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Preview: Air NZ Cup, Round Two

August 06 2009

Round Two of the Air New Zealand Cup is already in full swing after Northland dispatched Taranaki in a surprising result, but you can expect plenty more of the same this weekend!

Proof that rugby's domestic order is in fact in disorder was readily apparent as the Air New Zealand Cup swung into action last weekend.

The opening round of the domestic showpiece threw up all manner of interesting results, from the mauling inflicted on Auckland by Hawke's Bay to reigning champions Canterbury coming a cropper against North Harbour.

Throw in some feel good outcomes such as Southland's nuggety home win over Waikato as well as Wellington's come-from-behind Ranfurly Shield win over Otago, and the competition's initial offerings promise a season of wildly fluctuating results.

A pulsating win for Manawatu has lifted them to an early share of the lead on the table following Round One. Their 36-31 win over Counties-Manukau has lifted them to equal first on five points alongside Hawke's Bay.

Taranaki and Southland round out the top four on four points.

Defending champions Canterbury earned just a point while Auckland are yet to get off the mark in last place following their thumping by the Magpies last Saturday.

North Harbour vs Tasman

North Harbour will enter their Round Two clash in Albany as favourites against Tasman after seeing off Canterbury a week earlier.

North Harbour saved the northern city's honour by beating the defending champs 22-19 last weekend, with Michael Harris overshadowing Daniel Carter's much anticipated return to the first-class arena.

It was apparent from the outset the North Harbour side wanted to make an impression that it was an improved combination on that which played so disappointingly last year.

The news only gets better for Harbour fans as the team welcome back Luke McAlister from All Black duty and Rudi Wulf from injury to reinforce their bench. McAlister will make his first provincial appearance for his home union since leaving for England after the 2007 World Cup, while Wulf launches his bid for All Black reselection after hurting a shoulder during training ahead of the first French Test in June.

Wulf dropped out of the All Black squad and was replaced by Wellington full-back Cory Jane for the early season internationals while specialist wings Lelia Masaga and Hosea Gear also staked their claims in his absence.

North Harbour coach Craig Dowd resisted the urge to start his returning All Blacks and has made only minor changes to the side that defended superbly against the Cantabs. Goal-kicking pivot Harris and centre Andrew Mailei have been retained, leaving McAlister to slot in later in the match in either position.

Dowd has promoted Nafi Tuitavake to the left wing in place of Ken Pisi, who drops out of the squad, while Michael Reid starts at loosehead prop in place of the benched James Afoa. Robbie Colhoun also starts on the openside flank with Malakai Ravulo reverting to the bench.

Meanwhile, Tasman Makos coaches Kieran Keane and Bevan Cadwallader have beefed up their forward pack. Keane said that with Harbour having such a big forward pack, it was important that the Makos did as much as they could to match them in that department.

They lacked grunt and intensity in the go-forward department against Taranaki, both with ball in hand and at the breakdown, and struggled to set a platform at lineout time. The lateral movement provided easy targets for the eager Taranaki defenders to force turnovers, one of which led directly to a fine try by wing Shayne Austin late in the match which effectively sealed the result.

Zac Taulafo comes into the starting line-up at loosehead prop in place of Tristan Moran, who drops to the bench while Alex Ainley, starts ahead of James Foster in the second row. Daniel Crichton comes in on the blindside flank, replacing Daniel Hyatt, who has dropped to the bench. In the backline, Matty James replaces the injured James Marshall at fly-half and Blair Cook comes in on the right wing in place of James Kamana.

Prediction: We bet against North Harbour last weekend (as did most pundits!), but we learnt our lesson and won't be making the same mistake twice. Harbour to win by ten points.

North Harbour: 15 Jack McPhee, 14 Anthony Tuitavake (c), 13 George Pisi, 12 Andrew Mailei, 11 Nafi Tuitavake, 10 Michael Harris, 9 Chris Smylie, 8 Viliame Ma'afu, 7 Robbie Colhoun, 6 Chris Smith, 5 Filo Paulo, 4 James King, 3 Ben Afeaki, 2 James Parsons, 1 Michael Reid.
Replacements: 16 Michael Mayhew, 17 James Afoa, 18Richard Mayhew, 19 Malakai Ravulo, 20 Matt France, 21 Luke McAlister, 22 Rudi Wulf.

Tasman: 15 Robbie Malneek, 14 Blair Cook, 13 Kade Poki, 12 Andrew Goodman (c),11 Afeleki Pelenise, 10 Matty James, 9 Kahn Fotuali'i, 8 Mark Bright, 7 Jonathan Poff, 6 Daniel Crichton, 5 Joe Wheeler, 4 Alex Ainley, 3 Ben Franks, 2 Daniel Perrin, 1 Zac Taulafo.
Replacements: 16 Quentin MacDonald, 17 Tristan Moran, 18 Daniel Hyatt, 19 Zane Winslade, 20 Shaun Begg, 21 Sione Holani, 22 James Kamana.

Date: Friday, August 7

Venue: North Harbour Stadium

Kick-off: 19:35 (07:35 GMT)

Referee: Ben Skeen

Otago vs Southland

There looks to be little between the two teams from the deep south ahead of this intriguing Air New Zealand Cup derby clash in Dunedin on Friday.

There is no provincial rivalry quite like this one, even if the days of supporters' trains are a thing of the past. No teams have met more often than these two and they remain the only pair to play a home-and-away set each year, as they have for more than a century.

Seeking to regain the shield they last won in 1957, Otago led Wellington 11-3 at half-time and were the better side for most of the game only to go down 23-19 in Round One. Southland showed the benefit of experience and time together as a team on their home patch at Rugby Park Stadium, beating Waikato 16-6 last weekend.

In team news, All Black prop Kees Meeuws has been named in the Otago starting line-up and replaces Sam Hibbard in the front row. The only other change is in the backline where Ryan Shortland comes in for Fetu'u Vainikolo.

Otago will be defending the Donald Stuart Memorial Shield, which it won 25-23 in Invercargill last year after a last-gap penalty goal from Chris Noakes.

The two sides previously clashed in a pre-season match which Southland won 19-14.

Prediction: It will be a big ask for Southland to beat two Super 14 franchise bases in a row, and it won't be easy. Otago to win by three points.

Otago: 15 Ben Smith, 14 Karne Hesketh, 13 Brett Mather, 12 Andrew Parata, 11 Ryan Shortland, 10 Chris Noakes, 9 Sean Romans, 8 Steven Setephano, 7 Alando Soakai (c), 6 Adam Thomson, 5 Tom Donnelly, 4 Hayden Triggs, 3 Kees Meeuws, 2 Jason Macdonald, 1 Ben Nolan.
Replacements: 16 Peter Mirrielees, 17 Sam Hibbard, 18 Hoani Matenga, 19 Paul Grant, 20 Johnny Legg, 21 Glenn Dickson, 22 Luke Herden.

Southland: 15 Mark Wells, 14 Pehi Te Whare, 13 Kendrick Lynn, 12 Jason Kawau, 11 Matt Saunders, 10 Robbie Robinson, 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 Tom Fleming, 20 Sonny Rangitoheriri, 21 Tony Koonwaiyou, 22 Seminar Manu.

Date: Friday, August 7

Venue: Carisbrook

Kick-off: 19:35

Referee: Josh Noonan

Waikato vs Manawatu

Waikato came away from Invercargill last weekend with bruised bodies and bruised egos after a season-opening 16-6 loss to a solid Southland outfit, while Manawatu won a nine-try thriller 36-31 over Counties-Manukau in Palmerston North.

The Turbos win, albeit against minnow opposition, echoed last year's opening upset victory over Canterbury but the men in green will be hoping to go one up this year and not stumble to last place as they did in 2008.

Waikato too will be wary of the threat posed by Manawatu, with the Mooloo Men having to settle for a spectacular 38-38 draw in Palmerston North last time out.

You would think confidence would be sky-high going in the Turbos camp going into this match. But with Waikato opting to field their All Blacks in the form of hooker Aled de Malmanche and scrum-half Brendon Leonard, Manawatu's trip to Hamilton looks a bit more daunting.

To make matters worse for Manawatu, Sione Lauaki is set to make his first appearance of the season for Waikato at number eight, with captain Liam Messam moving to the blindside and Jack Lam starting again at openside.

The Turbos will therefore need to step up their defence after tackling poorly against Counties-Manukau last Sunday and would have spent a lot of time rectifying that at training this week. Manawatu coach Dave Rennie is under no illusions that if his team defend like they did in the first half against the Steelers last weekend, then they'll be put to the sword.

Prediction: It will be a huge boost for Waikato playing in front of their passionate supporters and hearing the Mooloo bells ringing. Waikato to win by nine points.

Waikato: 15 Sosene Anesi, 14 Tim Mikkelson, 13 Roimata Hansell-Pune, 12 Callum Bruce, 11 Dwayne Sweeney, 10 Sam Christie, 9 Brendon Leonard; 8 Sione Lauaki, 7 Jack Lam, 6 Liam Messam (c), 5 Romana Graham, 4 Toby Lynn, 3 Ben May, 2 Aled de Malmanche, 1 Hikairo Forbes.
Replacements: 16 Ole Avei, 17 Kieran Ramage, 18 Kent Fife, 19 Jordan Smiler, 20 David Bason, 21 Trent Renata, 22 Save Tokula.

Manawatu: tbc

Date: Saturday, August 8

Venue: Waikato Stadium, Hamilton

Kick-off: 14:35 (01.35 GMT)

Referee: Glenn Newman

Hawkes Bay vs Wellington

After ripping Auckland to shreds in the opening round of the Air New Zealand Cup, Hawke's Bay mean business and will be looking to continue that momentum against Wellington - their big brother in the Hurricanes franchise.

The Magpies backed up their claims for Super Rugby consideration by demolishing Blues powerhouse Auckland five tries to one in front of 10,000 delighted fans at the refurbished McLean Park.

Despite Hawke's Bay not beating Auckland since 1974, their fans had talked up the team's prospects and the players delivered to dominate all facets. The Magpies can no longer be dubbed the provincial darlings of New Zealand rugby: two semi-final finishes over the last two seasons has shattered this notion.

Wellington were below their best but still escaped with a 23-19 win over Otago in the capital last Friday.

Two years ago, the Lions returned from Napier with their tails between their legs after losing 8-6 following a superb collective effort from the Hawke's Bay forwards. The bulk of that Magpies pack remains, but the youthful Lions forwards will be keen to ensure that they make their mark this weekend.

Given the expected battle up front, Lions coach Jamie Joseph has opted to make two changes to his pack.

There are also two changes in the backs with the more physically imposing Charlie Ngatai replacing Shaun Treeby at centre and Tamati Ellison slotting in at full-back following his few weeks away with the All Blacks. Joseph also had Cory Jane available to him as well but felt it was in the team's best interests not to select him.

Prediction: The match of the weekend in our opinion should be a close tussle fought between to quality sides. Tough call, but we going to stick our necks out and go for 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 George Naoupu, 5 Ross Kennedy, 4 Matt Egan, 3 Clint Newland, 2 Ash Dixon, 1 Sona Taumalolo.
Replacements: Hika Elliot, Josh Keys, Bryn Evans, Michael Johnson, Dane Shelford, Andrew Horrell, Richard Buckman.

Wellington: 15 Tamati Ellison, 14 David Smith, 13 Robert Fruean, 12 Charlie Ngatai, 11 Hosea Gear, 10 Daniel Kirkpatrick, 9 Alby Mathewson, 8 Mathew Luamanu, 7 Scott Fuglistaller, 6 Victor Vito, 5 Jeremy Thrush, 4 Daniel Ramsay, 3 John Schwalger, 2 Ged Robinson, 1 Jacob Ellison (c).
Replacements: 16 Dane Coles, 17 Anthony Perenise, 18 Api Naikatini,19 Faifili Levave, 20 Ruki Tipuna, 21 Fa'atonu Fili, 22 Buxton Popoalii.

Date: Saturday, August 8

Venue: McLean Park, Napier

Kick-off: 17.30 (02.35 GMT)

Referee: Garratt Williamson

Auckland vs Canterbury

This traditional rivarly clash promises to be another humdinger between two sides desperate to kickstart their campaign with a win following opening round defeats from both camps.

Auckland were cruelly exposed by an efficient and dangerous Hawke's Bay on home turf at McLean Park in Napier as the northerners were outscored five tries to one. Hawke's Bay's performance underlined the mammoth task ahead for new Auckland coach Mark Anscombe and his no-name Aucklanders.

This always loomed as a difficult opening fixture for Auckland but nobody anticipated it to be this bad and they need major improvement to avoid another embarrassment against Canterbury.

Canterbury's late loss to North Harbour last weekend did Auckland no favours as they also go into Saturday's game needing a win.

The defending champs have made one change to their team, with number eight Mike Coman replacing the injured Nasi Manu. Coman, 21, will play his first game for Canterbury after Manu was ruled out with a strained hamstring.

Scrum-half Tyson Keats, who injured a bicep in the opening round loss to North Harbour last Saturday, has recovered well and will start.

Prediction: At home, Auckland should put up a fight but it won't be enough to prevent an opening season win for Canterbury. Cantabs to win by eleven points.

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

Canterbury: 15 Colin Slade, 14 James Paterson, 13 Tim Bateman, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 Sean Maitland, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Tyson Keats, 8 Mike Coman, 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.

Date: Saturday, August 8

Venue: Eden Park, Auckland

Kick-off: 19:35 (07:35 GMT)

Referee: Bryce Lawrence

Counties Manukau v Bay of Plenty

The Steelers picked up two bonus points during last weekend's loss to Manawatu but what would have been a well-earned victory, slipped from their grasp.

The Steelers showed plenty on attack with their potent backline but the wheels just started to come off late in the second half as they allowed Manawtu to take the game away from them.

They will be hoping to bounce back against Bay of Plenty, who has had a troubled time off-the-field over the past few weeks. The Steamers will be hoping that the coaching drama has been sorted out so that they can start to focus solely on their game.

There has been a competatative history between Counties and Bay of Plenty with the former holding a slight lead with 25 wins, while one match was drawn between the two sides. However Counties' last win was a 27-13 win in 1998.

Bay of Plenty smashed Counties 45-3 at Rotorua during last year's meeting and despite their recent drama they are the favourites heading into this encounter.

Prediction: Bay of Plenty to win by seven points.

Counties Manukau: 15 Ahsee Tuala, 14 Lelia Masaga, 13 Seremaia Tagicakibau, 12. Tasesa Lavea (c),11 Sherwin Stowers ,10 Josh Hall, 9 Notise Tauafao, 8 Viliami Fihaki, 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. Siua Halanukonuka,18. Waka Setitaia, 19 Fritz Lee, 20 August Pulu, 21 Tim Nanai-Williams, 22 David Raikuna,

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

Replacements: 16 Dean Elmiger, 17 Ted Tauroa, 18 Mark Burman, 19 Solomon King, 20 Nick McCashin, 21 Phil Burleigh, 22 Wayne Hughson.

Referee: Mike Fraser