Drummond
8. Whetu Douglas
7. Tom Christie (dependent on Jed Brown/Billy Harmon's injuries)
6. Reed Prinsep/Tom Sanders
5. Mitchell Dunshea
4. Hamish Dalzell
3. Siate Tokolahi/Ollie Jager (injury dependent)
2. Nahthan Vella/Ben Funnell (likewise)
1. Alex Hodgman/Daniel Lienart-Brown

It would be great to see Tom Sanders back playing, especially looking forward to SR 2019.

Well done on another title win Canterbury. That is a very strong squad

Kiwias wrote:

mrbrownstone wrote:Could be an interesting year for Canterbury. A new coaching setup, and our two most important players in captain Luke Whitelock and Richie Mo'unga are unlikely to feature due to All Black commitments. Plus injuries to some key forwards (Sanders, Harmon, Jed Brown and Funnell all missed the end of the SR season with injury, though I'm not sure when/if they're due back), and Bird heading off to France.

Whether or not we can win yet another title will likely depend on how well the new coaching team of Joe Maddock, Reuben Thorne, and Nathan Mauger adjust, and more importantly, how well Brett Cameron (presumably) adjusts to the 10 role, with Mo'unga unlikely to feature much, if at all. Having said that, our first XV should still be as strong as any. I'd expect something like:

15. George Bridge
14. Josh McKay
13. Tim Bateman (c)
12. Rob Thompson
11. Braydon Ennor
10. Brett Cameron
9. Mitchell Drummond
8. Whetu Douglas
7. Tom Christie (dependent on Jed Brown/Billy Harmon's injuries)
6. Reed Prinsep/Tom Sanders
5. Mitchell Dunshea
4. Hamish Dalzell
3. Siate Tokolahi/Ollie Jager (injury dependent)
2. Nahthan Vella/Ben Funnell (likewise)
1. Alex Hodgman/Daniel Lienart-Brown

It would be great to see Tom Sanders back playing, especially looking forward to SR 2019.

Yup, shame he was so injury prone this year. Would like to see Eri Enari back too, and Will Jordan for Tasman.

I'd rather rub gravel in my eyes than watch another disappointing Wellington season.

Especially if that lubtard Garden-Bachop is the 10

mrbrownstone wrote:Could be an interesting year for Canterbury. A new coaching setup, and our two most important players in captain Luke Whitelock and Richie Mo'unga are unlikely to feature due to All Black commitments. Plus injuries to some key forwards (Sanders, Harmon, Jed Brown and Funnell all missed the end of the SR season with injury, though I'm not sure when/if they're due back), and Bird heading off to France.

Whether or not we can win yet another title will likely depend on how well the new coaching team of Joe Maddock, Reuben Thorne, and Nathan Mauger adjust, and more importantly, how well Brett Cameron (presumably) adjusts to the 10 role, with Mo'unga unlikely to feature much, if at all. Having said that, our first XV should still be as strong as any. I'd expect something like:

15. George Bridge
14. Josh McKay
13. Tim Bateman (c)
12. Rob Thompson
11. Braydon Ennor
10. Brett Cameron
9. Mitchell Drummond
8. Whetu Douglas
7. Tom Christie (dependent on Jed Brown/Billy Harmon's injuries)
6. Reed Prinsep/Tom Sanders
5. Mitchell Dunshea
4. Hamish Dalzell
3. Siate Tokolahi/Ollie Jager (injury dependent)
2. Nahthan Vella/Ben Funnell (likewise)
1. Alex Hodgman/Daniel Lienart-Brown

I believe Rob Thompson is heading to Manawatu this season.

Now that the preseason (Super Rugby) is done the real comp starts good news.

Watching a couple of afternoon Mitre 10 matches followed by an All Blacks test in the evening is a great way to spend a Saturday.

Merciless wrote:

mrbrownstone wrote:Could be an interesting year for Canterbury. A new coaching setup, and our two most important players in captain Luke Whitelock and Richie Mo'unga are unlikely to feature due to All Black commitments. Plus injuries to some key forwards (Sanders, Harmon, Jed Brown and Funnell all missed the end of the SR season with injury, though I'm not sure when/if they're due back), and Bird heading off to France.

Whether or not we can win yet another title will likely depend on how well the new coaching team of Joe Maddock, Reuben Thorne, and Nathan Mauger adjust, and more importantly, how well Brett Cameron (presumably) adjusts to the 10 role, with Mo'unga unlikely to feature much, if at all. Having said that, our first XV should still be as strong as any. I'd expect something like:

15. George Bridge
14. Josh McKay
13. Tim Bateman (c)
12. Rob Thompson
11. Braydon Ennor
10. Brett Cameron
9. Mitchell Drummond
8. Whetu Douglas
7. Tom Christie (dependent on Jed Brown/Billy Harmon's injuries)
6. Reed Prinsep/Tom Sanders
5. Mitchell Dunshea
4. Hamish Dalzell
3. Siate Tokolahi/Ollie Jager (injury dependent)
2. Nahthan Vella/Ben Funnell (likewise)
1. Alex Hodgman/Daniel Lienart-Brown

I believe Rob Thompson is heading to Manawatu this season.

Yes Thompson is gone to Turbos

Ennor at 12, the saders need to look beyond crotty and bateman, Ennor played there for a while for Canterbury and his school, they can always find another winger

comets wrote:added southland otago and counties

Half of that Southland team I've either played with or against. They'll be more competitive than last season, but they'll hardly be challenging for anything. Excited for Flynn Thomas and Jay Renton, as I expect both of them to mature into 2 excellent players. Jay looked pretty confident at the U20s world cup. The concern with Flynn is he's unlikely to get any bigger than he is now, which probably isn't big enough for the step up to Super Rugby. Comfortably the 2 nest coming out of Southland. It's good to see we've dropped the likes of Kahukura, Liam Howley and Michael Molloy as they all failed to impress last season. Having James Wilson back will be a massive boost too!

Jeff the Bear wrote:COME ON YOU NORTHLAND!

Got my season ticket for me and my boy

Good man

JPNZ wrote:

Merciless wrote:

mrbrownstone wrote:Could be an interesting year for Canterbury. A new coaching setup, and our two most important players in captain Luke Whitelock and Richie Mo'unga are unlikely to feature due to All Black commitments. Plus injuries to some key forwards (Sanders, Harmon, Jed Brown and Funnell all missed the end of the SR season with injury, though I'm not sure when/if they're due back), and Bird heading off to France.

Whether or not we can win yet another title will likely depend on how well the new coaching team of Joe Maddock, Reuben Thorne, and Nathan Mauger adjust, and more importantly, how well Brett Cameron (presumably) adjusts to the 10 role, with Mo'unga unlikely to feature much, if at all. Having said that, our first XV should still be as strong as any. I'd expect something like:

15. George Bridge
14. Josh McKay
13. Tim Bateman (c)
12. Rob Thompson
11. Braydon Ennor
10. Brett Cameron
9. Mitchell Drummond
8. Whetu Douglas
7. Tom Christie (dependent on Jed Brown/Billy Harmon's injuries)
6. Reed Prinsep/Tom Sanders
5. Mitchell Dunshea
4. Hamish Dalzell
3. Siate Tokolahi/Ollie Jager (injury dependent)
2. Nahthan Vella/Ben Funnell (likewise)
1. Alex Hodgman/Daniel Lienart-Brown

I believe Rob Thompson is heading to Manawatu this season.

Yes Thompson is gone to Turbos

Yup had missed that news. Ennor into centre maybe and find someone else on the wing.

Canterbury just been named:

2018 Canterbury Mitre 10 Cup squad:

Name (Club)
Sam Beard* (Burnside)
George Bridge (HSOB)
Phil Burleigh* (New Brighton)
Brett Cameron (Lincoln University)
Tom Christie* (Christchurch)
Hamish Dalzell (Lincoln University)
Whetu Douglas* (University)
Mitchell Drummond (HSOB)
Mitchell Dunshea (Lincoln University)
Ereatara Enari (Lincoln University)
Braydon Ennor (University)
Sef Fa'agase* (Darfield)
Billy Harmon (New Brighton)
Alex Hodgman (Linwood)
Oliver Jager (New Brighton)
Chris King* (Christchurch)
Daniel Lienert-Brown (HSOB)
Caleb Makene (Lincoln University)
Josh McKay (Lincoln University)
Greg Pleasants-Tate* (Prebbleton)
Reed Prinsep (HSOB)
Ngane Punivai* (Lincoln University)
Luke Romano (Hurunui)
Tom Sanders (Lincoln University)
Siate Tokolahi (Sydenham)
Nathan Vella (New Brighton)

*denotes new player in 2018

Canterbury All Blacks:
Owen Franks (Linwood)
Ryan Crotty (New Brighton)
Joe Moody (Lincoln)
Richie Mo'unga (Linwood)
Codie Taylor (Sydenham)
Luke Whitelock (University)
Sam Whitelock (Lincoln University)

Canterbury Head Coach Joe Maddock has today announced his team for the 2018 Mitre 10 Cup season, including eight new names from the 2017 Premiership-winning squad. The new squad members include five forwards and three backs, and a mixture of experienced campaigners and emerging provincial talent. Seven players were also named in yesterday's All Blacks squad for the upcoming Rugby Championship. "We are excited to name our squad today, as we prepare to kick off our 2018 season next Friday night in Blenheim," Maddock said.

"In the forwards we have named 20 year-old Tom Christie for the first time, although Tom did feature in last year's Final against Tasman. He captained the New Zealand Under 20 side earlier this year in the Junior World Championship and is a genuine player for the future in red and black. "The remainder of our new forwards all bring valuable Super Rugby experience to the group. Greg Pleasants-Tate has played for the Highlanders and has established himself as a strong scrummager who is dynamic around the park. "Prop Sef Fa'agase joins us from the Queensland Reds, and was a member of the Wallabies extended training squad for the 2017 Rugby Championship. Sef is a player we're excited to give an opportunity to this year. "Joining Sef in the front row is the experienced Chris King, who has over 100 Super Rugby caps to his name and previous provincial roles with Canterbury, Otago, Southland and Taranaki. His career has come full circle as he re-joins the Canterbury squad, so we know his experience will be invaluable in 2018.

"Whetu Douglas we know well - he was a crowd favourite with the Crusaders last season and he brings plenty of experience to the side, as well as great character. Whetu is a natural leader and his voice will be important for us this season. "Sam Beard and Phil Burleigh are two new midfielders this year. Both have played for Edinburgh in recent seasons, and Sam also spent two years with Newport in Wales. We're confident they'll bring plenty of stability to our midfield combinations, assisting the younger members of our backline with their vast experience. "Last but not least is exciting new talent, Ngane Punivai. At just 19, Ngane has come through the schools' and academy system and while he's a natural centre, we believe he also has plenty of potential to be a powerful winger for us this year," Maddock said.

The 2018 Mitre 10 Cup season was launched at a national event in Auckland this morning, where Canterbury hooker Nathan Vella attended as the team's representative. Canterbury's Mitre 10 Cup season will officially kick off on 17 August with a replay of last year's Premiership Final, against Tasman in Blenheim.

Really looking forward to seeing Ngane Punivai. His younger brother Isaiah just signed for the Crusaders Academy too. Future stars

JPNZ wrote:Canterbury just been named:

2018 Canterbury Mitre 10 Cup squad:

Name (Club)
Sam Beard* (Burnside)
George Bridge (HSOB)
Phil Burleigh* (New Brighton)
Brett Cameron (Lincoln University)
Tom Christie* (Christchurch)
Hamish Dalzell (Lincoln University)
Whetu Douglas* (University)
Mitchell Drummond (HSOB)
Mitchell Dunshea (Lincoln University)
Ereatara Enari (Lincoln University)
Braydon Ennor (University)
Sef Fa'agase* (Darfield)
Billy Harmon (New Brighton)
Alex Hodgman (Linwood)
Oliver Jager (New Brighton)
Chris King* (Christchurch)
Daniel Lienert-Brown (HSOB)
Caleb Makene (Lincoln University)
Josh McKay (Lincoln University)
Greg Pleasants-Tate* (Prebbleton)
Reed Prinsep (HSOB)
Ngane Punivai* (Lincoln University)
Luke Romano (Hurunui)
Tom Sanders (Lincoln University)
Siate Tokolahi (Sydenham)
Nathan Vella (New Brighton)

*denotes new player in 2018

Canterbury All Blacks:
Owen Franks (Linwood)
Ryan Crotty (New Brighton)
Joe Moody (Lincoln)
Richie Mo'unga (Linwood)
Codie Taylor (Sydenham)
Luke Whitelock (University)
Sam Whitelock (Lincoln University)

Canterbury Head Coach Joe Maddock has today announced his team for the 2018 Mitre 10 Cup season, including eight new names from the 2017 Premiership-winning squad. The new squad members include five forwards and three backs, and a mixture of experienced campaigners and emerging provincial talent. Seven players were also named in yesterday's All Blacks squad for the upcoming Rugby Championship. "We are excited to name our squad today, as we prepare to kick off our 2018 season next Friday night in Blenheim," Maddock said.

"In the forwards we have named 20 year-old Tom Christie for the first time, although Tom did feature in last year's Final against Tasman. He captained the New Zealand Under 20 side earlier this year in the Junior World Championship and is a genuine player for the future in red and black. "The remainder of our new forwards all bring valuable Super Rugby experience to the group. Greg Pleasants-Tate has played for the Highlanders and has established himself as a strong scrummager who is dynamic around the park. "Prop Sef Fa'agase joins us from the Queensland Reds, and was a member of the Wallabies extended training squad for the 2017 Rugby Championship. Sef is a player we're excited to give an opportunity to this year. "Joining Sef in the front row is the experienced Chris King, who has over 100 Super Rugby caps to his name and previous provincial roles with Canterbury, Otago, Southland and Taranaki. His career has come full circle as he re-joins the Canterbury squad, so we know his experience will be invaluable in 2018.

"Whetu Douglas we know well - he was a crowd favourite with the Crusaders last season and he brings plenty of experience to the side, as well as great character. Whetu is a natural leader and his voice will be important for us this season. "Sam Beard and Phil Burleigh are two new midfielders this year. Both have played for Edinburgh in recent seasons, and Sam also spent two years with Newport in Wales. We're confident they'll bring plenty of stability to our midfield combinations, assisting the younger members of our backline with their vast experience. "Last but not least is exciting new talent, Ngane Punivai. At just 19, Ngane has come through the schools' and academy system and while he's a natural centre, we believe he also has plenty of potential to be a powerful winger for us this year," Maddock said.

The 2018 Mitre 10 Cup season was launched at a national event in Auckland this morning, where Canterbury hooker Nathan Vella attended as the team's representative. Canterbury's Mitre 10 Cup season will officially kick off on 17 August with a replay of last year's Premiership Final, against Tasman in Blenheim.

Pretty strong squad, though no Tim Bateman either, had missed the news he's having another stint in Japan. Phil Burleigh & Sam Beard are a pretty good pair of replacements though.


So probably looking at something like:

15. Bridge
14. McKay
13. Ennor
12. Burleigh/Beard
11. Makene/Punivai
10. Cameron
9. Drummond
8. Douglas
7. Christie/Harmon
6. Sanders/Prinsep
5. Romano
4. Dalzell/Dunshea
3. Tokolahi/Jager
2. Vella/Pleasants-Tate
1. DLB/Hodgman/King

Our depth at prop in particular looks outstanding, with all 6 props in the squad boasting Super Rugby experience. The backline does look a little untested outside of Drummond & Bridge though. Who's the backup 10 for Brett Cameron?

Also wonder who will be named as captain with no Whitelock or Bateman. Drummond, possibly?

cantabs backs make me creak, what the hell happened? no poasa, suckling, finau, stratton and Makene ...looks pretty weak there..on a positive, we can see bridge/ennor develop perfectly together, i still think Ennor should play 12 cause Goodhue is Crusaders 13 and bateman will not be used much next year in soup and crotty is always crotty..so a decent 12 backup is required..

Yeah, I missed the Bateman news too. That's a shame because his Crotty-like presence in an otherwise quite inexperienced backline would have been very welcome.

As for skipper, Romano may be in the frame though he may be required for the ABs in the case of injury.

comets wrote:cantabs backs make me creak, what the hell happened? no poasa, suckling, finau, stratton and Makene ...looks pretty weak there..on a positive, we can see bridge/ennor develop perfectly together, i still think Ennor should play 12 cause Goodhue is Crusaders 13 and bateman will not be used much next year in soup and crotty is always crotty..so a decent 12 backup is required..

Where is Makene? Is he injured? Or just left out? If left out now might be a good time for him to return to the Bay/Magpies.

UncleFB wrote:

comets wrote:cantabs backs make me creak, what the hell happened? no poasa, suckling, finau, stratton and Makene ...looks pretty weak there..on a positive, we can see bridge/ennor develop perfectly together, i still think Ennor should play 12 cause Goodhue is Crusaders 13 and bateman will not be used much next year in soup and crotty is always crotty..so a decent 12 backup is required..

Where is Makene? Is he injured? Or just left out? If left out now might be a good time for him to return to the Bay/Magpies.

He's in the squad. Comets must have just missed his name.

mrbrownstone wrote:

UncleFB wrote:

comets wrote:cantabs backs make me creak, what the hell happened? no poasa, suckling, finau, stratton and Makene ...looks pretty weak there..on a positive, we can see bridge/ennor develop perfectly together, i still think Ennor should play 12 cause Goodhue is Crusaders 13 and bateman will not be used much next year in soup and crotty is always crotty..so a decent 12 backup is required..

Where is Makene? Is he injured? Or just left out? If left out now might be a good time for him to return to the Bay/Magpies.

He's in the squad. Comets must have just missed his name.

Uncle FB

Your man is in there

JPNZ wrote:Canterbury just been named:

2018 Canterbury Mitre 10 Cup squad:

Name (Club)
Sam Beard* (Burnside)
George Bridge (HSOB)
Phil Burleigh* (New Brighton)
Brett Cameron (Lincoln University)
Tom Christie* (Christchurch)
Hamish Dalzell (Lincoln University)
Whetu Douglas* (University)
Mitchell Drummond (HSOB)
Mitchell Dunshea (Lincoln University)
Ereatara Enari (Lincoln University)
Braydon Ennor (University)
Sef Fa'agase* (Darfield)
Billy Harmon (New Brighton)
Alex Hodgman (Linwood)
Oliver Jager (New Brighton)
Chris King* (Christchurch)
Daniel Lienert-Brown (HSOB)
Caleb Makene (Lincoln University)
Josh McKay (Lincoln University)
Greg Pleasants-Tate* (Prebbleton)
Reed Prinsep (HSOB)
Ngane Punivai* (Lincoln University)
Luke Romano (Hurunui)
Tom Sanders (Lincoln University)
Siate Tokolahi (Sydenham)
Nathan Vella (New Brighton)

*denotes new player in 2018

Canterbury All Blacks:
Owen Franks (Linwood)
Ryan Crotty (New Brighton)
Joe Moody (Lincoln)
Richie Mo'unga (Linwood)
Codie Taylor (Sydenham)
Luke Whitelock (University)
Sam Whitelock (Lincoln University)

Kiwias wrote:Uncle FB

Your man is in there

JPNZ wrote:Canterbury just been named:

2018 Canterbury Mitre 10 Cup squad:

Name (Club)
Sam Beard* (Burnside)
George Bridge (HSOB)
Phil Burleigh* (New Brighton)
Brett Cameron (Lincoln University)
Tom Christie* (Christchurch)
Hamish Dalzell (Lincoln University)
Whetu Douglas* (University)
Mitchell Drummond (HSOB)
Mitchell Dunshea (Lincoln University)
Ereatara Enari (Lincoln University)
Braydon Ennor (University)
Sef Fa'agase* (Darfield)
Billy Harmon (New Brighton)
Alex Hodgman (Linwood)
Oliver Jager (New Brighton)
Chris King* (Christchurch)
Daniel Lienert-Brown (HSOB)
Caleb Makene (Lincoln University)
Josh McKay (Lincoln University)
Greg Pleasants-Tate* (Prebbleton)
Reed Prinsep (HSOB)
Ngane Punivai* (Lincoln University)
Luke Romano (Hurunui)
Tom Sanders (Lincoln University)
Siate Tokolahi (Sydenham)
Nathan Vella (New Brighton)

*denotes new player in 2018

Canterbury All Blacks:
Owen Franks (Linwood)
Ryan Crotty (New Brighton)
Joe Moody (Lincoln)
Richie Mo'unga (Linwood)
Codie Taylor (Sydenham)
Luke Whitelock (University)
Sam Whitelock (Lincoln University)

Bloody Comets!

UncleFB wrote:

mrbrownstone wrote:

UncleFB wrote:

comets wrote:cantabs backs make me creak, what the hell happened? no poasa, suckling, finau, stratton and Makene ...looks pretty weak there..on a positive, we can see bridge/ennor develop perfectly together, i still think Ennor should play 12 cause Goodhue is Crusaders 13 and bateman will not be used much next year in soup and crotty is always crotty..so a decent 12 backup is required..

Where is Makene? Is he injured? Or just left out? If left out now might be a good time for him to return to the Bay/Magpies.

He's in the squad. Comets must have just missed his name.

shit i may need glasses, lets hope mitchell hunt and Will jordan make the makos to further strengthen the saders next year

JPNZ wrote:

Merciless wrote:

mrbrownstone wrote:Could be an interesting year for Canterbury. A new coaching setup, and our two most important players in captain Luke Whitelock and Richie Mo'unga are unlikely to feature due to All Black commitments. Plus injuries to some key forwards (Sanders, Harmon, Jed Brown and Funnell all missed the end of the SR season with injury, though I'm not sure when/if they're due back), and Bird heading off to France.

Whether or not we can win yet another title will likely depend on how well the new coaching team of Joe Maddock, Reuben Thorne, and Nathan Mauger adjust, and more importantly, how well Brett Cameron (presumably) adjusts to the 10 role, with Mo'unga unlikely to feature much, if at all. Having said that, our first XV should still be as strong as any. I'd expect something like:

15. George Bridge
14. Josh McKay
13. Tim Bateman (c)
12. Rob Thompson
11. Braydon Ennor
10. Brett Cameron
9. Mitchell Drummond
8. Whetu Douglas
7. Tom Christie (dependent on Jed Brown/Billy Harmon's injuries)
6. Reed Prinsep/Tom Sanders
5. Mitchell Dunshea
4. Hamish Dalzell
3. Siate Tokolahi/Ollie Jager (injury dependent)
2. Nahthan Vella/Ben Funnell (likewise)
1. Alex Hodgman/Daniel Lienart-Brown

I believe Rob Thompson is heading to Manawatu this season.

Yes Thompson is gone to Turbos

Turbos just lost their captain Heiden Bedwell Curtis to the club Taufua backed out of. Big blow as the pack is a bit light especially in back ups

That's a good looking Canterbury squad but not as strong as it has been. I wouldn't mind putting a sly bet on Tasman for the Premiership and one for laughs on Wellington only managing a year in the big time.

How long is Bateman away for, is it like Todd and back for next year or something longer?

Rural Mudrid, Represent!

2018 Yarrows Taranaki Bulls Mitre10 Cup Squad:

Beauden Barrett, Jordie Barrett, Scott Barrett, Lachlan Boshier, Mitchell Brown, Mitchell Croswell, Logan Crowley, Tom Florence, Chris Gawler, Mitchell Graham, Toa Halafihi, Fin Hoeata, Jarrad Hoeata, Jack Jordan, Brendan Leonard, Avon Lewis, Donald Maka, Manasa Mataele, Ciarhan Matoe, Marty McKenzie, Scott Mellow, Kiniviliame Naholo, Waisake Naholo, Brayton Northcott-Hill, Reuben O’Neill, Jesse Parete, Stephen Perofeta, Jayson Potroz, Leighton Price, Jared Proffit, Ricky Riccitelli, Xavier Roe, Bradley Slater, Asaeli Sorovaki, Pita Sowakula, Kyle Stewart, Angus Ta’avao, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Seta Tamanivalu, Kane Thompson, Latu Vaeno, Tupou Vaai, Beaudein Waaka, Sean Wainui, Daniel Waite, Tehorangi Walden, Adrian Wyrill.
Head Coach: Willie Rickards
Assistant Coaches: Leo Crowley, Paul Tito
Skills Coach: Tim Stuck
Manager: Dean Spicer

http://trfu.co.nz/news/news/yarrows-tar ... -campaign/

Taranaki Snapper wrote:Rural Mudrid, Represent!

2018 Yarrows Taranaki Bulls Mitre10 Cup Squad:

Beauden Barrett, Jordie Barrett, Scott Barrett, Lachlan Boshier, Mitchell Brown, Mitchell Croswell, Logan Crowley, Tom Florence, Chris Gawler, Mitchell Graham, Toa Halafihi, Fin Hoeata, Jarrad Hoeata, Jack Jordan, Brendan Leonard, Avon Lewis, Donald Maka, Manasa Mataele, Ciarhan Matoe, Marty McKenzie, Scott Mellow, Kiniviliame Naholo, Waisake Naholo, Brayton Northcott-Hill, Reuben O’Neill, Jesse Parete, Stephen Perofeta, Jayson Potroz, Leighton Price, Jared Proffit, Ricky Riccitelli, Xavier Roe, Bradley Slater, Asaeli Sorovaki, Pita Sowakula, Kyle Stewart, Angus Ta’avao, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Seta Tamanivalu, Kane Thompson, Latu Vaeno, Tupou Vaai, Beaudein Waaka, Sean Wainui, Daniel Waite, Tehorangi Walden, Adrian Wyrill.
Head Coach: Willie Rickards
Assistant Coaches: Leo Crowley, Paul Tito
Skills Coach: Tim Stuck
Manager: Dean Spicer

http://trfu.co.nz/news/news/yarrows-tar ... -campaign/

Do they actually produce any of their own talent? A lot of poaches there.

10. Beauden
11. Manasa Mataele
12. Seta Tamanialu (his new position at Bordeaux)
13. Kinivilime Naholo
14. Waisake Naholo
15, Jordie Barrett

i;m already wet down there..

The Magpies have been named - they should more accurately be called the Baby Magpies.

2018 Magpies squad:

Michael Allardice - lock - Napier Pirate
Joe Apikotoa - prop - Taradale
Mark Braidwood - prop - Napier Tech
Hannon Brighouse - flanker - Napier OB Marist
Geoff Cridge - lock - Hastings R&S
Jacob Devery - hooker - Hastings R&S
Ash Dixon - hooker - Napier Tech - captain
Gareth Evans - loose forward - Havelock North
Tim Farrell - prop - Napier Tech
Devan Flanders - flanker/no. 8 - Havelock North
Solomone Funaki - loose forward - MAC
Josh Kaifa - loose forward - Clive
Kianu Kereru Symes - prop/hooker - Tamatea
Jason Long - prop - Hastings R&S
Ben May - prop - Central
Marino Mikaele-Tu'u - loose forward - Hastings R&S
Tom Parsons - lock - Central
Ben Power - hooker - Havelock North
Pouri Rakete-Stones - prop - Napier Pirate
Fa'alemiga Selesele - loose forward - MAC
Josiah Tavita-Metcalfe - prop - Hastings R&S
Will Tremain - openside flanker - Napier OB Marist
Sam Ulufonua - lock - Havelock North

Michael Buckley - wing - Napier OB Marist
Pasqualle Dunn - midfielder - Central
Mason Emerson - outside back - Hastings R&S
Folau Fakatava - halfback - Hastings R&S
Tiaan Falcon - first five-eighth - Clive
Stacey Ily - utility back - Napier OB Marist
Jonah Lowe - wing - Clive
Lincoln McClutchie - first five-eighth - Tamatea
JJ Taulagi - outside back - Clive
Danny Toala - fullback - Hastings R&S
Sasa Tofilau - midfielder - Clive
Shae Tucker - midfielder - Napier OB Marist
Brad Weber - halfback - Napier OB Marist

Lots of young guys in there from Hastings Boys and Napier Boys of the past few years.

Interesting Canterbury squad. They have a Super Rugby standard pack, but Mo'unga is a massive loss. A huge loss. I actually think that Josh McKay will play more Rugby in the 10 jersey than Cameron. I think he's a better long term option and also has more experience.

My 'first choice' 23

15. George Bridge
14. Brayden Ennor
13. Sam Beard
12. Phil Burleigh
11. Caleb Makene
10. Josh McKay
9. Mitch Drummond

8. Whetu Douglas
7. Billy Harmon
6. Reed Prinsep
5. Mitchell Dunshea
4. Luke Romano
3. Siate Tokolai
2. Greg Pleasants-Tate
1. Alex Hodgman

16. Nathan Vella
17. Daniel Lienart-Brown
18. Chris King
19. Hamish Dalzell
20. Tom Sanders
21. Ere Enari
22. Brett Cameron
23. Ngane Punivai

That still leaves quality Mitre 10 Cup campaigners like Oli Jager and Sef Fa'agase, both of whom have loads of SR experience, out of the 23.

...

Taranaki Snapper wrote:Rural Mudrid, Represent!

2018 Yarrows Taranaki Bulls Mitre10 Cup Squad:

Beauden Barrett, Jordie Barrett, Scott Barrett, Lachlan Boshier, Mitchell Brown, Mitchell Croswell, Logan Crowley, Tom Florence, Chris Gawler, Mitchell Graham, Toa Halafihi, Fin Hoeata, Jarrad Hoeata, Jack Jordan, Brendan Leonard, Avon Lewis, Donald Maka, Manasa Mataele, Ciarhan Matoe, Marty McKenzie, Scott Mellow, Kiniviliame Naholo, Waisake Naholo, Brayton Northcott-Hill, Reuben O’Neill, Jesse Parete, Stephen Perofeta, Jayson Potroz, Leighton Price, Jared Proffit, Ricky Riccitelli, Xavier Roe, Bradley Slater, Asaeli Sorovaki, Pita Sowakula, Kyle Stewart, Angus Ta’avao, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Seta Tamanivalu, Kane Thompson, Latu Vaeno, Tupou Vaai, Beaudein Waaka, Sean Wainui, Daniel Waite, Tehorangi Walden, Adrian Wyrill.
Head Coach: Willie Rickards
Assistant Coaches: Leo Crowley, Paul Tito
Skills Coach: Tim Stuck
Manager: Dean Spicer

http://trfu.co.nz/news/news/yarrows-tar ... -campaign/

That's a Super Rugby standard squad and easily the best team in the comp. Taranaki will once again go into the new season as overwhelming favourites. When is NZR actually going to hold them to account, and start enforcing this joke of a salary cap? It's boring when a team is so good for so long.

Check out Taranak's first choice backline

15. Jordie Barrett
14. Waisake Naholo
13. Seta Tamanivalu
12. Sean Wainui
11. Manasa Mataele
10. Beaudan Barrett
9. Te Tahuriorangi

That's one of the best provincial backlines I've seen for a long time.