NPC - news, injuries etc

Bovidae

Drummond had previously made his AB debut the year before against France XV, the same game Akira played in, so was rated ahead of Hall in 2017 too.

Tim

@Bovidae Think Hall was injured and missed that tour.

Stargazer

@Tim That's correct. It was mentioned in the media release with the Maori All Blacks team naming for their 2017 Northern Tour, not in the All Blacks media release. Of course, there's no way of knowing whether Hall would have been named in the ABs squad instead of Drummond, if he had been available. He might have been named in MABs squad, which would have cost Ruru his spot.

Crucial

Maybe CM could lure Savea down the motorway for a spell at 12? It would save us from having Leger there and could provide some gain line given that I doubt we will have any line bending locks.
I'd rather see Leger spend more time at 10. He is undersized at 12 and under-rated at 10. 10 makes him focus more.

Bovidae

@Crucial Laulala the younger is also back from injury, and might be better suited to 1st 5 as well. Surely Kerr starts ahead of both?

Crucial

@Bovidae said in Mitre 10 Cup - news, injuries etc:

@Crucial Laulala the younger is also back from injury, and might be better suited to 1st 5 as well. Surely Kerr starts ahead of both?

I hope not. I think Kerr is great to have in the squad and as a 'finisher'. I would prefer a flatter 10.
I will admit though, Kerr has served us well in the past. I have no idea what his game is like now.
Luteru Laulala can be at fullback.

mikedogz

@Crucial said in Mitre 10 Cup - news, injuries etc:

Kieran Read reportedly has a release from Japan to play for CM

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/provincial/122538913/former-all-blacks-captain-kieran-read-to-play-for-counties-manukau

Woohoo, exciting.

Crucial

@mikedogz said in Mitre 10 Cup - news, injuries etc:

@Crucial said in Mitre 10 Cup - news, injuries etc:

Kieran Read reportedly has a release from Japan to play for CM

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/provincial/122538913/former-all-blacks-captain-kieran-read-to-play-for-counties-manukau

Woohoo, exciting.

Mind you he's bloody well from Papakura and came through the CM youth system in the first place. About time he payed back

Bloody poaching Cantab bastards.

Chris B.

The defending champions have updated their team list on their website from last year, which presumably reflects the 20 returning players already signed for the coming season.

Front Row: Ryan Coxon, Andrew Makalio, Tyrel Lomax, Isaac Salmon, Blair Princep
Locks: Quinten Strange, Pari Pari Parkinson, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta
Loosies: Shannon Frizell, Sione Havili*, Ethan Blackadder
Inside backs: Finlay Christie, Mitch Hunt*, Tim O'Malley
Midfield: David Havili, Alex Nankivell, Fetuli Paea
Outside Backs: Leicester Fainga'anuku, Tima Fainga'anuku, Will Jordan

Plus announced signings:
Sevu Reece*, Mark Talea*, Quentin MacDonald, Kieron Fonotia

Plus, apparently, Hugh Renton*.

For ease of reference, I've asterisked the guys who (according to me) didn't make their NZ first class debuts playing for Ta$man, though it should be noted that Mitch Hunt was born and went to school in Nelson.

Wouldn't surprise me if we'd sign up Sam "the Rock" Prattley assuming he's not still poached elsewhere. Jacob Norris, Ray Niuia* and Isiah Miller are other forward possibles according to me (Kane Hames* would be bloody useful). In the backs, I'm not sure if Jack Grooby is back playing. Rupena Parkinson and Jamie Spowart might be in the frame.

Edit: I'm not sure what the story is with Atu Moli* - out for the season? His brother Sam should be part of the hooking stocks.

Re-edit: The frigging Chiefs have broken him! Asterisked, but a product of Marlborough College!
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/300031602/all-blacks-prop-atu-moli-ruled-out-for-2020-season-due-to-double-surgery-for-chronic-hip-dysfunction

Tim

The Breakdown is back this week to discuss the upcoming North v South clash, the big player movements ahead of the Mitre 10 Cup season and announce their end of season awards for Investec Super Rugby Aotearoa.

Can someone check if there's any new information about NPC squads?

Stargazer

@Tim I didn't really watch it, but had the tv on. I only noticed the news about Read signing with Counties; nothing about other squads or player movements.