Planet Rugby Forum

Well the details have finally been released today.

Two new pacific island teams, making a total of 12.

Features of the Super Rugby Pacific competition structure are:

12 teams (in alphabetical order), being the Blues, Brumbies, Chiefs, Crusaders, Fijian Drua, Highlanders, Hurricanes, Melbourne Rebels, Moana Pasifika, NSW Waratahs, Queensland Reds and Western Force

Teams will play 14 regular season matches with each team to host seven matches

Teams will play eight teams once and three teams twice with an emphasis on derby matches

There will be one points table with teams ranked one to 12 based on competition points

The top eight teams on the points table will qualify for a three-week playoff format

Quarterfinals will be – 1 v 8, 2 v 7, 3 v 6 and 4 v 5 with the top ranked team playing at home

Top ranked quarter-final winners will host the semi-finals, and top-ranked winner of the semi-finals will host the final

18-week season all completed prior to the July international window.

Full draw below:

https://www.allblacks.com/assets/Super- ... ime-v4.pdf

New Zealand's five 2022 Super Rugby Pacific squads are listed below:



Blues

Hookers: Kurt Eklund, Soane Vikena, Ricky Riccitelli

Props: Alex Hodgman, Jordan Lay, Ofa Tuungafasi, Marcel Renata, Nepo Laulala, Karl Tu’inukuafe

Locks: James Tucker, Josh Goodhue, Sam Darry, Luke Romano.

Loose forwards: Taine Plumtree, Tom Robinson, Akira Ioane, Dalton Papalii, Anton Segner, Hoskins Sotutu, Cameron Suafoa, Adrian Choat

Halfbacks: Finlay Christie, Sam Nock, Taufa Funaki

Inside backs: Beauden Barrett, Harry Plummer, Stephen Perofeta

Midfield: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Tanielu Tele’a, Rieko Ioane, Corey Evans, Tamati Tua

Outside backs: Mark Telea, Caleb Clarke, Bryce Heem, AJ Lam, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Zarn Sullivan.

Unavailable due to injury: James Lay

Gains: Tuivasa-Sheck (Warriors); Beauden Barrett (Japan); Jordan Lay (Auckland); Riccitelli (Hurricanes); Romano (Crusaders); Tucker (Brumbies); Funaki (Auckland); Corey Evans (Auckland); Tua (Northland); Suafoa (North Harbour); Choat (Auckland); Segner (Tasman)
On the move: Blake Gibson (Hurricanes); Emoni Narawa (Chiefs); Otere Black (Japan); TJ Faiane (Japan); Gerard Cowley-Tuioti (Japan); Patrick Tuipulotu (Japan); Jacob Pierce (Japan); Ray Nuia (Moana Pasifika), Luteru Tolai (Moana Pasifika); Jonathan Ruru (France); Dillon Hunt (Retired)


Gallagher Chiefs

Hookers: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Bradley Slater, Tyrone Thompson

Props: Aidan Ross, Atunaisa Moli, Angus Ta’avao, Ollie Norris, Sione Mafileo, Reuben O’Neill

Locks: Tupou Vaa’i, Brodie Retallick, Laghlan McWhannell, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Josh Lord

Loose Forwards: Mitchell Brown, Sam Cane, Luke Jacobson, Simon Parker, Pita Gus Sowakula, Kaylum Boshier, Samipeni Finau

Halfbacks: Brad Weber, Xavier Roe, Cortez Ratima

First five-eighths: Bryn Gatland, Kaleb Trask, Josh Ioane

Midfielders: Alex Nankivell, Anton Lienert-Brown, Quinn Tupaea, Rameka Poihipi, Gideon Wrampling

Outside backs: Jonah Lowe, Emoni Narawa, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Chase Tiatia, Shaun Stevenson, Rivez Reihana

Gains: Ioane (Highlanders); Retallick (Japan); Narawa (Blues); Thompson (Wellington); Finau (Waikato); Ratima (Waikato); Wrampling (Waikato)

On the move: Damian McKenzie (Japan); Lachlan Boshier (Japan); Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi (Crusaders), Kini Naholo (Crusaders); Bailyn Sullivan (Hurricanes); Ezekiel Lindenmuth (Moana Pasifika); Viliame Taulani (England); Nathan Harris (Retired)


Hurricanes

Hookers: Asafo Aumua, Dane Coles, James O’Reilly

Props: Tevita Mafileo, Alex Fidow, Xavier Numia, Tyrel Lomax, Pasilio Tosi, Pouri Rakete-Stones

Locks: James Blackwell, Dom Bird, Scott Scrafton, Justin Sangster

Loose forwards: Brayden Iose, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Reed Prinsep, Blake Gibson, Ardie Savea, Tyler Laubscher, Devan Flanders, Caleb Delany, TK Howden

Halfbacks: Jamie Booth, TJ Perenara, Cam Roigard

First fives: Aidan Morgan, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Ruben Love

Midfield: Teihorangi Walden, Billy Proctor, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Bailyn Sullivan

Outside backs: Julian Savea, Jordie Barrett, Pepesana Patafilo, Salesi Rayasi, Wes Goosen, Josh Moorby

Unavailable due to injury: Owen Franks, Isaia Walker-Leawere

Gains: Bird (France); Gibson (Blues); Walden (Taranaki); Sullivan (Chiefs); Tosi (Bay of Plenty); Sangster (Bay of Plenty); Laubscher (Manawatu); Morgan (Wellington); Roigard (Counties-Manukau); Moorby (Southland); Delaney (Wellington); Howden (Manawatu), Franks (England)
On the move: Ngani Laumape (France); Vince Aso (Japan); Vaea Fifita (England), Ricky Riccitelli (Blues); Gareth Evans (Highlanders); Simon Hickey (Crusaders); Lolagi Visinia (Moana Pasifika), Jonathan Taumateine (Moana Pasifika); Orbyn Leger (Japan); Danny Toala (Moana Pasifika) Luke Campbell (France); Liam Mitchell (Italy); Kane Leaupepe (Retired); Fraser Armstrong (Retired)


Crusaders

Hookers: Codie Taylor, Brodie McAlister, Shilo Klein

Props: Joe Moody, Oli Jager, Fletcher Newell, George Bower, Tamaiti Williams, Finlay Brewis

Locks: Scott Barrett, Quentin Strange, Mitchell Dunshea, Sam Whitelock, Zach Gallagher

Loose forwards: Tom Christie, Ethan Blackadder, Sione Havili Talitui, Cullen Grace, Pablo Matera, Dominic Gardiner, Corey Kellow

Halfbacks: Mitch Drummond, Bryn Hall, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi

First fives: Richie Mo’unga, Simon Hickey, Fergus Burke

Midfield: Jack Goodhue, David Havili, Braydon Ennor, Isaiah Punivai, Dallas McLeod

Outside backs: Chay Fihaki, George Bridge, Sevu Reece, Will Jordan, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Kini Naholo

Gains: Matera (Argentina); Tahuriorangi (Chiefs); Naholo (Chiefs); Hickey (Hurricanes); Gardiner (Canterbury); Brewis (Canterbury); Gallagher (Canterbury); Klein (Canterbury); Kellow (Canterbury)
On the move: Isileli Tuungafasi (Moana Pasifika); Andrew Makalio (Highlanders); Michael Alaalatoa (Ireland); Whetukamokamo Douglas (Japan); Tom Sanders (Japan); Ereatara Enari (Moana Pasifika); Brett Cameron (Japan); Manasa Mataele (Force), Luke Romano (Blues); Josh McKay (Scotland)


Highlanders

Hookers: Liam Coltman, Rhys Marshall, Andrew Makalio

Props: Ayden Johnstone, Jeff Thwaites, Ethan de Groot, Jermaine Ainsley, Josh Hohneck, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Saula Ma’u

Locks: Maanaki Selby-Rickit, Josh Dickson, Bryn Evans, Max Hicks, Sam Caird

Loose forwards: James Lentjes, Billy Harmon, Hugh Renton, Shannon Frizell, Marino Mikaele-Tu'u, Gareth Evans, Sean Withy

Halfbacks: Aaron Smith, Folau Fakatava, Kayne Hammington

First fives: Marty Banks, Mitchell Hunt

Midfield: Fetuli Paea, Patelesio Tomkinson, Solomon Alaimalo, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Ngatungane Punivai, Scott Gregory

Outside backs: Connor Garden-Bachop, Mosese Dawai, Vilimoni Koroi, Sam Gilbert, Josh Timu

Unavailable due to injury: Jona Nareki, Pari Pari Parkinson

Gains: Gareth Evans (Hurricanes); Makalio (Crusaders); Banks (Southland); Dawai (Waikato); Marshall (Ireland); Timu (Otago); Withy (Otago), Ma’u (Otago), Hicks (Tasman), Caird (Northland).

On the move: Josh Ioane (Chiefs); Ash Dixon (Japan); Siate Tokolahi (France); Kazuki Himeno (Japan); Teariki Ben-Nicholas (France); Michael Collins (Wales); Tim O’Malley (Italy); Jack Regan (Wales); Liam Squire (Retired)


The Moana Pasifika Super Rugby Pacific squad is:

Hookers: Ray Niuia, Sam Moli, Luteru Tolai

Props: Sekope Kepu, Isileli Tuungafasi, Joe Apikatoa, Tau Koloamatangi, Ezekiel Lindenmuth, Chris Apoua

Locks: Don Lolo, Mike McKee, Veikoso Poliniati, Alex McRobbie

Loose Forwards: Henry Stowers, Jack Lam, Sione Tuipulotu, Solomone Funaki, Penitoa Finau, Lotu Inisi, Sam Slade, Alamanda Motuga

Halfbacks: Ereatara Enari, Jonathan Taumateine, Manu Paea

First-fives: Christian Lealifano, Lincoln McClutchie, William Havili

Midfield: Levi Aumua, Danny Toala, Henry Taefu, Fine Inisi

Outside Backs: Lolagi Visinia, Neria Fomai, Tomasi Alosio, Solomone Kata, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Tima Fainga'anuku, Anzelo Tuituvuki

This sounds like exactly what AC and others (including myself) suggested. More Derby games and some cross over games. One points table although finals with best of 8 is terrible. There looks to be one bye week each as well. I’m picking the 3 teams played twice will be derbies and rotated year after year so it’s fairer.

Can’t wait to get this underway. Starts February 18th 2022

Looks good!

How many people will whinge about the draw being unfair?

It's good. I'm hoping the teams aren't disappearing for 2 or 3 weeks in a row on an Australian leg though.

Zakar wrote: ↑Mon Aug 30, 2021 5:12 am How many people will whinge about the draw being unfair?

I do like a clean play each team once scenario.

Zakar wrote: ↑Mon Aug 30, 2021 5:12 am How many people will whinge about the draw being unfair?

Whoever has to play the crusaders twice?

Great.......some variety in the comp.....welcome Fiji and Pasifica......overdue

terangi48 wrote: ↑Mon Aug 30, 2021 5:29 am Great.......some variety in the comp.....welcome Fiji and Pasifica......overdue

And the Force back full time. Wasn’t cool seeing them cut.

I still think that Fiji and Moana will be easy beats unless they have worked out a way to distribute players - they won’t even be as competitive as thr Sunwolves…

On the 11 games plus 3 - the plus 3 will be interest. It would be tough if you got the best NZ teams from last years SupeRugby - Blues, Highlander and Saders.

I pretty pleased with it, I know there was some discussion that if 3 extra games were derbies it leaned towrds favouring weaker country, but doesn't worry me, no draw is ever absolutely fair unless you all play each other home and away, and the cream always rises to the top anyway.
I think an 8 team final is too much of making sure everyone get's a prize etc, but that's the way it is, we got a comp! Of course there will always be byes in the comp, give players some kind od a breather.

Monkey Magic wrote: ↑Mon Aug 30, 2021 5:28 am

Zakar wrote: ↑Mon Aug 30, 2021 5:12 am How many people will whinge about the draw being unfair?

Whoever has to play the crusaders twice?

Not the Australian teams

I’m just pleased everyone got on long enough to nut out a comp.

Well done lads!

Looks OK in general but 8 finals births from 12 teams is just wrong.

Should be top 4. Maybe playoff for 5th and 6th to get some more games if revenue is essential.

kiwigreg369 wrote: ↑Mon Aug 30, 2021 5:42 am I still think that Fiji and Moana will be easy beats unless they have worked out a way to distribute players - they won’t even be as competitive as thr Sunwolves…

On the 11 games plus 3 - the plus 3 will be interest. It would be tough if you got the best NZ teams from last years SupeRugby - Blues, Highlander and Saders.

I think they will be alright after a few years.

Farva wrote: ↑Mon Aug 30, 2021 5:56 am

Monkey Magic wrote: ↑Mon Aug 30, 2021 5:28 am

Zakar wrote: ↑Mon Aug 30, 2021 5:12 am How many people will whinge about the draw being unfair?

Whoever has to play the crusaders twice?

Not the Australian teams

But if you were in eighth and have to play the crusaders because another aussie team got to play the waratahs twice and you didn't, how would you feel?

Apologies if you're a waratahs fan, not for the post, just that you have my sympathy

Super Rugby will never be the same without my Cheetahs shipping 50 points a game on tour

Zakar wrote: ↑Mon Aug 30, 2021 5:12 am How many people will whinge about the draw being unfair?

There are bound to be some inconsistencies, but it's not all that different to the NRL where you play half the comp once and the other half twice, and they seem to get by alright.

Even when SR was at its strangest with the conference system and silly draws, it still tended to produce the right winner overall. And this is a far, far better format than that ever was.

guy smiley wrote: ↑Mon Aug 30, 2021 6:08 am

dam0 wrote: ↑Mon Aug 30, 2021 6:03 am Looks OK in general but 8 finals births from 12 teams is just wrong.

Should be top 4. Maybe playoff for 5th and 6th to get some more games if revenue is essential.

Top 4 is a good format. Simple, fair and only two weeks on top of the season to decide the winner.

Top 6, with an elimination round first up, would allow for a competitive team just outside top 4 for whatever reason a chance to progress but adds another week.

Top 8 from 12 is...


Marinostic.

Very much making sure little Johnny gets a prize if possible.

Very happy with this overall.

No more conference systems. No more 3 am kickoffs. No more SA referees. No more bringing the competition to a screeching halt in June. Fewer also-rans like the Kings and Cheetahs. Good riddance.

I'd have a few minor quibbles with the structure, but by and large, it's an intuitive competition for casual fans with one points table, accessible time zones, a reasonable season length, and a strong Pasifika presence.

What's not to like?

And as for it being a little unfair with derbies, it does mean everyone gets to play a home derby game.
I know it a bit tough for kiwi teams playing Crusaders etc twice, but Aussie teams having to play Reds have still got same problem, so c'est la vie!

guy smiley wrote: ↑Mon Aug 30, 2021 6:08 am

dam0 wrote: ↑Mon Aug 30, 2021 6:03 am Looks OK in general but 8 finals births from 12 teams is just wrong.

Should be top 4. Maybe playoff for 5th and 6th to get some more games if revenue is essential.

Top 4 is a good format. Simple, fair and only two weeks on top of the season to decide the winner.

Top 6, with an elimination round first up, would allow for a competitive team just outside top 4 for whatever reason a chance to progress but adds another week.

Top 8 from 12 is...


Marinostic.

I'm not a huge fan, but at the same time, it means more than twice as many finals games, and fewer dead rubbers with more games having finals connotations. It makes plenty of sense both from a financial POV and to maintain interest later in the season. It's not much fun if the top 4 are locked in by round 9 and everyone else is playing for pride.

Realistically, the winner will still come from 1-4. 5th-8th will probably never win the whole thing, and if they do win the odd finals game it will be an enjoyable upset.

Dan54. wrote: ↑Mon Aug 30, 2021 6:59 am And as for it being a little unfair with derbies, it does mean everyone gets to play a home derby game.
I know it a bit tough for kiwi teams playing Crusaders etc twice, but Aussie teams having to play Reds have still got same problem, so c'est la vie!

Honestly, with a top 8 finals system and 2 brand new sides, if you're an established team and don't make the playoffs, you probably have far bigger issues than a slightly lopsided draw.

The 8 teams finals won't paper over the relative weakness of the Australian teams.

Without a draft and Australia having to stick with 5 teams, the comp will be lucky to run for 1 year.

Yeah, 5 NZ teams will make the final, along with the Brumbies, Reds and Force.

Force of course will win overall. But it will be interesting to see how the 5 NZ teams jockey for 2 to 6.

mrbrownstone wrote: ↑Mon Aug 30, 2021 7:01 am

Dan54. wrote: ↑Mon Aug 30, 2021 6:59 am And as for it being a little unfair with derbies, it does mean everyone gets to play a home derby game.
I know it a bit tough for kiwi teams playing Crusaders etc twice, but Aussie teams having to play Reds have still got same problem, so c'est la vie!

Honestly, with a top 8 finals system and 2 brand new sides, if you're an established team and don't make the playoffs, you probably have far bigger issues than a slightly lopsided draw.

Amen!

Anyone notice that the fella in the Moana Psifika jersey in the poster is Josh Ioane??

Super 12 is back!

guy smiley wrote: ↑Mon Aug 30, 2021 7:11 am

mrbrownstone wrote: ↑Mon Aug 30, 2021 6:59 am

guy smiley wrote: ↑Mon Aug 30, 2021 6:08 am

dam0 wrote: ↑Mon Aug 30, 2021 6:03 am Looks OK in general but 8 finals births from 12 teams is just wrong.

Should be top 4. Maybe playoff for 5th and 6th to get some more games if revenue is essential.

Top 4 is a good format. Simple, fair and only two weeks on top of the season to decide the winner.

Top 6, with an elimination round first up, would allow for a competitive team just outside top 4 for whatever reason a chance to progress but adds another week.

Top 8 from 12 is...


Marinostic.

I'm not a huge fan, but at the same time, it means more than twice as many finals games, and fewer dead rubbers with more games having finals connotations. It makes plenty of sense both from a financial POV and to maintain interest later in the season. It's not much fun if the top 4 are locked in by round 9 and everyone else is playing for pride.

Realistically, the winner will still come from 1-4. 5th-8th will probably never win the whole thing, and if they do win the odd finals game it will be an enjoyable upset.

Top 6 would have been the most balanced option with the 5th and 6th place getters pitched into an elimination final. That said, I can live with what they've gone for. Top four is too restrictive.

I really like this comp. As has been mentioned by other posters on this thread, it makes much more sense than previous versions of the comp. No more conferences, no more 3am kick-offs, no more teams disappearing off the face of the Earth for a month because they are touring South Africa and no more 20-1 penalty counts being delivered by dodgy Saffer referees. Moreover, I think this comp, whilst not completely equitable will be much fairer than previous versions when teams like the Lions made the final without playing against a single Kiwi team.

As an aside, who goes into the season as the defending champions, the Crusaders, Reds or Blues?

I like the Top 8. It keeps maximum interest for the maximum number of fans. And it means that most teams will still be in with a genuine chance of winning the comp late into the season. The comp is still very hard to win, but it always has been. This isn't Easy Rugby after all.

guy smiley wrote: ↑Mon Aug 30, 2021 7:33 am No-one. It's a clean slate...

Yesh!

Dan54. wrote: ↑Mon Aug 30, 2021 7:11 am Anyone notice that the fella in the Moana Psifika jersey in the poster is Josh Ioane??

What poster?

He played for Moana Pasifika last season against NZ Maori.

The colours of Pacific nations Fiji, Samoa and Tonga will come together under the first ever Moana Pasifika squad named by Head Coach Fa’alogo Tana Umaga to play an historic match against the Māori All Blacks next month.
Moana Pasifika squad 2020 (Mitre 10 Cup team in brackets)

FORWARDS

Alamanda Motuga * (Counties Manukau)
Daniel Leinert-Brown (Canterbury)
Gerard Cowley-Tuioti (North Harbour)
Jordan Lay * (Bay of Plenty)
Leni Apisai (Auckland)
Marino Mikaele-Tu’u (Hawke’s Bay)
Michael Alaalatoa * (Manawatu)
Naitoa Ah Kuoi (Wellingto)
Nasi Manu * (Otago)
Pita Gus Sowakula (Taranaki)
Samipeni Finau (Waikato)
Samisoni Taukie'aho (Waikato)
Sione Mafielo (North Harbour)
Zane Kapeli * (Bay of Plenty)

BACKS

Asaeli Tikoroituma * (North Harbour)
Dwyane Polataivao * (Tasman)
Etene Nanai-Seturo ** (Counties Manukau)
Fetuli Paea * (Tasman)
Folau Fakatava (Hawke’s Bay)
Jone Macilai (Northland)
Josh Ioane * (Otago)
Leicester Fainga'anuku (Tasman)
Salesi Rayasi ** (Auckland)
Stephen Perofeta (Taranaki)
Tomasi Alosio **(Wellington)
Vince Aso (Wellington)

*Test Capped Player
** 7s Capped Player
Etene Nanai-Seturo - NZ
Salesi Rayasi - NZ
Tomasi Alosio - Samoa

So Macca won out again on the last 3 rounds being derbies, well done.
Is there any room for Super AU in the calendar year, RA were trying to fit it in somewhere.

grievous wrote: ↑Mon Aug 30, 2021 8:25 am So Macca won out again on the last 3 rounds being derbies, well done.
Is there any room for Super AU in the calendar year, RA were trying to fit it in somewhere.

One round missing. So add it separately.

Bindi wrote: ↑Mon Aug 30, 2021 7:01 am the comp will be lucky to run for 1 year.

2 and done.

Bindi wrote: ↑Mon Aug 30, 2021 7:01 am The 8 teams finals won't paper over the relative weakness of the Australian teams.

Without a draft and Australia having to stick with 5 teams, the comp will be lucky to run for 1 year.

Yep, still needs some fundamental structural changes for this to work, although hopefully Moana Pacifika bleeds quite a bit of their squad depth. Could have an impact, but its hard to predict.

Farva wrote: ↑Mon Aug 30, 2021 5:56 am

Monkey Magic wrote: ↑Mon Aug 30, 2021 5:28 am

Zakar wrote: ↑Mon Aug 30, 2021 5:12 am How many people will whinge about the draw being unfair?

Whoever has to play the crusaders twice?

Not the Australian teams

Defeatist!

I see Josh Ioane has been released from his Highlanders contract

Zakar wrote: ↑Mon Aug 30, 2021 9:11 am

Bindi wrote: ↑Mon Aug 30, 2021 7:01 am The 8 teams finals won't paper over the relative weakness of the Australian teams.

Without a draft and Australia having to stick with 5 teams, the comp will be lucky to run for 1 year.

Yep, still needs some fundamental structural changes for this to work, although hopefully Moana Pacifika bleeds quite a bit of their squad depth. Could have an impact, but its hard to predict.

The only way this will work is freedom of player movement throughout the comp.

With the dramatically different playerbases, it will simply fail if this doesn’t happen. 1 extra team diluting the Kiwis won’t do much.

Big Nipper wrote: ↑Mon Aug 30, 2021 9:47 am I see Josh Ioane has been released from his Highlanders contract

Off to Moana Pasifika I believe.