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Preview: Air NZ Cup, Round One

July 30 2009

Following Taranaki's season opening victory against Tasman, the action continues this weekend in Round One of the 2009 Air New Zealand Cup.

A rare provincial rugby outing for All Blacks fly-half Dan Carter will be an obvious focal point of the tournament's opening round following his rehabilitation from a serious Achilles tendon injury.

While Carter's comeback will be closely monitored, long-suffering Otago fans are more concerned with witnessing the return of an inanimate object to Dunedin - the Ranfurly Shield. And the southerners' visit to the capital represents one of their better opportunities to end a hoodoo that spans 52 years.

Hawke's Bay should also feel quietly confident of reprising their giant-killing reputation when a near unrecognisable Auckland front in Napier on Saturday, while Waikato venture south to Invercargill to face Southland.

Wellington vs Otago

Wellington Lions and Otago will be playing for the Ranfurly Shield and the Mike Gibson Memorial Trophy, in honour of the former Wellington and Otago midfielder, when they meet at Westpac Stadium on Friday in the opening round of the 2009 Air New Zealand Cup.

Ranfurly Shield holders Wellington are required to defend it six times this rugby season.

Their tenure with the trophy started on September 20 last year when they beat Auckland 27-0 at Eden Park. That victory ensured Wellington held the Log o' Wood for the first time since surrendering it to Canterbury in 1982. Wellington defended the shield once last season, repulsing the spirited challenge of Tasman 26-20.

Otago last held the Ranfurly Shield in 1957 when it won the prized Log o' Wood, ironically, off Wellington before coughing it up to Taranaki at season's end. It has had numerous close calls since, but has never been able to quite get over the line, giving rise to the theory that the southern union is jinxed.

Lions coaches Jamie Joseph and Andre Bell have named an exciting matchday 22 for the season opener, including four players making their Air New Zealand Cup debuts.

These are IRB U20 World Cup winners, number eight Mathew Luamanu and centre Shaun Treeby - both in the starting XV - while flanker Masefau Leuluniu and wing Alapati Leiua will start on the bench.

Additionally, replacement wing David Smith (Auckland), scrum-half Ruki Tipuna (Bay of Plenty) and lock Daniel Ramsey (Southland) will all make their championship debuts for Wellington should they take the field against Otago, after previously playing for other provinces in the Air New Zealand Cup.

The team, led by new captain and loosehead prop Jacob Ellison, features thirteen current Super 14 players including six of the eight starting forwards as well as the 2008 record breaking try-scorer Hosea Gear.

Otago coach Steve Martin had the luxury of having all but one player available for selection, with only prop Keith Cameron out through injury.

All Blacks flanker Adam Thomson will start on the blindside after recovering from the hand injury he sustained at Carisbrook last month, joining skipper Alando Soakai and Steven Setephano in an imposing loose forward trio.

Jason Macdonald has been given the nod at hooker ahead of Peter Mirrielees while Tom Donnelly and Hayden Triggs are in the second row. Former All Blacks prop Kees Meeuws is on the bench, but there is no room for league converts Ryan Shortland and Michael Witt.

Prediction: This one has the potential to go down to the wire with the Lions perhaps better equipped to claw their way to victory. Wellington to win by six points.

Wellington: 15 Buxton Popoali'i, 14 David Smith, 13 Robert Fruean, 12 Shaun Treeby, 11 Hosea Gear, 10 Daniel Kirkpatrick, 9 Alby Mathewson, 8 Mathew Luamanu, 7 Scott Fulistaller, 6 Victor Vito, 5 Jeremy Thrush, 4 Api Naikatini, 3 John Schwalger, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Jacob Ellison (c).

Replacements: 16 Ged Robinson, 17 Anthony Perenise, 18 Daniel Ramsay, 19 Masefau Leuluniu, 20 Ruki Tipuna, 21 Fa'atonu Fili, 22 Alapati Leiua.

Otago: 15 Ben Smith, 14 Karne Hesketh, 13 Brett Mather, 12 Andrew Parata, 11 Fetu'u Vainikolo, 10 Chris Noakes, 9 Sean Romans, 8 Steven Setephano, 7 Alando Soakai (c), 6 Adam Thomson, 5 Tom Donnelly, 4 Hayden Triggs, 3 Sam Hibbard, 2 Jason Macdonald, 1 Ben Nolan.

Replacements: 16 Peter Mirrieless, 17 Kees Meeuws, 18 Hoani Matenga, 19 Paul Grant, 20 Johnny Legg, 21 Glenn Dickson, 22 Luke Herden.

Bay Of Plenty vs Northland

Bay of Plenty's coaching structure remains in a state of flux ahead of their Air New Zealand Cup opener against Northland in Rotorua on Friday, with Greg Smith's future still unresolved.

Smith, who was appointed the Steamers head coach in March, was forced to take leave from the team earlier this week amid rumours of a player revolt and fall out with management.

He remained on the outer when the side had their final intensive training session ahead of their Round One clash.

Smith returned to Hamilton on Monday and Bay of Plenty chief executive Jeremy Curragh confirmed it could be "several days" before the former Waikato and Fiji representative's future was clarified.

Relieving Smith of his duties followed Bay of Plenty's fluctuating pre-season form. Quarter-finalists last season, they struggled to beat Counties-Manukau 28-19 before losing 7-35 to Hawke's Bay.

The Steamers have lost Tanerau Latimer to All Black duty but tearaway flanker Luke Braid is an able replacement. The loss of Jamie Nutbrown near the end of last season has been offset by the acquisition of Manu Samoa and former North Harbour scrum-half Junior Poluleuligaga.

Former Kiwis and New Zealand Warriors centre Clinton Toopi's provincial rugby debut has been delayed by a knee injury, but he should be available for selection in Round Three.

Northland's survival in the Premier Division is looking about as stable as the playing surface at Okara Park. The struggling union has been forced to play their opening home match against Taranaki at North Harbour Stadium but despite this - could yet surprise in their first hit-out against the Bay.

Former Auckland fly-half Lachie Munro gets the starting assignment and will be out to fill the void left my departed veteran pivot David Holwell. Prop Bronson Murray, who will lead the tight five, and winger Rene Ranger will both be looking to build on what have been decent seasons to date with strong campaigns.

Prediction: Coaching crises aside, the Steamers will be pretty hard to beat on their home turf - but expect the Taniwah to give them a good run for their money! Bay of Plenty to win by eight points.

Bay of Plenty: 15 Zar Lawrence, 14 Ben Smith, 13 Nigel Hunt, 12 Cory Aporo, 11 James Hona, 10 Mike Delany, 9 Junior Poluleuligaga, 8 Colin Bourke, 7 Luke Braid, 6 Solomon King, 5 Culum Retallick, 4 John Moore, 3 James McGougan, 2 John Pareanga, 1 Joe Savage (c).

Replacements: 16 Dean Elmiger, 17 Josh Hohneck, 18 Mark Burman, 19 Matt Vant Leven, 20 Nick McCashin, 21 Phil Burleigh, 22 Toby Arnold.

Northland: 15 Jared Payne (c), 14 Troy Woodman, 13 Brook Gilmore, 12 Derek Carpenter, 11 Rene Ranger, 10 Lachie Munro, 9 Luke Hamilton, 8 Cameron Eyre, 7 Matt Clutterbuck, 6 Joel McKenty, 5 Daniel Faleafa, 4 Daniel Goodwin, 3 Karl Haitana, 2 Tim Dow, 1 Bronson Murray.

Replacements: 16 Mikaele Tuu'u, 17 Matt Wallis, 18 Steve Baker, 19 Eroni Gadolo, 20 Rhyan Caine, 21 Jon Elrick, 22 Sione Fonua.

Hawke's Bay v Auckland

Auckland's new-look team faces a tough first-up assignment against a Hawke's Bay outfit brimming with experience at McLean Park in Napier on Saturday.

But Mark Anscombe's side will certainly not be intimidated as 12 players in the Auckland starting line-up have featured in the Super 14 this year.

Hard hitting centre Benson Stanley has been named as captain of this season's Auckland Air New Zealand Cup team, but after only returning to the fold recently following a horrific hamstring tear in February, Anscombe has opted to give his skipper more time to recover.

Flanker Kurtis Haiu will take over the mantle as captain for Saturday's game which also sees the imposing forward notch up his 50th cap for Auckland.

Auckland has won this championship 16 times since 1982, but last year demonstrated how vividly the once great union had fallen as they struggled to a 5-5 record and an unprecedented round-robin placing.

Hawke's Bay - the competition darlings - are no longer an unknown quantity but they still possess a powerful squad that should make some noise.

Thanks to the giddily heights of the semi-final finish last season a number of their troops are now Super Rugby hardened.

Prediction: It looks like being a massive task for this Auckland team, especially heading to McLean Park. They will cede the edge in talent and experience and will have to play above themselves to preserve their winning run over the Magpies. Hawke's Bay to win by five points.

Hawke's Bay: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Jason Kupa, 13 Jason Shoemark (c),12 Sam Giddens,11 Zac Guildford,10 Matt Berquist, 9 Chris Eaton, 8 Thomas Waldrom, 7 Karl Lowe, 6 Michael Johnson,5 Ross Kennedy, 4 Matt Egan, 3 Clint Newland, 2 Hika Elliot, 1 Sona Taumalolo.

Replacements: 16 Ash Dixon, 17 Josh Keys, 18 Adam Bradey, 19 George Naoupu, 20 Dane Shelford, 21 Andrew Horrell, 22 Richard Buckman.

Auckland: 15 Paul Williams, 14 Dave Thomas, 13 Winston Stanley, 12 Jamie Helleur, 11 Atieli Pakalani, 10 Daniel Bowden, 9 Taniela Moa; 8 Peter Saili, 7 Onosa'i Auva'a, 6 Kurtis Haiu, 5 Jay Williams, 4 Andrew Van der Heijden, 3 Tevita Mailau, 2 Tom McCartney, 1 Pauliasi Manu.

Replacements: 16 Francis Smith, 17 Charlie Faumuina, 18 Hamish Paterson, 19 Dean Budd, 20 Grayson Hart, 21 Ash Moeke, 22 Teddy Stanaway.

North Harbour v Canterbury

The biggest highlight to come out of this match is the naming of Dan Carter to start in the defending champions' first match of the Air New Zealand Cup.

The All Blacks star has not played a top-level game since injuring his Achilles while playing for Perpignan in France six months ago. It will be Carter's first game for Canterbury since 2006, when he played against Wellington in an NPC quarter-final.

Also returning from long-term injuries are wing James Paterson and hooker Ti'i Paulo. Both injured knees in last season's Air New Zealand Cup and have not played a first-class game since.

Paterson hurt his knee in Canterbury's semi-final victory over Hawkes Bay at AMI Stadium on October 18 and Paulo injured his a week earlier in the quarter-final win over Tasman.

Canterbury's new All Blacks, prop Wyatt Crockett and flanker George Whitelock - the captain of the Red and Blacks this season - will start against Harbour.

Colin Slade, who played at fly-half for the Junior All Blacks in Fiji recently, will start at full-back. Five players new to the Canterbury squad will be on the bench - hooker Will Catherwood, prop Andrew Olorenshaw, lock Luke Romano, flanker Matt Todd and halfback Willi Heinz.

Also on the bench is Stephen Brett, who played for the Junior All Blacks this season, and Adam Whitelock, who played an integral role in the backs for the Crusaders in this season's Super 14.

North Harbour, under the new coaching regime of Craig Dowd and Jeff Wilson, could probably do without Carter's presence as they strive to shed the union's reputation as a serial under achiever following last season's 12th placing.

Their own All Blacks contingent are not yet back to full strength with Rudi Wulf and Anthony Boric still nursing injuries. Converted midfielder Michael Harris goes head to head with Carter while on the bench the promising Ben Botica - the 19-year-old son of former All Black Frano - is poised to make an impact at some stage this season.

Prediction: Easiest pick of Round One we reckon! Canterbury to win by ten points or more.

North Harbour: 15 Jack McPhee, 14 Anthony Tuitavake (c), 13 George Pisi, 12 Andrew Mailei, 11 Ken Pisi, 10 Mike Harris, 9 Chris Smylie, 8 Vili Ma'afu, 7 Malakai Ravulo, 6 Chris Smith, 5 Filo Paulo, 4 James King, 3 Ben Afeaki, 2 James Parson, 1 James Afoa.

Replacements: 16 Mike Mayhew, 17 Mike Reid, 18 Richard Mayhew, 19 Robbie Colhoun, 20 Matt France, 21 Ben Botica, 22 Nafi Tuitavake.

Canterbury: 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 (c), 6 Michael Paterson, 5 James Broadhurst, 4 Sam Whitelock, 3 Peter Borlase, 2 Ti'i Paulo, 1 Wyatt Crockett.

Replacements: 16 Will Catherwood, 17 Andrew Olorenshaw, 18 Luke Romano, 19 Matt Todd, 20 Willi Heinz, 21 Stephen Brett, 22 Adam Whitelock.

Southland v Waikato

Waikato comes off a good pre-season win against Taranaki to retain the Ryan Wheeler Memorial Trophy but has a huge test against Southland in the Air New Zealand Cup opener on Saturday.

Waikato rugby coach Chris Gibbes has named dumped All Black Liam Messam to head his new-look loose trio from number eight.

Messam, the Mooloo captain, will combine with rookies Jack Lam (openside) and Dominiko Waqaniburotu (blindside) who will both make their Air NZ Cup debuts in Invercargill.

Lam played nine games for Tasman in last year's provincial competition and Fijian-born Waqaniburotu will get his first taste of rugby at this level. The Japan-bound Sione Lauaki has not been included in the 22 to travel south.

Waikato will send out an experienced front row to take on the Stags. Loosehead Ben May, hooker Ole Avei and tighthead Nathan White have nearly 80 Air NZ Cup matches between them.

With Kevin O'Neill still recovering from a rib injury sustained in the pre-season, Kent Fife will partner Toby Lynn in the Mooloo second row.

In the backs, Roimata Hansell-Pune gets the nod for the vacant centre position, combining with Callum Bruce at second five and Sam Christie at number ten. Tim Mikkelson and Dwayne Sweeney provide the pace out wide, with Sosene Anesi, who's said to be discussing a move to the Waratahs, at the back.

Gibbes said his team has plenty of respect for the Stags as they head to one of the toughest places to visit in the competition.

"We know it will be a big challenge. Our boys are excited by the opportunity to take on Southland first up," said the first-year coach.

"The Stags are certainly a good side and they have consistency with their coaches and players. We know they'll be keen to build on their success of last year. It is going to be a good battle."

Waikato has won 22 of the 29 times these provinces have met with the Stags having not beaten the Mooloo men since 2003.

Prediction: The full red, black and yellow pack will have to be in form on Saturday as Southland is looking more established than it has for a long while. Waikato to win by four points.

Southland: 15 Robbie Robinson, 14 Pehi Te Whare, 13 Kenny Lynn, 12 Jason Kawau, 11 Matt Saunders/Tony Koonwaiyou, 10 James Wilson, 9 Scott Cowan, 8 Hua Tamariki, 7 Tim Boys, 6 John Hardie, 5 Joe Tuineau, 4 Josh Bekhuis, 3 Chris King, 2 David Hall, 1 Jamie Mackintosh (c).

Replacements: 16 Jason Rutledge, 17 Fai Mika, 18 Dave Gannon, 19 Dion Bates, 20 Sonny Rangitoheriri, 21 Tony Koonwaiyou/Seminar Manu, 22 Mark Wells.

Waikato: 15 Sosene Anesi, 14 Tim Mikkelson, 13 Roimata Hansell-Pune, 12 Callum Bruce, 11 Dwayne Sweeney, 10 Sam Christie, 9 David Bason, 8 Liam Messam (c), 7 Jack Lam, 6 Dominiko Waqaniburotu, 5 Kent Fife, 4 Toby Lynn, 3 Nathan White, 2 Ole Avei, 1 Ben May.

Replacements: 16 Vern Kamo, 17 Hikairo Forbes, 18 Romana Graham, 19 Jordan Smiler, 20 Josh Sutherland, 21 Trent Renata, 22 Save Tokula.

Counties Manukai v Manawatu

Counties Manukau and Manawatu can repeat their first round glory of 2008 in the round-closing clash providing the perennial strugglers do not concoct a stalemate in Palmerston North on Sunday.

Manawatu started their last campaign by upsetting Canterbury in Christchurch while Counties Manukau added to the first round mystique by downing Auckland on the return to their spiritual home in Pukekohe.

The Blues could not prise Carter north but Counties have acquired former Canterbury B fly-half Josh Hall, whose arrival has pushed the experienced Tasesa Lavea to midfield.

Prediction: We tempted to go for a draw! But there can only be one winner and we'll opt for the men in green to come up with the goods. The Turbos to win by ten points.

Counties: 15 Ahsee Tuala, 14 Lelia Masaga, 13 Siale Piutau, 12 Tasesa Lavea (c), 11 Sherwin Stowers, 10 Josh Hall, 9 Notise Tauafao, 8 Viliami Fihaki/Fritz Lee, 7 Mark Selwyn, 6 Sikeli Nabou, 5 Rees Logan, 4 Jamie Chipman, 3 Simon Lemalu, 2 Matt Holloway, 1 Kojak Faioso.

Replacements: 16 Ilaisa Maasi, 17 Graham Dewes, 18 DJ Forbes, 19 Viliami Fihaki/Fritz Lee, 20 August Pulu, 21 Seremaia Tagicakibau, 22 Tim Nanai-Williams.

Manawatu: 15 Casey Stone, 14 Andre Taylor, 13 Johnny Leota,12 Francis Bryant, 11 Lote Raikabula, 10 Aaron Cruden, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Bertus Mulder, 7 Doug Tietjens, 6 Nick Crosswell, 5 James Goode,4 Michael Fitzgerald, 3 David Te Moana, 2 Sean O'Connor, 1 Grant Polson,

Replacements: 16 Rob Foreman, 17 Talau Hala, 18 Lisiate Fa'Aoso, 19 Hamish Gosling, 20 Isaac Thompson, 21 Tevita Taufui, 22 Kurt Baker.