NPC - news, injuries etc

shark

Canterbury vs Auckland on the first Saturday night of the competition is a good way to open it up. We don't play Wellington during the regular season though which is a bit of a shame. We have a torrid stretch in late September and early October where we have Otago, Waikato, Taranaki and Harbour inside 13 days including a tour in the middle to Hamilton and New Plymouth. I say 'tour' but I guess there's every chance due to budgeting that it could be cheaper to fly the team home for a couple of days in-between rather than pay for a team coach and couple of nights' accommodation. But I hope that's not the case because those sorts of tours are often talked-up as galvanising teams and it has to be far less disruptive to keep the group together on the road than fly home and then back up again.

Stargazer

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="shark" data-cid="601796" data-time="1469912912">
<div>
Oops yeah I saw Apa in action yesterday for waikato and realised my booboo. Hadn't noticed Laulala in the CM squad. Weird that Canterbury would bring these guys into their academy and then after only one season floating about the NPC squad, allow them to go elsewhere. I don't see that Canterbury have such wonderful back depth that they'd feel compelled to move on because of it!
</div>
</blockquote>
 
This suggests that Canterbury didn't really have a say in the move:
 
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote">
 
Counties Manukau have signed All Blacks prop Nepo Laulala and his former New Zealand Under 20s brother Luteru Laulala from Canterbury.
<div> </div>
<div>It will be a home-coming for the brothers who both went to Wesley College.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Nepo, 24, played 44 games for Canterbury while Luteru, 20, played four.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>They will follow in the footsteps of older brothers Casey and Ray Laulala who also played for Counties Manukau.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Casey played 23 games in 2001 and 2002 before transferring to Canterbury. He played two tests for the All Blacks.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Ray played seven games for Counties Manukau in 2012.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Luteru said the pair's move back to Counties Manukau was spurred on by a desire to be closer to family.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>"It was a family decision based on my brother [Nepo] moving back [for the Chiefs]," he said. "My parents wanted me to move back as well."</div>
</blockquote>
 
Full article: <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/provincial/78542228/nepo-and-luteru-laulala-sign-with-counties-manukau'>http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/provincial/78542228/nepo-and-luteru-laulala-sign-with-counties-manukau</a>

Bovidae

2016 Waikato Mitre 10 Cup Squad
 
Forwards
Loni Uhila (17) Hamilton Marist
Latu Talakai (22) Fraser Tech
Hame Faiva (23) University
Steven Misa (1) Hamilton Marist
Atu Moli (7) University
Tau Koloamatangi (7) University
Sefo Kautai (1) Hamilton Marist
James Tucker (9) Hamilton Marist
Brian Alainu'uese (9) University
Jacob Skeen (16) University
Leva Fifita () Hamilton Old Boys
Whetu Douglas (25) University
Mitch Jacobson (7) Hautapu
Adam Burn (27) Hamilton Old Boys
Jordan Manihera () Hamilton Old Boys
 
Backs
Tawera Kerr-Barlow (40) Hautapu
Harrison Levien (6) Hamilton Marist
Pele Cowley (1) Hamilton Old Boys
Isaac Boss (53) (Southern United)
Damian McKenzie (20) University
Stephen Donald (59) University
Sam Christie (43) Fraser Tech
Willis Halaholo ()
Tevita Taufui (2) Melville
Nathaniel Apa (1) Fraser Tech
Anton Lienert-Brown (19) University
Iliesa Ratuva Tavuyara (2) Hamilton Old Boys
Sevu Reece (2) Melville
Shaun Stevenson (10) Hamilton Old Boys
Jordan Trainor (2) Fraser Tech
 
Wider Training/Injury Cover
Murray Iti (7) Otorohanga
Jake Ale (1) Melville
 
() = caps for Waikato
 = uncapped
 
(caps as of August 1 after King Country Ranfurly Shield match)
 
More info at <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.mooloo.co.nz/news/2016-waikato-mitre-10-cup-squad-announced/'>http://www.mooloo.co.nz/news/2016-waikato-mitre-10-cup-squad-announced/</a>

Stargazer

Reading on stuff that Warwick Lahmert, after missing out on a spot in the Great Britain Sevens squad for Rio, has returned to NZ (temporarily) and has been named in the Horowhenua-Kapiti Heartland squad: <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/provincial/82685705/english-sevens-warwick-lahmert-named-in-horowhenua-kapiti-heartland-squad'>http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/provincial/82685705/english-sevens-warwick-lahmert-named-in-horowhenua-kapiti-heartland-squad</a>

Dice

With the players in that Waikato backline, attack shouldn't be a problem, but like the last couple of years, I have a question mark on the defense and pack.
 
Halaholo is a nice addition for Waikato. He and ALB should be one of the better midfield combos in the comp.

Dice

A Samoan Development team made up of NZ based players has been named to play Counties(5th August) and Northland(10th August).
 
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote">Props: Nu'u Lene - Wellington Avea Momoisea - Counties Manukau Sylvester Tapau - Auckland Sam Tufuga - Manawatu John Bosco Tagaloa - Auckland Kapineta Masunu - Auckland Steven Savali - Auckland Jeremiah Fatialofa - Counties Manukau Michael Tuiloma - Northland One more to be confirmed Hookers: Elia Elia - Canterbury Leif Schwencke - Auckland Feta Luamanu - Counties Manukau Junior Makapelu - Wellington One more to be confirmed Locks: Trope Yandall - Auckland Iosefo Taliaoa-Tuafafo - Auckland Callum Adams - Counties Manukau Kawa Leauma - Auckland Tulele Masoe - Counties Manukau Daymon Leasuasu - Counties Manukau Loose Forwards: Iosefa Timusa - Auckland Jaycob Matiu - Auckland Savelio Ropati - Counties Manukau Presely Tufuga - Auckland Jimmy Tuivaiti - North Harbour Uini Fetalaiga - Auckland Vern Sosefo - Wellington David Afamasaga - Auckland Beau Birtwistle - Counties Manukau Inside Backs: Fred Tavita - Auckland Brad Moyer - Auckland Dwayne Polataivao - Auckland Nalu Tuigamala - North Harbour Pat Faapoi - Auckland Michigan Lam - Auckland Jack Saena - Auckland D'Angelo Leuila - Southland Ray Laulala - Counties Manukau Midfield: Rhema Sagote - North Harbour Patrick Masoe - Counties Manukau Enoka Muliufi - Auckland Louie Morel - Auckland Aaron Collins - Auckland Ope Peleuseuma - Wellington Phil Tuigamala - North Harbour Patrick Tiatia - Auckland Outside Backs: Peti Ah Mu - Auckland Alex Samoa - Counties Manukau Aula Silipa - Auckland Ed Fidow - Auckland Danny Tusitala - Auckland Pisi Leilua - Auckland Salesi Rayasi - Wellington Sam Aolele - Auckland Kyle Nuualiitia - North Harbour Mark Telea - North Harbour Tito Sufia - North Harbour Bruno Tuivai - Auckland Wilson Silipa - Auckland</blockquote>
 
Quite a few surnames familiar to Samoan Rugby in that bunch.

Bovidae

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Dice" data-cid="602116" data-time="1470034146">
<div>
With the players in that Waikato backline, attack shouldn't be a problem, but like the last couple of years, I have a question mark on the defense and pack.
 
Halaholo is a nice addition for Waikato. He and ALB should be one of the better midfield combos in the comp.
</div>
</blockquote>
 
It's a better squad than last year. Defence was a problem but they've strengthened in the right areas (i.e. midfield) and the pack has a year more experience under their belts. I'm not sure what loose forward trio will be favoured but I expect Douglas and Jacobson to be 2 of the 3.
 
I was impressed with Alainu'uese vs KC in those conditions after such a long time away with injury. If he can stay fit (a big if based on previous history) he could be looked at for the Chiefs again with a good NPC. He's still only 22.
 
I will be interested to see what team is picked for the RS game this Sat as it should be closer to the first-choice team (excluding Super players). We could eventually see a back 3 of fullbacks once DMac is back with Stevenson and Trainor on the wings. Donald or Christie will be 1st 5.

Immenso Rapido

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Dice" data-cid="602124" data-time="1470036544">
A Samoan Development team made up of NZ based players has been named to play Counties(5th August) and Northland(10th August). 
Quite a few surnames familiar to Samoan Rugby in that bunch.</blockquote>
 
What was Mark Birtwistle, of circa 1991, Samoan qualification? As he was very white. I'd be thinking any offspring of his wound be stretching the grandparent rule unless his spouse also has Samoan lineage ..... 
Unless he had Samoan honky roots?

Immenso Rapido

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Dice" data-cid="602124" data-time="1470036544">
A Samoan Development team made up of NZ based players has been named to play Counties(5th August) and Northland(10th August). 
Quite a few surnames familiar to Samoan Rugby in that bunch.</blockquote>
 
Also a Rayasi? Son of Philippe Rayasi the ex-Fijian international and Wellington fullback/outside back? 
Now that I've typed that out, Phillipe doesn't seem right ... Was it Filipe?

Wurzel

Anyone know what ever happened to Soâ€™otala Faâ€™asoâ€™o? Not sure I've ever read as much hype around an Auckland schoolboy as him. But he ended up bouncing around Wairarapa Bush and Manawatu in recent seasons.
 
I know he had a massive discipline incident at high school but can't believe his reputation from that would be holding him back this far down the track.

Stargazer

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Wurzel" data-cid="602148" data-time="1470041482">
<div>
Anyone know what ever happened to Soâ€™otala Faâ€™asoâ€™o? Not sure I've ever read as much hype around an Auckland schoolboy as him. But he ended up bouncing around Wairarapa Bush and Manawatu in recent seasons.
 
I know he had a massive discipline incident at high school but can't believe his reputation from that would be holding him back this far down the track.
</div>
</blockquote>
 
He has been named in the Counties Manukau squad: <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.daimenhutchison.com/rugby/index.php/topic/41897-counties-rugby-2016/?p=601288'>http://www.daimenhutchison.com/rugby/index.php/topic/41897-counties-rugby-2016/?p=601288</a>

shark

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote">
 
Backs
Tawera Kerr-Barlow (40) Hautapu
Harrison Levien (6) Hamilton Marist
Pele Cowley (1) Hamilton Old Boys
Isaac Boss (53) (Southern United)
Damian McKenzie (20) University
Stephen Donald (59) University
Sam Christie (43) Fraser Tech
Willis Halaholo (*)
Tevita Taufui (2) Melville
Nathaniel Apa (1) Fraser Tech
Anton Lienert-Brown (19) University
Iliesa Ratuva Tavuyara (2) Hamilton Old Boys
Sevu Reece (2) Melville
Shaun Stevenson (10) Hamilton Old Boys
Jordan Trainor (2) Fraser Tech
</blockquote>
 
Of that bunch, only TKB is likely to be unavailable for the majority of the competition. A backline comprising Boss, Donald, Halaholo, ALB, Stevenson, Trainor and McKenzie (or slot Apa in there somewhere in the three-quarters) should be able to mix it up nicely.

African Monkey

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Wurzel" data-cid="602148" data-time="1470041482">
<div>
Anyone know what ever happened to Soâ€™otala Faâ€™asoâ€™o? Not sure I've ever read as much hype around an Auckland schoolboy as him. But he ended up bouncing around Wairarapa Bush and Manawatu in recent seasons.
 
I know he had a massive discipline incident at high school but can't believe his reputation from that would be holding him back this far down the track.
</div>
</blockquote>
He missed out on the North Harbour squad but has ended up at Counties. Injuries have also held him back.

Dice

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Immenso Rapido" data-cid="602136" data-time="1470039308">
<div>
What was Mark Birtwistle, of circa 1991, Samoan qualification? As he was very white. I'd be thinking any offspring of his wound be stretching the grandparent rule unless his spouse also has Samoan lineage ..... 
Unless he had Samoan honky roots?
</div>
</blockquote>
I've heard his mum is actually full Samoan.
 
Funny you mention him, because he's one of the coaches for this team.
 
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Immenso Rapido" data-cid="602138" data-time="1470039513">
<div>
Also a Rayasi? Son of Philippe Rayasi the ex-Fijian international and Wellington fullback/outside back? 
Now that I've typed that out, Phillipe doesn't seem right ... Was it Filipe?
</div>
</blockquote>
Yup, that is Filipe's son.

Nepia

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Immenso Rapido" data-cid="602136" data-time="1470039308">
<div>
What was Mark Birtwistle, of circa 1991, Samoan qualification? As he was very white. I'd be thinking any offspring of his wound be stretching the grandparent rule unless his spouse also has Samoan lineage ..... 
Unless he had Samoan honky roots?
</div>
</blockquote>
Birtwistle was more qualified than Mata'afa Keenan despite Keenan being very brown.
 
As to your second point, I'm pretty sure recent Samoan nationals Gavin and Paul William's children wont be eligible for Samoa.
 
Ps: Bloody Samoans have even put together a poaching list ....

Duluth

Taranaki squad:
 
Forwards:
Mitchell Graham, Reuben O'Neill, Ryan Cocker, Mike Kainga, Jared Proffit, Rhys Marshall, Sione Lea, Leon Power, Ben Matwijow, Fin Hoeata, Leighton Price, Mitchell Crosswell, Mitchell Brown, Berny Hall, Lachlan Boshier, Toa Halafihi, Iopu Iopu-Aso
 
Backs:
Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Kylem O'Donnell, Marty McKenzie, Sean Wainui, Seta Tamanivalu, Charlie Ngatai, Johnny Fa'auli, Latu Vaeno, Manasa Mataele, Stephen Perofeta, Declan O'Donnell, Beaudein Waaka, Jackson Ormond, Waisake Naholo, Beauden Barrett
 
<a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/sport/82725250/charlie-ngatai-included-in-taranakis-npc-squad'>http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/sport/82725250/charlie-ngatai-included-in-taranakis-npc-squad</a>

Immenso Rapido

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Dice" data-cid="602228" data-time="1470085833"> 
Funny you mention him, because he's one of the coaches for this team. </blockquote>
I mentioned him because there was a Birtwistle in that team, not just some random MN5 style musings about 2 of his favourite subjects: the 90s, and black/brown guys.

Stargazer

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Duluth" data-cid="602273" data-time="1470098533">
<div>
Taranaki squad:
 
Forwards:
Mitchell Graham, Reuben O'Neill, Ryan Cocker, Mike Kainga, Jared Proffit, Rhys Marshall, Sione Lea, Leon Power, Ben Matwijow, Fin Hoeata, Leighton Price, Mitchell Crosswell, Mitchell Brown, Berny Hall, Lachlan Boshier, Toa Halafihi, Iopu Iopu-Aso
 
Backs:
Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Kylem O'Donnell, Marty McKenzie, Sean Wainui, Seta Tamanivalu, Charlie Ngatai, Johnny Fa'auli, Latu Vaeno, Manasa Mataele, Stephen Perofeta, Declan O'Donnell, Beaudein Waaka, Jackson Ormond, Waisake Naholo, Beauden Barrett
 
<a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/sport/82725250/charlie-ngatai-included-in-taranakis-npc-squad'>http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/sport/82725250/charlie-ngatai-included-in-taranakis-npc-squad</a>
</div>
</blockquote>
 
Strong looking squad. 
 
The TRFU media release also includes this info:
 
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote">
 
Contracted players unavailable for the 2016 season due to injury:
<div> </div>
<div>James Broadhurst (concussion), Riki Hoeata (concussion) and Blade Thomson (shoulder).</div>
</blockquote>
 
I don't know for how long Hoeata has already been out of action because of concussion, but Broadhurst has been for a long time now. Not good; not good at all.

Dice

Taranaki should be good enough for a top 4 spot.
 
Interesting that Fa'auli went over there when he got plenty of game time at Counties last year.
 
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Immenso Rapido" data-cid="602279" data-time="1470100095">
<div>
I mentioned him because there was a Birtwistle in that team, not just some random MN5 style musings about 2 of his favourite subjects: the 90s, and black/brown guys.
</div>
</blockquote>
Yeah, that would be his son, who is an openside.

Dice

Counties Manukau team to play Samoa A:
 
1. Sean Bagshaw 
2. Suliasi Taufalele 
3. Sione Faletau 
4. Viliame Rarasea 
5. Cameron Skelton 
6. Viliami Taulani 
7. Fotu Lokotui 
8. Sootala Faâ€™asoâ€™o 
9. Jonathan Taumateine 
10. Piers Francis 
11. Sione Fifita 
12. Orbyn Leger 
13. Cardiff Vaega (c) 
14. Sherwin Stowers 
15. Luteru Laulala
 
16. Gafatasi Suâ€™a 
17. Jarred Adams 
18. Kalolo Tuiloma 
19. Matiaha Martin 
20. Alamanda Motuga 
21. Richard Judd 
22. Nathan de Thierry 
23. Joe Reynolds 
24. Kalione Hala 
25. Joe Ikenasio
 
I like the look of that backline, it looks looks well balanced and has plenty of upside. Counties should have one of the better backlines in the comp once they add in August Pulu, Toni Pulu and Sam Vaka.

The Silver Fern

NPC - news, injuries etc