News
Preview: Air NZ Cup, Part Two
July 31 2008
It's Round One of the Air New Zealand Cup, and with Northland and Bay of Plenty seeing off Waikato and Tasman in the tournament openers on Thursday - expect the unexpected again this weekend.
The usual suspects will contend for the title, but don't be surprised if another fairytale run - a la Hawke's Bay 2007 - will again capture the imagination of an unlikely provincial city.
There will be plenty of questions that need answering this season:
How will the provincial players and coaches cope under the ELV's for the first time?
Will the crowds show up?
Will the absence of the All Blacks and overseas defections even up the competition?
Will it be business as usual for the Super 14 franchise bases or will the minnows roar?
Can Auckland retain the Ranfurly Shield?
And arguably most importantly, will their place on the table dictate some teams' survival next year?
The 2008 domestic season is as intriguing as ever.
The two Friday games see Taranaki host North Harbour in New Plymouth and Wellington at home to Hawke's Bay.
On Saturday, Canterbury face Manawatu in Christchurch, while Southland host Otago in what is expected to be a sizling derby encounter in chilly Invercargill.
Defending champions Auckland kick-start their campaign on Sunday when they face Counties Manukau in Pukekohe.
Taranaki v North Harbour
Often slow out of the blocks, North Harbour will need to hit their 2008 campaign running if they want to banish the memories of last year.
After a disappointing season, North Harbour are primed to become a genuine contender for the last eight - starting with an away fixture against last year's quarter-finalists, Taranaki.
Due to a poor finish last season, the 2008 draw also does them no favours. Harbour have to contend with heavyweights Wellington, Waikato, Canterbury and Auckland in round robin fixtures, which is why a win in New Plymouth is a must.
But they will have to get past bruising lock/loose forward Nemia Soqeta who is a surprise inclusion in the starting XV for Taranaki.
Soqeta, a younger brother of former Taranaki loose forward Tomasi, will start on the blindside flank against North Harbour at Yarrow Stadium.
The 23-year-old 120kg Soqeta, is one of five newcomers in the Taranaki team. He joins centres Jonathan Spratt and Corey Niwa, Hurricanes pivot Willie Ripia and former Counties-Manukau number eight Taiasina Tuifua.
"He's earned his spot. He's been consistent and has a good work rate. He's physical, he can carry the ball well and can offload," Kennedy said.
"He's a type of player who can commit the defence."
Friday's game also sees the return to rugby of unwanted All Blacks lock Jason Eaton, who has been sidelined since playing for New Zealand Maori in the Pacific Nations Cup.
In an interesting move, Saracens lock Tom Ryder, who missed selection in the 26-strong squad named for the competition, has been included on the bench, after impressing in last week's hitout between a Taranaki XV and an invitation XV.
Ryder has won his spot on the reserves bench ahead of Leon Power.
"Tom was always part of our training group and he was outstanding last week. He's highly competitive and his ruck cleanouts were excellent. It was one of the best lock displays I've seen since arriving here," said Kennedy.
"It was a tough call on Leon, who was outstanding in the line-outs against Wellington."
Kennedy isn't bending the rules by playing Ryder.
All teams in the competition can go outside their selected 26 players if they wish.
The New Zealand Rugby Union funds 26 players for each union - any extras used must be funded by individual unions.
In this case, it's Ryder.
It's understood Taranaki has four players contracted outside the 26 - Ryder, Fijian winger Iliesa Keresoni, former Canterbury half-back Breydon Phillips and South African loose forward Francois Prinsloo.
Any one, or all four, can be used during the competition.
Prediction: This one is set to be a major arm-wrestle, but we feel North Harbour might be missing that extra muscle to see this opener through. Taranaki to win by three points.
Teams:
Taranaki: 15 Asalemo Malo, 14 Paul Perez, 13 Jonathan Spratt, 12 Corey Niwa, 11 Shayne Austin, 10 Willie Ripia, 9 Brett Goodin, 8 Taiasina Tuifua, 7 Scott Waldrom, 6 Nemia Soqeta, 5 Craig Clarke, 4 Jason Eaton, 3 Hamish Mitchell, 2 Laurence Corlett, 1 Tony Penn (captain).
Replacements: 16 James Annabell, 17 Shane Cleaver, 18 Tom Ryder, 19 Alex Tulou, 20 Brendan Haami, 21 Nathan Hohaia, 22 Jack Cameron.
North Harbour: 15 George Pisi, 14 Viliame Waqaseduadua, 13 Jamie Helleur, 12 Mike Harris, 11 Rudi Wulf, 10 Jimmy Gopperth (captain), 9 Chris Smylie, 8 Viliame Maafu, 7 Robbie Colhoun, 6 Tom Chamberlain, 5 Bernie Upton, 4 Chris Smith, 3 Sam Biddles, 2 James Hinchco, 1 James Afoa.
Replacements: 16 James Parsons, 17 Michael Reid, 18 Richard Mayhew, 19 Malakai Ravulo, 20 Matt France, 21 Nafi Tuitavake, 22 Hayden Abercrombie.
Date: Friday, August 1
Venue: Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth
Date: 19:35 (07:35 GMT)
Referee: Kelvin Deaker
TMO: Garratt Williamson
Wellington v Hawke's Bay
The Magpies will be out to prove that 2007 was no flash in the pan when they open this year's Air New Zealand Cup campaign against Wellington.
After dominating the second division for much of the noughties they shocked everyone (and probably themselves) when they went all the way to an unlikely semi-final berth last season.
But after such lofty heights, second-year syndrome is likely to bite with the Magpies no longer having the element of surprise.
However if pre-season form is any indicator, the boys from the Bay should re-emerge in play-off calculations. They have comfortably disposed of North Harbour, Waikato and Taranaki in successive weeks.
They also enjoy the luxury of avoiding Auckland and North Harbour in the round-robin phase and with All Black in waiting, Hika Elliot and experienced half-back Danny Lee leading the way, the Magpies should give the Lions something to worry about.
Current form isn't the only reason for Wellington nerves ahead of their Air New Zealand Cup opener.
A year ago a team of unknowns from Hawke's Bay stunned their star-studded rivals with an 8-6 win in Napier.
Last year's game was marred by prop Clint Newland's controversial punch on All Black Neemia Tialata.
Neither Newland nor Tialata are playing, with Newland out for the season following a shoulder injury while Tialata is on All Blacks duty.
Under a new coach and hunting an elusive title since winning the NPC in 2000, the Lions will need to get their campaign off with a roar and plenty of bite.
Former All Black, Jamie Joseph, takes over the coaching reigns and his no-nonsense approach should result in a more disciplined Wellington side which has been guilty of being frivolous in the past.
A storming second half win over competition favourites Canterbury in their last pre-season hit-out, signals a team that is ready to launch from the very first whistle.
And with Daniel Kirkpatrick (Player of the Tournament in the U20 World Cup in Wales) named at pivot for the Lions' opening clash, the hosts have a fresh and dangerous look about them.
In fact, six players are set to make their Air New Zealand Cup debuts for the Wellingtonians.
Michael Hobbs starts at centre, while flanker Scott Fuglistaller, scrum-half Tomasi Palu and outside back Tu Umaga-Marshall will earn their first tournament caps should they take the field from the bench.
Two further players, winger Brendan Watt and reserve hooker Ged Robinson, are named to play their first Air New Zealand Cup games for the Lions after previously representing other provinces.
The starting fifteen features two players who will make their run-on debuts after impressing off the bench in 2007.
These are hooker Dane Coles, who helped ignite the Lions season when scoring two tries in three minutes as a replacement in the first round against Otago, and Kirkpatrick.
Centre and 2007 Wellington Lions Player of the Year Tamati Ellison captains the side in the absence of season captain Piri Weepu, who has been called into the All Blacks to play Australia on Saturday, with Alby Mathewson wearing the number nine jersey and Palu starting off the bench as his back-up.
An experienced Lions forward pack has been named, including All Blacks blindside flanker Chris Masoe, lock Ross Filipo and tighthead prop John Schwalger and current Hurricanes Jacob Ellison, Jeremy Thrush and Thomas Waldrom.
Prediction: It will be close, perhaps too close for Wellington's liking. But home ground advantage must work in favour of the Lions. Wellington to sneak home by four points.
Teams:
Wellington: 15 Cory Jane, 14 Brendan Watt, 13 Tamati Ellison (c), 12 Michael Hobbs, 11 Hosea Gear, 10 Daniel Kirkpatrick, 9 Alby Mathewson, 8 Thomas Waldrom, 7 Serge Lilo, 6 Chris Masoe, 5 Jeremy Thrush (vice-captain), 4 Ross Filipo, 3 John Schwalger, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Jacob Ellison.
Replacements: 16 Ged Robinson, 17 Anthony Perenise, 18 Api Naikatini, 19 Victor Vito, 20 Scott Fuglistaller, 21 Tomasi Palu, 22 Tu Umaga-Marshall.
Hawke's Bay: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Jason Kupa, 13 Jason Shoemark, 12 Sam Giddens, 11 Zac Guildford, 10 Matt Berquist, 9 Danny Lee (c) , 8 George Naoupu, 7 Karl Lowe, 6 Michael Johnson, 5 Bryn Evans, 4 Matt Egan, 3 Tom Simpson, 2 Hika Elliot, 1 Sona Taumalolo.
Replacements: 16 Ash Dixon, 17 Josh Keys, 18 Johan Snyman, 19 Adam Bradey, 20 Chris Eaton, 21 Daniel Waeng, 22 Bruno Cuezzo.
Venue: Westpac Stadium, Wellington
Kick-off: 19:35 (07:35 GMT)
Referee: Keith Brown
TMO: Mike Fraser
Saturday, August 2
Canterbury v Manawatu
It's a leap in to the unknown for Canterbury against Manawatu in the first round of the Air New Zealand Cup this Saturday at AMI Stadium.
While some of the Manawatu squad has had Super 14 experience, the bulk of the squad has significantly less big match experience than their Canterbury opponents.
As a result of that and the fact that this is the first round of the competition, Canterbury will be going in to the match somewhat blind.
Minus a costly second-half slump against Wellington in a pre-season warm-up match, Canterbury has had a sound build-up leading in to the competition.
Following a successful Crusaders season can be both a help and a hindrance for the Canterbury provincial side: a help in the sense that confidence is high, but a hindrance in the sense that every union knows you are the side to beat.
Still, Canterbury will be taking nothing for granted against the Turbos.
"They are a good side and their results improved significantly last year," said Canterbury coach Rob Penney.
"We will be taking nothing for granted (against them) and we know that we are going to have to play well to beat them."
One of the features for the match against Manawatu on Saturday sees three Whitelock brothers in the team, lock Sam and centre Adam make their debuts, while Crusaders flanker George will start from the bench.
It is more about who is not there, as injury and illness has kept Steven Brett, Isaac Ross, Corey Flynn, Ti'i Paulo, Casey Laulala, Michael Paterson and Sean Maitland sidelined.
Former Manawatu boy Hamish Gard will start in the number ten jersey.
The challenge for Manawatu is to continue to improve on their reasonable results achieved last season.
While national expectations may not have been significant last year, Manawatu did themselves proud with two wins and a draw in the 2007 Air New Zealand Cup.
Drawing with Otago was especially pleasing, although they will be looking to improve on their overall results this season.
Their big strength is that they now have a group of players who are more experienced and hardened in the harsh world of Air New Zealand Cup rugby.
"They have been there and done that now," said Turbos coach Dave Rennie.
"And I think they are stronger as a result."
Undoubtedly Manawatu has plenty of talent from which to call on. Electing a policy of developing and investing in local players, they have shown that you don't have to be a Super 14 host union to build a good team.
Hayden Triggs and Johnny Leota both had fine seasons with the Highlanders this year, reinforcing the belief that better performances are to come from this side.
The exciting thing about the Turbos is that because most of their players are homegrown, they have an identity and an emotional connection with their province. Manawatu is not just a team for these players, it is a heritage.
While Manawatu may not have the depth of other unions, they have the spirit that comes from being a part of the heartland of New Zealand rugby.
They will be no easy-beats. Pre-season, their results have been promising (including an away win against Taranaki).
Saturday therefore promises to be a jump in to the unknown for both provinces.
While Canterbury will start favourites, form at this stage of the season means nothing.
While on an individual level it will be exciting to see a number of highly promising young players make their mark on the national scene, collectively it will be an interesting look at which of these provinces is set to shine in 2008.
Prediction: While it is unrealistic to expect Canterbury to produce their best rugby in Round One, they will still be hoping to gain some momentum that will hold them in good stead later in the season. Canterbury to win by ten points.
Canterbury: 15 Paul Williams, 14 Scott Hamilton, 13 Adam Whitelock, 12 Tim Bateman, 11 James Paterson, 10 Hamish Gard, 9 Tyson Keats, 8 Mose Tuiali'i, 7 Hayden Hopgood, 6 Kieran Read (captain), 5 James Broadhurst, 4 Sam Whitelock, 3 Campbell Johnstone, 2 Steve Fualau, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Replacements: 16 Richard Wheeler, 17 Owen Franks, 18 George Whitelock, 19 Nasi Manu, 20 Steve Alfeld, 21 Colin Slade, 22 Kosuke Endo.
Manawatu: 15 Francisco Bosch, 14 Andre Taylor, 13 Johnny LEOTA, 12 Francis Bryant, 11 Aaron James, 10 Matthew James, 9 Aaron Good, 8 Nick Crosswell, 7 Josh Bradnock (C), 6 Hamish Gosling, 5 James Goode, 4 Hayden Triggs, 3 Talau Hala, 2 Rob Foreman, 1 Grant Polson.
Replacements: 16 Sean O'Connor, 17 David Moana, 18 Doug Tietjens, 19 Adaam Ross, 20 Aaron Smith, 21 Aaron Cruden, 22 Lote Cruden.
Venue: AMI Stadium, Christchurch
Kick-off: 14:35 (02:35 GMT)
Referee: Matt Stanish
TMO: Lyndon Bray
Southland v Otago
A return to Otago's glory days is someway off yet but they will be looking to build on last year's solid showing (five wins, one draw, and four losses) when they take on their neighbours from the Deep South.
Each side is missing one player with the All Blacks and a number of well-performed veterans who have gone offshore in the last 12 months.
Two Otago regulars of recent seasons, Chris King and Matt Saunders, are now in the enemy camp but both sides would claim their strength is up front despite each making a couple of back-line gains.
But the departure of honourary scarfie, Craig Newby, to Leicester at the end of the season will leave a mighty void down south and his Otago team-mates will want to send out the former All Black in proper fashion.
Southland had two pre-season wins, including a 43-36 job against Otago in a non first-class fixture. Other matches saw Canterbury defeat the Stags but North Harbour were sorted out 22-3. Otago lost both their pre-season fixtures, with the other defeat being a heavy one against Wellington.
So it's safe to say that the Stags, whether they like it or not, are heading into this match with the favourites tag pinned firmly on the backsides.
It's a dramatic reversal in fortune for the two Highlanders franchise partners, even taking into account Southland has won their previous two games against the blue-and-golds - a pre-season encounter earlier this month and last season's historic victory at Carisbrook.
However, Southland's co-coach David Henderson was quick to play down the favourites tag.
"I don't read too much into that," he said.
"(Otago) are going to be tough.
"Obviously they've got a few missing and we've got a few of our key players missing too. It evens things up, doesn't it?"
Southland have beaten Otago only twice in more than two decades at Rugby Park in championship encounters, but these are changing times.
Southland do their set pieces well and will look to Super 14 players King and Hoani MacDonald, in particular, to make sure this happens again. The line-out was the country's best, by some margin, a year ago and that could be vital in what promise to be difficult conditions.
Scott Cowan, Jimmy's younger brother and also a scrum-half, is an interesting newcomer who has been travelling well.
Otago will want lock Tom Donnelly to lead the way in line-out battles and the useful loose trio of Paul Grant, Newby and Seko Qaraniqio to get into the game early.
Good kicking and accurate tackling will be the order of the day for both backlines if the weather remains nasty.
Prediction: Southland to continue their impressive pre-season form with another win over their southern neighbours. Stags by six points.
Southland: 15 Mark Wells, 14 Matt Saunders, 13 Kendrick Lynn, 12 Jason Kawau (c), 11 Pehi Te Whare, 10 Blair Stewart, 9 Dane Shelford, 8 Noa Soqeta, 7 Tim Boys, 6 Hoani Macdonald, 5 Daniel Ramsay, 4 Josh Bekhuis, 3 Chris King, 2 Matt Holloway, 1 Fai Mika.
Replacements: 16 Jason Rutledge, 17 Michael Peterson, 18 Dion Bates, 19 Hua Tamariki/John Hardie, 20 Scott Cowan, 21 Willie Rickards, 22 Robbie Robinson.
Otago: 15 Glen Horton, 14 Karne Hesketh/Ben Smith, 13 Brett Mather, 12 Aaron Bancroft, 11 Lucky Mulipola, 10 Chris Noakes, 9 Toby Morland, 8 Paul Grant, 7 Craig Newby (c), 6 Seko Qaraniqio, 5 Tom Donnelly, 4 Ross Kennedy, 3 Jed Vercoe, 2 Jason Macdonald, 1 Keith Cameron.
Replacements: 16 Peter Mirrielees, 17 Jeremy Aldworth, 18 Uili Koloofai, 19 Hoani Matenga, 20 Sean Romans, 21 Dan Snee, 22 Ben Smith/Casey Stone.
Venue: Rugby Park Stadium, Invercargill
Kick-off: 16:35 (04:35 GMT)
Referee: Chris Pollock
TMO: Shane McDermott
Sunday, August 3
Counties Manukau v Auckland
Counties Manukau will be buoyed by a return to their traditional home of Pukekohe on Sunday, but face a David-and-Goliath task in the opening round of the Air New Zealand Cup.
Counties Manukau, bottom of the table last year after a winless campaign, will host big brothers Auckland, the defending champions and Ranfurly Shield holders.
2007 saw them stutter through the season to end with the worst record (1 draw, 9 losses) and the Steelers will be desperate to put some wins together so they can keep their participation in next year's tournament alive.
They did manage to score a win against Tasman in pre-season action but were hammered 28-0 by Northland in their last hit out on the weekend.
The Steelers are one of five teams with a new coach, Greg Aldous graduating to national provincial championship level after stints with the Auckland Colts and the Counties Manukau development team.
Those two previous jobs mean Aldous will have insights into players in both sides running out at an upgraded Growers Stadium.
But Aldous said he was less concerned about the Aucklanders he had worked with than in getting his own personnel to stick to a game-plan that they trusted.
"If we get caught up on the opposition, we'll take our eyes off the ball," he said.
"Obviously, we've done a little bit of analysis on Auckland, but we'll just back ourselves."
Apart from a change of coach, Counties Manukau have plenty of new faces in their playing roster.
The recruits include New Zealand Sevens captain D J Forbes, Southland prop Jayden Murch, and backs with Super 14 experience in Romi Ropati and Tasesa Lavea.
Given the dreadful weather that has soaked Auckland in the last week, one suspects Counties Manukau will need all the experienced men to stand tall together.
Among factors that will lift the Steelers is the return to Pukekohe for their home day matches, although night fixtures will still be north of the border at Mount Smart Stadium.
Auckland are also much altered, with coach Pat Lam losing 15 players, including nine All Blacks, to overseas clubs or retirement, but they remain among the title favourites.
After easy Ranfurly Shield defences on the road against Poverty Bay and North Otago, Auckland fell to Tasman 31-19 in their last build-up match.
The two sides have met 50 times since 1956 and Auckland have been dominant - 39 wins against the 10 from the Steelers. Counties last beat Auckland in 1998, while Auckland once put 110 points up against the Steelers in an 85-point (100-15) winning margin in 2004.
Prediction: This is one game where we feel confident the winner will take all five points. Auckland to win big.
Counties Manukau: 15 Tim Nanai-Williams, 14 Lelia Masaga, 13 Niva Ta'auso, 12 Romi Ropati, 11 Siale Piutau, 10 Dean Cummins, 9 Kevin Farrell, 8 Fritz Lee, 7 DJ Forbes, 6 Gary Saifoloi/Viliami Fihaki, 5 Andrew Van der Heijden, 4 Dave Duley (c), 3 Jayden Murch, 2 Lance Po-ching, 1 Simon Lemalu.
Replacements: 16 Cody Martin, 17 Eugene Beneke, 18 Jamie Chipman, 19 Gary Saifoloi/Viliami Fihaki, 20 Samisoni Fisilau, 21 Tanner Vili, 22 David Raikuna.
Auckland: 15 Isaia Toeava, 14 Jarek Goebel, 13 Winston Stanley, 12 Ben Atiga (captain), 11 David Smith, 10 Lachie Munro, 9 Taniela Moa, 8 Chris Lowrey, 7 Onosa'i Auva'a, 6 Kurtis Haiu, 5 Jay Williams, 4 Stanley Haukinima, 3 Nick White, 2 Tom McCartney, 1 Paea Fa'anunu.
Replacments: 16 Pauliasi Manu,17 Tevita Mailau, 18 Charlie Faumuina, 19 Dean Budd, 20 Daniel Braid, 21 Grayson Hart, 22 Mapa Tuipulotu
Venue: Pukekohe
Kick-off: 14:35 (04:35)
Referee: Bryce Lawrence
TMO: Ben Skeen