Magpies 2020
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Hell ya! Bryn Evans has signed!
From the HBRU Facebook page:
Bryn Evans returns to the Bay One of Hawke’s Bay Rugbys favourite sons is returning to the Magpies with former captain and ex All Black Bryn Evans confirming his return for the 2020 Mitre 10 Cup. 35 year old Evans who left Hawkes’ Bay to play overseas at the end of the Magpies championship winning 2011 season has been plying his trade in Europe and for the last five seasons has been playing with the Sale Sharks in the English Premiership. Evans who played 77 games for Hawke’s Bay between 2003 and 2011, as well as spending three years with the Hurricanes was recently named in the English Premiership team of the decade where he also represented London Irish in between a stint in France. ‘’The rugby was tough and I learnt plenty especially around creating pressure and turning that pressure into points while the opportunity to travel and enjoy Europe was a real highlight. I thoroughly enjoyed the European culture, although the cold and dark winters not so much’’ Evans says as he enjoys a sunny Hawke’s Bay spring day training at Tremain field. Evans has recently returned home to live in Havelock North with his wife Halle and young daughter Bowie and confirmed the attraction of possibly playing alongside younger brother Gareth was hard to turn down saying’ Its an opportunity to finish where it all started but also an opportunity to play alongside my younger brother, which would be special’ While plenty has changed since Evans was last in the enviornment, including the HB community training centre which he notes is impressive, Evans admits the opportunity to play alongside Sona Taumalolo and Ash Dixon once again would be great while noting long time assistant manager Brian Jenkinson and old mate Jason Shoemark are still among the staff from when he was last involved. Magpies Coach, Mark Ozich was rapt to have Evans involved saying ‘We’re very pleased to have Bryn back in our enviornement. He’ll certainly add a degree of professionlism to the squad as well as depth and experience that we need in our locking department in what looms as a tough season ahead,” HBRU CEO, Jay Campbell added “Bryn has played at the top level for almost 15 years and his experience and professionalism will rub off on all of our younger lads as well as ensure real compeititon for spots’ while also confirming ‘Bryn bleeds black and white and is an extremely popular figure around the Bay for his commitment he gave the Magpies during his previous stint with us.” “Playing for the Magpies was a real highlight in my playing career and I’m stoked to be able to return. I am looking forward to giving back to a province and team that means so much to me”, Evans said today. -
Also confirmed: Connor McLeod
Behind a pay-wall in the NZH, but posted on the HBRU Facebook page:
Next Generation’s time to shine Promising young halfback Connor McLeod is the latest player to be confirmed for the Magpies 2020 Mitre 10 Cup campaign. McLeod will follow in the footsteps of his father Ross and Uncle Ian who both represented Hawke’s Bay in the 80’s and 90’s with Ross scoring 188 points across 41 matches for the Bay from 1988 to 1995. The St Johns College educated McLeod played first XV rugby for the college in 2014 and 2015 and prior to that represented Hastings West Ross Shield in the 2010 Ross Shield tournament. While completing his commerce degree from Otago University, McLeod was selected for the NZ Universities side playing alongside current Hawke’s Bay wider training members Caleb Makene and George Stratton calling it a ‘massive experience and enjoyable tours with a superb bunch of teammates’. Outstanding club form for his University side in Dunedin Club rugby saw McLeod drafted into the Otago squad mid-season last year where he went on to play six games for Otago including coming off the bench in their extra time loss to Hawke’s Bay in their McLean Park semi-final. McLeod thoroughly enjoyed his initial taste of first class rugby saying ‘I loved the opportunity and the step up in intensity and pressure and it’s a brilliant environment down there in Dunedin’. Being one of the most consistent performers during the club season for the Maddison Trophy champions HRS, McLeod was quick to praise his team-mates suggesting ‘my forward pack has been outstanding all year which provides great front foot ball and I have a hell of a backline outside me, which makes it easier’ although it’s fair to say the form halfback of club rugby was being modest with most agreeing his performances being a real catalyst for the Hastings side earning its first Maddison title in over 21 years. ‘I’m big on preparation during the week and then come game time I’m really clear on what I have to do’ while looking forward to training and tussling with All Black halfback Brad Weber and Highlanders halfback Falou Fakatava ‘Watching and learning from someone like Brad is a great opportunity for me and will be great to see how he prepares and trains and goes about his week’ Magpies coach Mark Ozich has been very impressed with his young charge since his return from Otago saying ‘Connor has earnt his inclusion with an excellent club season. I have been very impressed with his work ethic and coachability to go with his diverse skill set. I’m looking forward to see how Connor progresses through the Mitre 10 cup campaign and I’m positive he will put lots of pressure on the two half backs in front of him and a likely debut at some stage for the Bay’ Being the son of a Magpie, McLeod can’t wait to secure his first cap saying ‘I am motivated to emulate Dad, I’ve always wanted to be a Magpie and I’m really excited about running out in front of the family and friends at McLean Park’ And finally when asked what his goal for the year was, McLeod simply answered ‘I’m here to do whatever it takes to help us win the Championship, keep working hard and take my opportunities when they come and just enjoy the whole experience’ -
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@Number-10 Thanks. I knew about the games, but the HBRU has been awfully quiet about them. No info whatsoever. They don't seem to understand that fans want info about these games, such as team lists, results, scorers, even if we can't watch the game. Some unions are good at fan engagement this way; the HBRU certainly isn't.
Still hoping they'll do better for the Auckland game, although I doubt there will be a livestream, considering the game is at a neutral venue in Rotorua. But surely someone must be able to use a phone and post updates on Twitter or Facebook?
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The Magpies squad for the Auckland game in Rotorua (k/o 2.30pm) has been published in the article below:
15 Kurt Baker, 14 Jonah Lowe, 13 Stacey Ili, 12 Ollie Sapsford, 11 Mason Emerson, 10 Lincoln McClutchie, 9 Folau Fakatava, 8 Devan Flanders, 7 Brendon O'Connor, 6 Solomone Funaki, 5 Geoff Cridge, 4 Tom Parsons, 3 Joe Apikotoa, 2 Jacob Devery, 1 Pouri Rakete-Stones.
Substitutes:
Forwards, Dom Devine, Sona Taumalolo, Joel Hintz, Jason Long, Elijah Martin, Bryn Evans, Iakopo Mapu, Josh Gimblett.
Backs, Connor McLeod, Caleb Makene, Anzelo Tuitavuki, Sebastian Visinia, Neria Fomai.I wonder whether it's really Sebastian Visinia, or is it Lolagi, who is the brother actually signed by the HBRU? If it's really Bas in that line-up, where is Lolagi?
Also:
Ozich is impressed with the momentum his lads have been generating since the squad's Super players began returning a fortnight ago. Captain and hooker Ash Dixon and former All Black halfback Brad Weber will be missing today because of their commitment to their respective North and South teams at tonight's inter-island clash in Wellington. It is still not known whether openside flanker Josh Kaifa will miss the entire Mitre 10 Cup season with his knee injury.Prop Namatahi Waa will miss today's match as he is still recovering from appendix surgery and midfield back Sam McNicol is still recovering from injury. Several Super players including loosies Gareth Evans and Marino Mikaele-Tu'u and lock Isaia Walker-Leawere are still being rested. They will all be in the Magpies Mitre 10 Cup squash which will be announced on Monday.I had to google the name of Dom Devine, as I didn't know who he was, and found the article below. Interesting, because if I'm right, we still need a prop to replace Tavita-Metcalfe (and another back):
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/hawkes-bay-today/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503460&objectid=12314535
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@number9 I've been looking about every 10 minutes, today, but haven't been able to find any info about a livestream or even score updates being given. Unfortunately, this game is being played in Rotorua - so no home game for either team - which makes arranging a livestream probably more difficult. No excuse for either team to not posting any updates though.
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@Stargazer said in Magpies 2020:
@number9 I've been looking about every 10 minutes, today, but haven't been able to find any info about a livestream or even score updates being given. Unfortunately, this game is being played in Rotorua - so no home game for either team - which makes arranging a livestream probably more difficult. No excuse for either team to not posting any updates though.
Cheera mate.
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Anyone know Auckland 23 there playing
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@frazzerbazzer Nope, not posted anywhere.
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Found this just now - but nothing on the Auckland lineup.
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@Daffy-Jaffy Yeah, I had already posted the Magpies line-up this morning, but have indeed not been able to find the Auckland squad.
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@Stargazer Thats an ok result for Auckland considering first game and they were not even allowed to train together until Monday this week.
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@Stargazer said in Magpies 2020:
I had to google the name of Dom Devine, as I didn't know who he was, and found the article below. Interesting, because if I'm right, we still need a prop to replace Tavita-Metcalfe (and another back):
he had a young Hoskins Sotutu in that same U15 squad at Sacred Heart
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The Magpies 2020 Mitre 10 Cup squad is:
Joe Apikotoa, Kurt Baker, Geoff Cridge, Jacob Devery, Ash Dixon (captain), Mason Emerson, Bryn Evans, Gareth Evans, Folau Fakatava, Devan Flanders, Neria Fomai, Solomone Funaki, Joel Hintz, Stracey Ili, Josh Kaifa, Kianu Kereru-Symes, Jason Long, Jonah Lowe, Caleb Makene, Iakopo Mapu, Elijah Martin, Lincoln McClutchie, Connor McLeod, Sam McNicol, Marino Mikaele-Tu'u, Brendon O'Connor, Tom Parsons, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Ollie Sapsford, Sona Taumalolo, Danny Toala, Will Tremain, Anzelo Tuitavuki, Lolagi Visinia, Sebastian Visinia, Namatahi Waa, Isaia Walker-Leawere and Brad Weber.
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I think this is the squad by position:
Prop
Joe Apikotoa (TH)
Joel Hintz (TH)
Jason Long (LH, also hooker)
Pouri Rakete-Stones (LH & TH)
Sona Taumalolo (LH)
Namatahi Waa (TH)Hooker
Jacob Devery
Ash Dixon
Kianu Kereru Symes (also prop)Lock
Geoff Cridge (also 6)
Bryn Evans
Elijah Martin
Tom Parsons
Isaia Walker-LeawereLoose forward
Gareth Evans (8, also 7 & 6)
Devan Flanders (8/6, can cover lock)
Solomone Funaki (7 & 6)
Josh Kaifa (7)
Marino Mikaele-Tu'u (8/6)
Will Tremain (7)
Brendon O'Connor (7 & 8 )
Iakopo Mapu (7, 8 )Halfback
Folau Fakatava
Connor McLeod
Brad Weber (will be with the ABs for most of the season)First five-eighth
Lincoln McClutchieMidfielder
Neria Fomai (13)
Danny Toala (12, 15, may be used at 10)
Loloagi Visinia
Sebastian VisiniaOutside back
Mason Emerson (wing)
Jonah Lowe (wing, also 13)
Ollie Sapsford (wing, also midfield)
Anzelo Tuitavuki (wing)Utility back
Kurt Baker (will probably be used at 15)
Stacey Ili (may be used at 10)
Caleb Makene (may be used at 10)
Sam McNicolGreat looking squad, but ... I'm not happy with only one specialist first five-eighth in the team. They must have known for quite a while that Falcon wouldn't be available. Was it really that hard to find one more 10? We have Latrell Smiler-Ah Kiong and Jordan Thompson-Dunn for the future, and they'll probably be on standby, but it's probably too early for both of them.
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@Stargazer said in Magpies 2020:
The Magpies 2020 Mitre 10 Cup squad is:
Joe Apikotoa, Kurt Baker, Geoff Cridge, Jacob Devery, Ash Dixon (captain), Mason Emerson, Bryn Evans, Gareth Evans, Folau Fakatava, Devan Flanders, Neria Fomai, Solomone Funaki, Joel Hintz, Stracey Ili, Josh Kaifa, Kianu Kereru-Symes, Jason Long, Jonah Lowe, Caleb Makene, Iakopo Mapu, Elijah Martin, Lincoln McClutchie, Connor McLeod, Sam McNicol, Marino Mikaele-Tu'u, Brendon O'Connor, Tom Parsons, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Ollie Sapsford, Sona Taumalolo, Danny Toala, Will Tremain, Anzelo Tuitavuki, Lolagi Visinia, Sebastian Visinia, Namatahi Waa, Isaia Walker-Leawere and Brad Weber.
A fairly predictable squad in the end,not so sure I like the cocky attitude of the reporter,I hope the players aren't thinking they are sure things to win it.Whats everyones predicted best 23???
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@kiwimatrix I think we've got one of the best Magpies squads of the last few years, with a good combo of experience and youthful talent, and some depth. One of the best, on paper. You always have to wait and see how players perform on the day. I do hope everyone will underestimate the Magpies again, just like last year. Nobody gave us a chance of a semifinals spot in 2019, and we convincingly reached the final. I can see us do that again, but only if we're being spared major injuries. I still have nightmares of that year we had approx 16 players in the injury ward (was it 2017?).
I think a good 23 would be (assuming everyone is fit and healthy):
1 Sona Taumalolo (depending on what form he's in, it's hard to know without having seen him play recently)
2 Ash Dixon
3 Pouri Rakete-Stones
4 Bryn Evans
5 Isaia Walker-Leawere
6 Devan Flanders
7 Gareth Evans
8 Marino Mikaele-Tu'u
9 Brad Weber / Folau Fakatava (Brad only available in round 1?)
10 Lincoln McClutchie
11 Lolagi Visinia (or Sam McNicol, if Lolagi plays in the midfield)
12 Danny Toala
13 Neria Fomai / Lolagi Visinia
14 Jonah Lowe
15 Kurt Baker (I'm far from convinced, but as an AB7s player, he's likely to get the start, I guess)16 Kianu Kereru-Symes
17 Jason Long
18 Joe Apikotoa or Joel Hintz
19 Tom Parsons or Geoff Cridge
20 Brendon O'Connor
21 Folau Fakatava / Connor McLeod
22 Caleb Makene (covers 10 and fullback)
23 Sam McNicol (covers wing and midfield) / Neria Fomai if Lolagi Visinia start at 13The line-up for the first game against Southland may be different though, considering some SR players have just returned, Bryn Evans has only just joined the squad, Taumalolo hasn't played for a while, O'Connor same same (did he play club rugby at all?) and there are some question marks about the fitness of players such as Gareth Evans, Danny Toala (got injured in club final) and Sam McNicol. Also, are Kereru-Symes and Lolagi Visinia injured; they weren't in the line-up for the PS game against Auckland?
Magpies rugby coaches place emphasis on contact area
