Air New Zealand Cup 2009

Two squads being named so far for the Air New Zealand Cup:

Auckland:

Tevita Mailau (Otahuhu)
Pauliasi Manu (University)
Charlie Faumuina (Otahuhu)
Paea Fa'anunu (Grammar Carlton)
Francis Smith (University)
Tom McCartney (Pakuranga)
Kurtis Haiu (Marist)
Jay Williams (Ponsonby)
Andrew Van der Heijden (University)
Dean Budd (Grammar Carlton)
Chris Lowrey (Ponsonby)
Peter Saili (Marist)
Onosa'i Auva'a (Grammar Carlton)
Hamish Paterson (Grammar Carlton)
Taniela Moa (Te Papapa-Mt Wellington)
Grayson Hart (Grammar Carlton)
Ash Moeke (Grammar Carlton)
Daniel Bowden (Ponsonby)
Benson Stanley (Ponsonby)
Winston Stanley (Ponsonby)
Jamie Helleur (University)
Teddy Stanaway (University)
Thomas Timani (Marist)
Dave Thomas (Grammar Carlton)
Atieli Pakalani (Grammar Carlton)
Paul Williams (Ponsonby)



North Harbour:
James Afoa (Northcote), Mike Reid (Marist), Ben Afeaki (Marist), James Parsons (Takapuna), Michael Mayhew (Northcote), Anthony Boric (Marist), Filo Paulo (Mahurangi), James King (North Shore), Chris Smith (Takapuna), Malakai Ravulo (Helensville), Tom Chamberlain (Marist), Richard Mayhew (Northcote), Robbie Colhoun (Silverdale), Vili Ma'afu (Massey), Chris Smylie (Massey), Matt France (Takapuna), Mike Harris (Northcote), Ben Botica (North Shore), Andrew Mailei (Northcote), Anthony Tuitavake (Massey), George Pisi (Massey), Nafi Tuitavake (Massey), Josh York (East Coast Bays), Rudi Wulf (Marist), Jack McPhee (Glenfield), Ken Pisi (Massey).

Most notable are the absences of any All Blacks in the Auckland squad. I guess it's a good thing that all players chosen for Auckland actually still play club rugby(going back to what I was saying before fishy, re Air New Zealand Cup usually gets picked from club rugby pool). Good to see 6 of the Ponsonby players in the mix. Although it would have been nice to see more.

On the other hand seeing All Blacks playing for their provinces would have brought more people to the games. Although die hard Auckland supporters will be in the stands, regardless who is playing.

Feel free to post your provincial sides on here. I will do my best to put up all squads, as information becomes available.

Or indeed anyone of any note whatsoever.

The mighty Magpies:

Forwards
Josh Keys
Jody Allen
Clint Newland*
Sona Taumalolo*
Ash Dixon
Hikawera Elliot*
Michael Johnson
Ross Kennedy
Matt Egan
Hugh Reed
Adam Bradey
Karl Lowe*
George Naoupu
Thomas Waldrom*
Pama Petia

Backs
Chris Eaton
Dane Shelford
Matt Berquist*
Andrew Horrell
Aayden Clarke*
Sam Giddens
Richard Buckman
Jason Shoemark (capt)*
Nick Thomson
Mark Jackman
Zac Guildford*
Jason Kupa
Israel Dagg*

* Bryn Evans (when available)*

I've marked those players with recent Super 14 experience with an *.

It is bizarre to contemplate, but Hawkes Bay will probably start as favourites against that lot of Auckland no-names next weekend in Napier.

2009 Canterbury Air New Zealand Cup squad:

Andrew Olorenshaw (Burnside)
Rodney Ah You (Sydenham)
Peter Borlase (Burnside)
Owen Franks (Linwood)
Wyatt Crockett (Burnside)
Corey Flynn (Sydenham)
Ti’i Paulo (University)
Will Catherwood (Burnside)
Luke Romano (HSOB)
James Broadhurst (Linwood)
Sam Whitelock (Lincoln Uni)
Isaac Ross (New Brighton)
Brad Thorn (Burnside)
Matt Todd (Christchurch)
Michael Paterson (Christchurch)
Kieran Read (University)
George Whitelock (HSOB)
Richie McCaw (Christchurch)
Ash Parker (Burnside)
Nasi Manu (Sydenham)
Willie Heinz (Linwood)
Tyson Keats (New Brighton)
Andy Ellis (University)
Dan Carter (Southbridge)
Colin Slade (HSOB)
Stephen Brett (University)
Tim Bateman (Christchurch)
Ryan Crotty (New Brighton)
Adam Whitelock (HSOB)
Casey Laulala (Marist Albion)
Chris Small (HSOB)
Sean Maitland (Linwood)
Tu Umaga-Marshall (Sydenham)
James Paterson (HSOB)
Sam Monaghan (Christchurch)


Currently injured: Borlase, Laulala, Ellis, Flynn, Carter, Paulo, Umaga-Marshall, J Paterson, McCaw.


Currently in All Blacks squad: Read, G Whitelock, Ross, Franks, Crockett, Thorn.

That is odd, i am pretty sure I saw McCaw running around Eden Park on Saturday night. Still, I suppose it takes a while for the boat to get the big city newspapers down to the country towns of the South Island.

Wellington Lions:

Adrian Barone (Petone)
Anthony Bradshaw (Marist St. Pat's)
Dane Coles (Poneke)
Arden David (Marist St. Pat's)
Fa'atonu Fili (Marist St. Pat's)
Scott Fuglistaller (Wests Roosters)
Kaipati Gaualofa (Tawa)
Joe Hill (Old Boys-University)
Michael Hobbs (Old Boys-University)
Daniel Kirkpatrick (Petone)
Alapati Leiua (Northern United)
Faifili Levave (Northern United)
Serge Lilo (Northern United)
Matt Luamanu (Upper Hutt)
Motu Matu'u (Oriental-Rongotai)
Chris Middleton (Northern United)
Api Naikatini (Northern United)
Charlie Ngatai (Poneke)
Tomasi Palu (Northern United)
Anthony Perenise (Northern United)
Brett Pigott (Upper Hutt)
Buxton Popoalii (Northern United)
Daniel Ramsey (Poneke)
Mark Reddish (Oriental-Rongotai)
Ged Robinson (Marist St. Pat's)
Julian Savea (Oriental-Rongotai)
David Smith (Tawa)
Apoua Stewart (Marist St. Pat's)
Shaun Treeby (Tawa)
Frae Wilson (Wainuiomata)


Five Wellington players are involved with the All Blacks in the Tri NAtions against AUS and SAF:

Conrad Smith, Cory Jane, Ma'a Nonu, Neemia Tialata and Piri Weepu

A further eight Wellington players have currently involved with the Junior All Blacks that played in the Pacific Nations Cup in June and early July. These were:

Tamati Ellison (captain), Jacob Ellison, Robert Fruean, Hosea Gear, Alby Mathewson, John Schwalger, Jeremy Thrush and Victor Vito

Just copyed and pasted, was released ages ago.

Fark... all the unions look much stronger with bigger depth than Auckland. Oh well, more even sides makes it for a much more entertaining/interesting rugby if you ask me.

The 2009 Waikato Air New Zealand Cup squad is:

Forwards:

Ole Avei (Hautapu)
Vern Kamo (Fraser Tech)
Hikairo Forbes (Hautapu)
Ben May (University)
Kieran Ramage (Te Awamutu Sports)
Nathan White (Te Awamutu Sports)
Kent Fife (Hautapu)
Romana Graham (Hautapu)
Toby Lynn (Te Rapa)
Kevin O'Neill (Hamilton Marist)
Ray Allen (Hamilton Marist)
Jack Lam (Hamilton Marist)
Sione Lauaki (Morrinsville Sports)
Liam Messam (Hautapu) - Captain
Jordan Smiler (Hautapu)
Dominiko Waqaniburotu (Fraser Tech)

Backs:

David Bason (Hautapu)
Josh Sutherland (Hamilton Marist)
Sam Christie (Fraser Tech)
Trent Renata (Hamilton Marist)
Callum Bruce (Hamilton Marist)
Roimata Hansell-Pune (Hamilton Marist)
Jackson Willison (Hautapu)
Tim Mikkelson (University)
Henry Speight (Hamilton Old Boys)
Dwayne Sweeney (Morrinsville Sports)
Savenaca Tokula (Fraser Tech)
Sosene Anesi (Hamilton Marist)

Points of interest:

(1) Players unavailable for selection due to All Blacks committments were Aled de Malmanche, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Mils Muliaina, Brendon Leonard and Stephen Donald.
(2) Prop Toby Smith (shoulder) and centre Richard Kahui (shoulder) were not available for selection due to their injuries. Both are recovering from shoulder surgery.


A heap of new young players in this years squad. Hopefully we will be competitive but not asking much of teh boys this year.

wicked, check out all the Norths and Tawa players in there!!!

Starting tomorrow night people.

Air NZ Cup schedule for 2009.

Round 1

Thursday, July 30: Tasman v Taranaki, Blenheim, 7.35

Friday, July 31: Bay of Plenty v Northland, Rotorua, 7.35; Wellington v Otago (Ranfurly Shield), Wellington, 7.35

Saturday, Aug 1: Hawke's Bay v Auckland, Napier, 2.35; North Harbour v Canterbury, North Shore, 5.30; Southland v Waikato, Invercargill, 7.35

Sunday, Aug 2: Manawatu v Counties-Manukau, Palmerston North, 2.35

Round 2

Thursday, Aug 6: Northland v Taranaki, Whangarei, 7.35

Friday, Aug 7: North Harbour v Tasman, North Shore, 7.35; Otago v Southland, Dunedin, 7.35

Saturday, Aug 8: Waikato v Manawatu, Hamilton, 2.35; Hawke's Bay v Wellington, Napier, 5.30; Auckland v Canterbury, Auckland, 7.35

Sunday, Aug 9: Counties-Manukau v Bay of Plenty, Pukekohe, 2.35

Round 3

Thursday, Aug 13: Otago v North Harbour, Dunedin, 7.35

Friday, Aug 14: Southland v Manawatu, Invercargill, 7.35; Canterbury v Waikato, Christchurch, 7.35

Saturday, Aug 15: Northland v Auckland, Whangarei, 2.35; Taranaki v Hawke's Bay, New Plymouth, 5.30; Bay of Plenty v Wellington, Rotorua, 7.35

Sunday, Aug 16: Tasman v Counties-Manukau, Nelson, 2.35

Round 4

Thursday, Aug 20: Manawatu v Otago, Palmerston North, 7.35

Friday, Aug 21: North Harbour v Northland, North Shore, 7.35; Southland v Hawke's Bay, Invercargill, 7.35

Saturday, Aug 22: Bay of Plenty v Waikato, Mt Maunganui, 2.35; Canterbury v Tasman, Christchurch, 4.30; Wellington v Auckland (Ranfurly Shield), Wellington, 6.35

Sunday, Aug 23: Counties-Manukau v Taranaki, Pukekohe, 2.35

Round 5

Thursday, Aug 27: North Harbour v Southland, North Shore, 7.35

Friday, Aug 28: Northland v Otago, Whangarei, 7.35; Hawke's Bay v Tasman, Napier, 7.35

Saturday, Aug 29: Counties-Manukau v Waikato, Pukekohe, 2.35; Manawatu v Taranaki, Palmerston North, 5.30; Wellington v Canterbury (Ranfurly Shield), Wellington, 7.35

Sunday, Aug 30: Auckland v Bay of Plenty, Auckland, 2.35

Round 6

Thursday, September 3: Southland v Northland, Invercargill, 7.35

Friday, Sept 4: Taranaki v North Harbour, New Plymouth, 7.35; Counties-Manukau v Wellington, Pukekohe, 7.35

Saturday, Sept 5: Tasman v Manawatu, Nelson, 2.35; Bay of Plenty v Canterbury, Mt Maunganui, 5.30; Waikato v Hawke's Bay, Hamilton, 7.35

Sunday, Sept 6: Otago v Auckland, Dunedin, 2.35

Round 7

Thursday, Sept 10: Northland v Counties-Manukau, Whangarei, 7.35; Taranaki v Wellington, New Plymouth, 7.35

Friday, Sept 11: Tasman v Waikato, Blenheim, 7.35; Southland v Bay of Plenty, Invercargill, 7.35
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Saturday, Sept 12: North Harbour v Hawke's Bay, North Shore, 2.35; Canterbury v Otago, Christchurch, 4.35

Sunday, Sept 13: Auckland v Manawatu, Auckland, 2.35

Round 8

Thursday, Sept 17: Bay of Plenty v Tasman, Mt Maunganui, 7.35; Counties-Manukau v Southland, Pukekohe, 7.35

Friday, Sept 18: Canterbury v Taranaki, Christchurch, 7.35; Waikato v Wellington, Hamilton, 7.35

Saturday, Sept 19: Auckland v North Harbour, Auckland, 2.35; Hawke's Bay v Otago, Napier, 4.35

Sunday, Sept 20: Manawatu v Northland, Palmerston North, 2.35

Round 9

Thursday, Sept 24: Wellington v Southland (Ranfurly Shield), Wellington, 7.35

Friday, Sept 25: Taranaki v Waikato, New Plymouth, 7.35; North Harbour v Counties-Manukau, North Shore, 7.35

Saturday, Sept 26: Canterbury v Northland, Christchurch, 2.35; Hawke's Bay v Manawatu, Napier, 5.30; Otago v Bay of Plenty, Dunedin, 7.35

Sunday, Sept 27: Tasman v Auckland, Nelson, 2.35

Round 10

Thursday, October 1: Waikato v North Harbour, Hamilton, 7.35

Friday, Oct 2: Bay of Plenty v Hawke's Bay, Rotorua, 7.35; Counties-Manukau v Canterbury, Pukekohe, 7.35

Saturday, Oct 3: Auckland v Southland, Auckland, 2.35; Wellington v Manawatu (Ranfurly Shield), Wellington, 5.30; Taranaki v Otago, New Plymouth, 7.35

Sunday, Oct 4: Northland v Tasman, Whangarei, 2.35

Round 11

Thursday, Oct 8: Hawke's Bay v Counties-Manukau, Napier, 7.35

Friday, Oct 9: Canterbury v Manawatu, Christchurch, 7.35; Taranaki v Auckland, New Plymouth, 7.35

Saturday, Oct 10: Otago v Waikato, Dunedin, 2.35; Southland v Tasman, Invercargill, 5.30; North Harbour v Bay of Plenty, North Shore, 7.35

Sunday, Oct 11: Northland v Wellington, Whangarei, 2.35

Round 12

Thursday, Oct 15: Hawke's Bay v Canterbury, Napier, 7.35

Friday, Oct 16: Manawatu v Bay of Plenty, Palmerston North, 7.35; Southland v Taranaki, Invercargill, 7.35

Saturday, Oct 17: Wellington v North Harbour (Ranfurly Shield), Wellington, 2.35; Otago v Tasman, Dunedin, 5.30; Waikato v Northland, Hamilton, 7.35

Sunday, Oct 18: Auckland v Counties-Manukau, Auckland, 2.35

Round 13

Thursday, Oct 22: Canterbury v Southland, Christchurch, 7.35

Friday, Oct 23: Northland v Hawke's Bay, Whangarei, 7.35; Tasman v Wellington, Blenheim, 7.35

Saturday, Oct 24: Manawatu v North Harbour, Palmerston North, 2.35; Otago v Counties-Manukau, Dunedin, 5.30; Waikato v Auckland, Hamilton, 7.35

Sunday, Oct 25: Bay of Plenty v Taranaki, Mt Maunganui, 2.35

The semifinals are on October 30/31 and the final is on November 7.

You = idiot

Haiu, Jay Williams, Lowrey would be starters even with all ABs. So probably would be Auva'a, Moa, Benson Stanley.

A lot of those players won an NPC title in 2007. Beating your pathetic Magpies.

So Auckland's All Blacks won't play any part in the Air New Zealand Cup?

15 Colin Slade, 14 James Paterson, 13 Tim Bateman, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 Sean Maitland, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Tyson Keats; 8 Nasi Manu, 7 George Whitelock (capt), 6 Michael Paterson, 5 James Broadhurst, 4 Sam Whitelock, 3 Peter Borlase, 2 Ti'i Paulo, 1 Wyatt Crockett. Reserves: 16 Will Catherwood, 17 Andrew Olorenshaw, 18 Luka Romano, 19 Matt Todd, 20 Willi Heinz, 21 Stephen Brett, 22 Adam Whitelock.

Slade at Fullback and Carter to start... 5 rookies on bench

Auckland side against Hawkes Bay:

15 Paul Williams (Ponsonby)
14 Dave Thomas (Grammar Carlton)
13 Winston Stanley (Ponsonby)
12 Jamie Helleur (University)
11 Atieli Pakalani (Grammar Carlton)
10 Daniel Bowden (Ponsonby)
9 Taniela Moa (Te Papapa-Mt Wellington)
8 Peter Saili (Marist)
7 Onosa’i Auva’a (Grammar Carlton)
6 Kurtis Haiu (Captain) (Marist)
5 Jay Williams (Ponsonby)
4 Andrew Van der Heijden (University)
3 Tevita Mailau (Otahuhu)
2 Tom McCartney (Pakuranga)
1 Pauliasi Manu (University)

Reserves:

16 Francis Smith (University)
17 Charlie Faumuina (Otahuhu)
18 Hamish Paterson (Grammar Carlton)
19 Dean Budd (Grammar Carlton)
20 Grayson Hart (Grammar Carlton)
21 Ash Moeke (Grammar Carlton)
22 Teddy Stanaway (University)

Benson Stanley has been named the captain for the season. I knew it for a long while now, but couldn't tell anyone. So stoked for him.

Big ups I was at school with Benson / same year.

What happened to Benny Atiga? Still playing?

hahaha... So you're MAGS boy then? Explains alot!

Atiga is taking some time off. I don't know him well enough to know exactly why.

because he's shit


Mighty Harbour to smash Canterbury this weekend

other reesults


Taranaki
Wellington
BOP
Southland
Hawkes bay
Manawatu

$20 on Canterbury

We should do a sweep or make a #biggie on shit-useless jimungo....

There is a group called Biggie. I've put it together last year.

And you're already part of it LD...

Oh yeah, that's right- for Super 14 aye? Didn't hear anyone bragging about how well they did...

I'm pretty sure I was top of our group.

You started the group- so it's compulsory to Man up....


I think I kicked everyones arse at Fantasy though

Yeah you did. I fucked up the player selection closer to the end of the round robin. Everyone went and got players from teams who are actually will be playing in finals. I went with pretty much the same team as I had, which included some Blues and Chiefs players etc.

AGS actually... probably explains more tbh Didn't know Benson really. Was in several of Ben's classes though - top guy.

haha... I see.

Yeah Bens is an awesome dude.

Excellent games Otago vs Wgtn and Northland vs BOP so far. Auckland will regret dropping Lachie

The All Blacks could learn a lesson from watching Otago. You score tries if you have a staggered attack, running good lines and not passing flat foot ball.

Enjoyed the shield game. And yeah, a better watch than ABs atm.

Oh! The the mascot of yore is back!

http://www.hawkesbaytoday.co.nz/local/news/hawkeye-the-magpie-mascot-takes-flight-once-again/3902174/


Auckland will be but a sissy federation outpost in the face of our magnificent bird of prey!

They are talking 12,000 people turning up for this game, it is shaping up as the match of the first round in terms of atmosphere.

Roughly 750 people for every title Auckland has eh

Yup! And it also sixteen times more people than will show up to any of Auckland's home games this season.

What is your point?

You fail to show the respect that Auckland, which has won AS MANY TITLES AS EVERY OTHER PROVINCE COMBINED, deserves.

The same lack of respect is being shown by the Hawkes Bay crowd. When a team like Auckland - or its equivalent such as, perhaps, Juventus or the Lakers comes to town - then you do not cheer for your own team. It is disrespectful.

16 titles vs. 0.

Hawke's Bay, in a stunningly comprehensive act of disrespect, demolished Auckland 47-13 today!

Hawkes Bay Smackdown!!!!!!!

Scoreless second half for Auckland + 12 Missed tackles






Living in the past...




Same can be applied to a quality team:

Except,

Auckland came 11th in last years NPC and 9th in this years Super 14.

Comparing Juventus to the Lakers is like comparing Giselle to Lilly Allen.

I would like to know what sort of gormless variant of rugby league Auckland think they are playing. They were smashed by the Magpie forwards, who did forward stuff.

And fuck, Hawke's Bay under Peter Russell are so well drilled - they don't play headless chicken coconut rugby, they attck when it is on and they kick it out when it isn't, they defend stoutly when required but can instantly seize an opportunity. The players seem to actually have a brain, and are having fun. Peter Russell is withouta shred of doubt a better coach than Colin Cooper, I am sure of that.

And surely if he can keep that form up Karl Lowe is a potential All Black?

I predict we will see a host of All Blacks from this current Magpies squad, at least four.

Today's game is also "the past". Understand? Why do you get to determine the terms?



And in 2007 it won the NPC UNBEATEN (only one other team has ever done that - Auckland 1990). That's all of two seasons ago. So, Auckland has won a title MORE RECENTLY than Hawkes Bay, so even if we use your "recent history is the only point of relevance" view, Auckland is still better.

again, Auckland won in 2007. Has Hawkes Bay won since then? Nope. Therefore Auckland has MORE *recent* success than hawkes bay.

Lakers have 15 titles. Juventus have 27. Admittedly a difference, but the basketball leagues under whatever name haven't been around as long.

The "gormless variant of rugby league" involving "headless chicken coconut rugby" has been much more successful than Hawkes Bay's "wonderful" coaching. When you guys yet again fail to win a title, we'll see how you explain that away.

again, all of TWO seasons ago, Auckland won a national championship UNBEATEN. Something Hawkes Bay couldn't even dream about.

Come on Vadz - over a quarter of the countries population lives up here, and that is the sort of rubbish they serve up?

Oh and the other thing? The ELV's are over. Rugby is back. The style of rugby you are talking about is over.

Lol.

North Harbour and Counties Manukau take up well over 500k people

As for the "ELVs" being over - we never won a championship under the ELVs. 2007 was under the OLD rules.

Fuck, you don't know anything about sport do you?

I am talking about Auckland rugby in general not versus Hawkes Bay.


Their most recent seasons (NPC and Super 14) were absolute shithouse ie 11th and 9th respectively.

Surely you gauge a team on their most recent results.....





P.S. (Love the way you left your quote out about judging a player/team on his/their day in, day out form over a season, as in the S14)

You judge a team over its entire history.

Most recent? So say I lose 50-7 but I outscore you 7-0 in the last 5 minutes, only that most recent bit counts?

HAAAAAAARRRRRRBOOOOOUUUURRRRR!!!!

Auckland got owned. No excuses.

However, it is only the first round. Canterbury got beaten also. They lost to Manawatu in their first game last season, but won the title. So I wouldn't get carried away.

Talk about salt in the wound!!

Not only did harbour win, they won showing a type of defensive grit and commitment I dont think Ive seen in a harbour jersey since the early 90's. Actually quite enjoyed the game





yaaaaaaargh. I will torture myself my adding up a $10 H2H Multi on this if Manawatu & the Naki get up

Hawkes Bay has the best coach in the competition. Once upon a time, that would have got you the All Black's job automatically. Now, you have to be on the inside with the professional haves in the big smoke as well.

1/ This weekend four of the five Super 14 Franchise teams lost in the National Championship. The one team that won, Wellington, was in a game against another Super 14 franchise holder so at least ONE of the vaunted "big five" HAD to win. I know they were short of their All Blacks, but it was something else that was missing. All the other ANZC winners were characteristed by enthusiasm, passion and the sort of unentitled common sense and hard work you see in those other coherent national competitions - the NRL and Currie Cup.

2/ The Hurricanes were also rans again in the Super 14, yet Colin Cooper is not just secure in his job - he is (in some quarters) being talked of as a potential All Black coach. Peter Russell barely gets a mention in the main-centre dominated media, yet he is no flash in the pan. He turned Waiarapa-Bush around. And now he has done the same for Hawkes Bay. Who is to say he couldn't do the same with an even better team?

3/ The All Blacks are facing a crisis, playing just about the stupidest rugby imaginable, display none of the common sense or simple rugby nouse of so-called lesser mortals in the ANZC and the selectors and coaches seem incapable of doing anything about it.

4/ According to everyone we apparently lack depth, with no viable alternatives in numerous postions. Yet two young first five eights - from Southland and Manawatu - were really good on the weekend.

What do all the above have in common? The NZRFU & the Super Unions are a monopoly obsessed with the a top down view of NZ Rugby. A paralysing complacency has set in, and none of the haves are interested in the cold dose of reality the have nots are dishing out to the unearned sense of entitlement that now pervades the Super Unions. My, how they must hate ANZC Cup! No wonder they want to devalue the competition- they've nothing to gain and everything to lose from having a strong National Championship!

We need more of the bracing dose of real competition brought into NZ Rugby by the ANZC, and pronto.

Fair enough. Wayne Pivac won 3 national championships. Pat Lam won 1, unbeaten. Surely Pivac has to be "next cab off the rank" using your "NPC is the key" criteria? Right?

also... when did Southland, manawatu, or Hawkes Bay last win a NPC title? If you want to have the NPC as the cornerstone of real competition etc, then it goes: Auckland, Canterbury, Wellington.

You can't have it both ways

could be worse..... you could have all lost to Southland like us.... Its hard to be a Waikato supprter sometimes.

But through thick and think we stay true!!

I just laugh at the haters Tucks

We've won a title, on average, every TWO FUCKING YEARS

What else do they want? Seriously.

2/1?. that doesnt make much sense vadz..some of those titles actually belong to North Harbour, as we have discussed and agreed apon.

So....if we take that into account, and add the factor of population imbalance etc.. Has AUCKLNND over achieved in provincuial rugby? I cbf doing the math right now.... but my super awesome odds radar tells me NO... or its close

You're an idiot

Auckland isn't "greater auckland"
Population of "Auckland" - that is, from Massey to Otahuhu - is ~500k.

1/8th the pop, 1/2 the titles

And we already showed how FEW titles Harbour had a share in. Wasn't it 2?

Im pretty happy with 2



fuck yeah! 1: 2:




HAAAAAARBOOOOOOOOUR

wait a minute...fuck off "share in two"


we GET two

Auckland team for the weekend:

AUCKLAND: 15 Paul Williams, 14 Dave Thomas, 13 Teddy Stanaway, 12 Benson Stanley, 11 Winston Stanley, 10 Daniel Bowden, 9 Grayson Hart, 8 Peter Saili, 7 Onosai'i Auva'a, 6 Kurtis Haiu, 5 Jay Williams, 4 Andrew Van der Heijden, 3 John Afoa, 2 Tom McCartney, 1 Tevita Mailau. Reserves: 16 Francis Smith, 17 Paea Fa'anunu, 18 Dean Budd, 19 Hamish Paterson, 20 Taniela Moa, 21 Ash Moeke, 22 Atieli Pakalani.

Good to see Benson is back.

Lachie amazing last night. With him and Lavea out of Auckland - what the fuck?

Give Bowden some time bro. He isn't doing anything wrong atm anyway.

Yeah but why do we need NEW guys when our OLD guys were winners

Lavea and Munro won us the title in 2007.

Auckland had a massive chance to win tonight
No matter. Rebuilding year. 2010, easy NPC winners. This year it's just about getting reps for a lot of the players

PS Bowden is NOT good enough. PLease, Lavea, Munro, come back. Seriously.

PS Benson, you're awesome. Winston sucks. Seriously. Like, as in, he's absolutely shite. Drop him!!

PS Paul Williams is AWESOME for a white guy. Give him a shave and a bit of space!!

Well, Hawke's Bay were awful yesterday! Fifteen mistakes! If they keep up that error rate they'll be at risk of being selected for the All Blacks.

Is it just me, or is all tthe most entertaining rugby being played in the afternoon? I wonder about night rugby's impact on the games. Handling error go up significantly at night with the dew and under lights especially with the skill levels at ANZC level. Is there any real reason why they have to ply ANZC games at night?

And if we are going to persist with night rugby and in particular with the All Blacks playing low percentage rugby at night in winter, then shouldn't we investigate fitting underfield heating systems at least in the main centres to keep the dew off the ground?

STAG RUGBY THIS IS LIVING!!!

Jamie Joseph...you da man.

Yeah, he must have a large sack




Fuck Graham though, Wellington are trying to retain the Ranfurly and win the NPC

Love the day time rugby. Plus spectators love it too. Especially if it is a nice day. Take the whole family and make a day out of it.

Fucked if I ever take Zenon to see 7:30 games at Eden Park. He goes to bed around that time. It's cold too.

Feel sorry for the players though... they play for the province and get good enough to play next level, but because they do, they lose the right to play for their province???

How can they earn their right to play for the All Blacks, if it means they can't play cause they are an All Black

I would tell wellington to f*ck and mve to a province that wants them.

I bet if the All Blacks weren't playing so shithouse, it wouldn't be an issue.....

I believe it isn't fair on AB's to just swan back into a Provincial team and knock out a player/players who have been training and playing and part of a 'team' just because they are back in the Country/close to home.

They are Professional athletes playing at the highest level- they should be fit enough and dialled oin- not needing NPC or lower level gametime.

Also, they can disrupt the flow of a team and make plays/combinations come unstuck and other players may drop their standard of play )that is not going to help them shine and try for higher honours).

In Wellingtons case, Joseph wants to try and win both the NPC and retain the Ranfurly. Having a consistent squad for the season is vital to that.

this.

If the ABs actually won all their games so far, you can bet Henry would've rested them.

He had pretty much said this, it wasn't planned they would return.

You are both taking a very political view rather than a players view IMO

I don't think anyone's right coach wise

"Joseph's right to do what he sees as best for his team"

"And Henry's right to want the All Blacks to be as prepared as they can for their next test"


But I think it is most unfair on the players, they are the pawns in this... should they be penalised because they have proven themselves good enough to be selected for the All Blacks? I'm sure all are very loyal to their province, cause that's where they shed blood and tears to become All Blacks in the first place, it's a kick in the teeth to be told you are not wanted because you have proven yourself. Not much reward for representing your country.

End of the day, everyone has there points on both sides, and both are right... the players are the ones that lose out most.

quotes from stuff

And in other news, Auckland who have not named any current ABs in their squad in the beginning of this season all of sudden have named four ABs to start in this weekend game against Northland...

LOL

Anywho, teams for the weekend:


NORTHLAND: Jared Payne (captain), Troy Woodman, Damien Fakafanua, Derek Carpenter, Rene Ranger, Lachie Munro, Luke Hamilton, Cameron Eyre, Matt Clutterbuck, Joel McKenty, Cameron Jowitt, Daniel Goodwin, Karl Haitana, Tim Dow, Bronson Murray. Reserves: Mikaele Tuu'u, Matt Wallis, Daniel Faleafa, Eroni Gadolo, Rhyan Caine, Jon Elrick, Brook Gilmore

AUCKLAND: Isaia Toeava, Joe Rokocoko, Winston Stanley, Benson Stanley (captain), Dave Thomas, Ash Moeke, Grayson Hart, Peter Saili, Onosa'i Auva'a, Jerome Kaino, Jay Williams, Kurtis Haiu, John Afoa, Tom McCartney, Pauliasi Manu. Reserves: Francis Smith, Paea Fa'anunu, Andrew Van der Heijden, Dean Budd, Auvasa Faleali'i, Jamie Helleur, Atieli Pakalani.

Provinces under pressure by Graham Henry to play ABs should tell him to go fuck himself.

On the other hand, maybe as fulltime flashed up in the BOP vs. Wellington game Jamie Joseph's mobile flashed up with a text from Graham Henry saying "LOLZ"

BOP = forces of light and good
Wellington = devil's spawn

What a performance by Auckland though.

Yeah, I thought BOP played exceptionally well. Delany looked sharp too.

Mako's were awesome.... Lavea who??



Think Canterbury will miss Carter

What isn't there to like about the Air New Zealand Cup?

I just watched a gutsy Manawatu beat an Otago team that featured a somewhat petulant Adam Thompson, the entitlement dripping from him was well and truly rubbed into the dirt by a Manawatu team that just wanted to win so much they jusr damn well MADE it happen.

The third Manawatu try was so beautiful it make made me want to weep. League has got nothing on union when try like that is scored. It is like watching an orrery of God's of rugby unfold.

Aaron Cruden played a faultless game then came off and said with perfect aplomb and no false modesty that they "like to play with flair and finesse" and they managed it.

Hubris. Honesty. Beauty. Talent. Who needs stale Super rugby and the tired tri-nations, what a great competition so far.

Manawatu = defense = awesome

That was an awesome game of rugby!

I picked that as my bolter this round!


The amount of righteous rugby anger out there in non-Super land is scary to behold.

I must say after being dismissive of he NPC for a number of years this seasons comp has me interested

Now if only it had a decent finals system and credible promotion/relegation process

(hmmm do they have an extended finals series for this? my bad if they do already)


HAAAARBBBBBOOOOUR!!@!@ btw

What do you mean by extended finals Maestie?

Teams for the shield game this weekend:

Auckland: Isaia Toeava, Paul Williams, Winston Stanley, Benson Stanley (c), Dave Thomas/Atieli Pakalani, Ash Moeke, Grayson Hart, Peter Saili, Onosai Auvaa, Dean Budd, Jay Williams, Kurtis Haiu, Tevita Mailau, Tom McCartney, Paea Fa'anunu. Reserves: Francis Smith, Charlie Faumuina, Andrew Van der Heijden, Hamish Paterson, Taniela Moa, Daniel Bowden, Jamie Helleur

Wellington: Buxton Popoalii, David Smith, Robert Fruean, Charlie Ngatai, Hosea Gear, Fa'atonu Fili, Alby Mathewson, Victor Vito, Serge Lilo, Mark Reddish, Daniel Ramsay, Jeremy Thrush, John Schwalger, Dane Coles, Jacob Ellison (c). Reserves: Ged Robinson, Neemia Tialata, Mathew Luamanu, Scott Fuglistaller, Ruki Tipuna, Daniel Kirkpatrick, Alipati Leuia.

And then the ABs game after this!

What a weekend of rugby coming up!

Northland (and Lachie) treated harbour like a cheap slut :> Great game

Youre an idiot Z. Game was very close if anything Harbour looked the better team and were unlucky

Auckland completely outplayed Wellington. They played with magic in their boots while the cynical fucking Wellingtonians were quite willing to cheat, drop goals, and play like South Africa

A horrible result.

vadz


you need a magical boot up yr azz. One thats so magic it knocks you sensible


imo

We still won with an obvious try disallowed by three idiotic officials.........

Umm, how was it obvious when they DIDNT SEE IT?

We made more linebreaks. We had a try disallowed too. I would bet $1,000 as well that there was a forward pass by Wellington that wasn't called in the last 3 minutes or so. There were also MULTIPLE times that David Smith especially was in front of the kicker when box-kicking.

Anyway, it doesn't really matter. Auckland > Wellington

Canterbury will take off em

The major talking point of the first half centred on referee Chris Pollock's decision to deny the well performed Fili a legitimate try in the 35th minute.

Fili latched on to a loose ball, toed ahead and regather before grounding it over the tryline but Pollock and his two touch judges were unsighted.

Pollock almost apologetically told Wellington captain that because the three officials were unsighted

If they didn't see it, how could they award it?

3/3 Officials not in a position to award a try????

How is that good officiating?

All Blacks now being released to play, some for one week and some for a two weeks.....

Available for one game:
Richie McCaw, John Afoa, Jimmy Cowan, Stephen Donald, Andrew Hore, Jerome Kaino, Ma'a Nonu, Joe Rokocoko, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Brad Thorn and Tony Woodcock.

Available for two games:
Wyatt Crockett, Aled de Malmanche, Jason Eaton, Tamati Ellison, Hosea Gear, Cory Jane, Tanerau Latimer, Brendon Leonard, Rodney So'oialo, Neemia Tialata, Isaia Toeava and Piri Weepu.

Waiting on injuries: Dan Carter and Kieran Read.

Much as I enjoyed the Sydney test, the two best games on the weekend for me were Manawatu vs. Otago and BOP vs. Waikato. Whilst tests are absorbing matters of inches, the rugby was more entertaining in the two ANZC games. A full house watching a team of desperate locals produce a gutsy result and/or entertaining rugby on a sunny late winters afternoon is the real deal.

Oh and isn't daytime rugby far, far superior to night rugby? The error rate is lower, the game is faster - everything is better in the afternoon.

Some of the results are fantastic. All Blacks, Super 14 and chosen, red-carpetted first XV/Academy/ANZC players are getting taught all sorts of rugby lessons in desperation, common sense, committment and old fashioned work ethics. The look of incredulous entitlement on the Wellington and Otago player's faces were priceless to behold when they lost, and had echoes of the looks on the All Black's faces after they lost in Cardiff. Mini-Cardiff's are happening up and down New Zealand every weekend, and bloody good job to. Better for top players to be reminded on a cold night in New Plymouth they still put their shorts on one leg at a time and have to earn every win than rediscover than truism in a RWC quarter final.

To me, the ANZC is better rugby than the Super 14 and All Blacks because the competition is more even, it is rooted in real places with real fans, teams have distinct styles and the fans can understand and identify with the game - forwards are forwards, backs are backs. The N.Z. Super 14 teams all play the same style. According to professional layer, we don't have any first fives. The ANZC is making a mockery of that claim.

I heard on the radio that ANZC cup audiences are up 88% on last season. Conversely, I believe the last Super 14 was down by up to 25%. I am not sure if they were talking about crowds or TV or both, but either way the NZRFU is being sent a huge message - and a huge warning - by the New Zealand rugby public.

The success of the ANZC is challenging some of the basic assumptions of the way NZRFU administer game. The public is turning its back on a professional game that is seen as out of touch, over-paid and under-performing and no longer reflecting "real" N.Z. rugby values.

Finally, provincial success is cyclical. Teams are not forever strong or weak, and we need to find a mechanism that will translates the reality that four of the five Super 14 franchises are extremely weak right now in their ANZC base. How about at the end of this season, the bottom four teams ANZC should be relegated. No formulas, if Auckland, Waikato, Nothland and Counties-Manakau are the last four then drop them.

And if the top finishing non-super union finishes ahead in the ANZC of the worst performing Super 14 franchise base, then the Super 14 team should automatically lose its franchise to the better performing ANZC cup team. In other words, if say BOP comes second in the ANZC cup, it will replace Otago in next years Super 14.

whilst i agree with some of your post FB.. there is no way these smaller unions doing so well in the ANZC could survive as a S14 franchise. I know ur all pro Hawkes Bay and fair enough they have played well last couple of years. But these smaller unions are struggling financially and i couldnt see any of them being viable options.

Besides viability, it would also mean every year the S14 teams could possibly change. How is that helping stabilise NZ rugby?

Whilst it is an interesting point, i just cant see it happening

Fuck you're an idiot.

Auckland has won HALF the titles.

There have only been FIVE different champions in the past 25 years

the NPC is FAR less even than the Super 14 or international rugby (the world cup has seen 4 different champs in 6 tournaments)

Also, if the NPC is the best type of rugby, why don't you give Auckland the respect it deserves for winning 16 titles instead of sucking the dick of Manawatu, Hawkes Bay etc - which haven't won for 30 years

Also how can you possibly justify Canterbury (6) titles or Auckland (16) being relegated because some team with NO SUCCESS EVER finishes a point or two above them. That's like saying a team that loses 50-21 actually won because it outscored its opposition 21-0 in the last 10, ignoring the previous 70 minutes

lol at Super 14 fans not being real.

I'm enjoying the Air New Zealand Cup more than Super 14, because all teams involved are from New Zealand and you tend to know some people from each province. So it's kinda makes it interesting for me. Plus I know a lot of players.