Mitre10 Cup - "Could be with the ABs" XV

[Stargazer]

@Bovidae He needs another season, but I thought Antonio Mikaele-Tu'u looked promising for Harbour. If he can get to his twin's level, we've got ourselves a good prospect!

[Bovidae]

@Stargazer said in Mitre10 Cup - "Could be with the ABs" XV:

@Bovidae He needs another season, but I thought Antonio Mikaele-Tu'u looked promising for Harbour. If he can get to his twin's level, we've got ourselves a good prospect!

He was playing for University in Waikato club rugby last year or the season before.

[Stargazer]

@Bovidae Yes, that's right. He returned to Hawke's Bay this year (I assume he finished his studies) and played for Hastings R&S, but wasn't picked up by the Magpies (I think there was no room in the squad in the backs). Not sure how he ended up with North Harbour, but if there's room in the Magpies squad in 2021, I hope they'll sign him.

[nostrildamus]

@bayimports https://www.instructables.com/edible-party-hat/

[bayimports]

@nostrildamus lol, and loaded nacho style.. almost tempting to make a completely random no chance hat bet, just to try it!

[nostrildamus]

@Stargazer said in Mitre10 Cup - "Could be with the ABs" XV:

Antonio Mikaele-Tu'u

AMT looks promising, his brother must have been close to AB call up, plays 6 as well I believe?

[Stargazer]

@nostrildamus Yes, MMT is a no. 8 and played there for the Highlanders all season, but he plays at 6 for the Magpies, because Devan Flanders is playing at 8. We're lucky to have them both in the squad.

[Chris B.]

A few nominees for each position.

Not much from Canterbury (whose props went well whenever I saw them) or Wellington (surely someone wants to give Wes Goosen a plug?).

Nor from a few Div II teams. Southland, Taranaki, Manawatu, Counties?

[Bovidae]

@Chris-B said in Mitre10 Cup - "Could be with the ABs" XV:

Nor from a few Div II teams. Southland, Taranaki, Manawatu, Counties?

Lamborn?

I'm surprised none of the Aucklanders mentioned Choat.

[Stargazer]

@Bovidae Lamborn is USA capped.

[Bovidae]

@Stargazer I should have checked the selection criteria.

[Chris B.]

Well, season has wrapped up so last chance for final nominations.

I guess Quinten Strange would have been with the ABs if he hadn't been injured, anyway - but, based on his form in the play-offs I'm going to nominate him.

And Sione Havili cleaned up at the Mako awards - best player, etc, etc - so he probably deserves to have his name at least in the hat.

[Stargazer]

My final nominations from the Magpies:

Our fearless leader (Ash Dixon, but he'll be too old);
Devan Flanders, Marino Mikaele-Tu'u, Folau Fakatava;
Maybe even Pouri Rakete-Stones.

[Chris B.]

@Stargazer You'll have to tell me which side Rakete-Stones plays.

[Stargazer]

@Chris-B He can play both LH and TH, but the last two seasons he's played at LH for the Magpies. Before that, as a rookie, he played mostly at TH (off the bench). The Canes have also used him both at LH and TH (off the bench).

[Chris B.]

@Stargazer Thanks - I'll list him as a loosehead in the OP.

[cgrant]

Zarn Sullivan. Safe under the high ball and kicks far better (and longer) than BB, the incumbent AB fullback.