NPC - news, injuries etc

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.

Cpt Kumera

bay of plenty just beat northland 49 to 26 in whakatane

Stargazer

JK

Harbour 45 - Auckland 21 from QBE Stadium this arvo

Stargazer

For who doesn't follow the <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.daimenhutchison.com/rugby/index.php/topic/41822-2016-mitre10-cup/'>Magpies</a> thread, here is the 2016 Hawke's Bay Magpies Mitre 10 Cup squad:
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> </div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Front Row</div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Ash DIXON</div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Brendon EDMONDS (injured)</div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Tolu FAHAMOKIOA</div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Mason KEAN</div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Jason LONG</div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Ben MAY</div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Ricky RICCITELLI</div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Jorian TANGAERE</div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> </div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Locks</div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Mark ABBOTT</div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Michael ALLARDICE (injured)</div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Geoff CRIDGE</div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Ross FILIPO*</div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Brodie RETALLICK</div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Sanaila WAQA (injured)</div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> </div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Loose Forwards</div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Trent BOSWELL-WAKEFIELD</div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Gareth EVANS (injured)</div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Ben HAMELINK*</div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Tony LAMBORN</div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Marino MIKAELE TU'U*</div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Hugh RENTON*</div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Fa'alemiga SELESELE*</div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> </div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Inside Backs</div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Chris EATON</div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Tiaan FALCON*</div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Brad WEBER*</div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Ihaia WEST</div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Ellery WILSON</div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> </div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Midfield Backs</div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Robbie FRUEAN</div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Matt GARLAND*</div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Jonah LOWE</div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Lewis MARSHALL</div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Billy ROPIHA</div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> </div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Outside Backs</div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Shannan CHASE</div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Israel DAGG</div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Mason EMERSON</div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Sam MCNICOL*</div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Ryan TONGIA</div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> </div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">* Magpies debutants</div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> </div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><a class="bbc_url" href="http://www.sporty.co.nz/magpies/newsarticle/37852" title="External link">http://www.sporty.co...wsarticle/37852</a></div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> </div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Background info:</div>
<ul><li>out for the season due to injury: Brendon Edmonds, Michael Allardice, Sanaila Waqa and Gareth Evans</li>
<li>won't play due to AB duties: Brodie Retallick & Israel Dagg</li>
<li>from our 2015 squad, the following players have left: Brendon O'Connor, Tom Stanley, Zac Guildford, Andrew Horrell, Richard Buckman, Tyrone Elkington-MacDonald, Ben Franks</li>
</ul>Despite the arrival of Brad Weber and Sam McNicol (and May & Filipo), this is a weaker team than last year's. The Magpies lose a gigantic amount of experience without - at least - eight of last year's Super Rugby players (not counting Franks). Whether they will be able to stay in the Premiership after this season, will depend a lot on whether young players like Mikaele-Tu'u, Emerson and Lowe as well as the added club rugby players can step up.

Chris B.

Mako$ team is apparently announced - sans Zac Guildford.
 
<a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/82977063/tasman-Mako$-part-ways-with-winger-zac-guildford'>http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/82977063/tasman-Mako$-part-ways-with-winger-zac-guildford</a>

Stargazer

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Chris B." data-cid="604229" data-time="1470703011">
<div>
Mako$ team is apparently announced - sans Zac Guildford.
 
<a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/82977063/tasman-Mako$-part-ways-with-winger-zac-guildford'>http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/82977063/tasman-Mako$-part-ways-with-winger-zac-guildford</a>
</div>
</blockquote>
 
Team naming video: <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href=''></a>

Nepia

Hopefully the Magpies can throw him a bone - we need an experienced back.

Chris B.

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Stargazer" data-cid="604232" data-time="1470703626">
<div>
Team naming video: <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href=''></a>
</div>
</blockquote>
 
Yeah - I just watched it.
 
As expected, Quentin MacDonald and Joe Wheeler are gone. Good props and loosies, hooker and lock may be problematic.
 
Backs look pretty good.

Chris B.

The Ta$man Mako$ 2016 squad: Alex Ainley, Marty Banks, Finlay Christie, Shane Christie, Kieron Fonotia, Vernon Fredericks, Shannon Frizell, Ross Geldenhuys, Billy Guyton, Siosiua Halanukonuka, Kane Hames, David Havili, Tom Hill, Mitchell Hunt, Trael Joass, Richard Kingi, Tevita Koloamatangi, Viliami Lolohea, Jeff Lepa, James Lowe, Jesse MacDonald, Andrew Makalio, Alex Nankivell, Tim O'Malley, Tim Perry, Blair Prinsep, Peter Samu, Liam Squire, Quinten Strange, Josh Tafili, Tima Faingaanuku, Jesse Pitman.

Stargazer

2016 CANTERBURY MITRE 10 CUP SQUAD:
 
Atalifo, Lee Roy - Prop
Barrett, Jordie - Second five-eighth 
Barrett, Scott - Lock
Bird, Dominic - Lock
Bridge, George - Outside back
Brown, Jed - Loose forward
Crockett, Wyatt - Prop
Crotty, Ryan - Midfield back
Dalzell, Hamish - Lock
Drummond, Mitchell - Halfback
Dunshea, Mitchell - Lock
Earle, Nathan - Wing
Enari, Ere - Halfback
Finau, Inga - Second five-eighth 
Franks, Owen - Prop
Funnell, Ben - Hooker
Goodhue, Jack - Centre
Harmon, Billy - Loose forward
Hodgman, Alex - Prop
Jager , Oliver - Prop
Keresoma, Milford - Wing
Lienert- Brown, Daniel - Prop
McDuling, David - Lock
McNicholl, Johnny - Outside back
Mo'unga, Richie - First five-eighth
Moody, Joe - Prop
Prinsep, Reed - Loose forward
Read, Kieran - Number 8
Romano, Luke - Lock
Sanders, Tom - Loose forward
Stratton, Jack - Halfback
Suckling, Marshall - Outside back
Taylor, Codie - Hooker
Thompson, Rob - Second five-eighth 
Todd, Matt - Loose forward
Tokolahi, Siate - Prop
Vella, Nathan - Hooker
Volavola, Ben - First five-eighth
Waqanibau, Poasa - Outside back
Whitelock, Luke - Loose forward
Whitelock, Sam - Lock
 Injured â€“ out for season
 
<a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://canterburyrugby.co.nz/news/304-2016-canterbury-mitre-10-cup-squad-announced'>http://canterburyrugby.co.nz/news/304-2016-canterbury-mitre-10-cup-squad-announced</a>

Stargazer

Interesting comments about the tackle and breakdown laws that will be trialled this season in this article about the preseason game between Otago and Canterbury: 

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote">
... 
 One thing, though, that came clear from this game was that the new trial laws around the breakdown are turning the game closer to the 13-man game. 
 The great thing about rugby is it is a contest for possession in the whole game. 
 But under the new trial laws, which negate much of the effectiveness of the tackler in the breakdown, teams can hang on to the ball with relative ease, roll down the field and then just wait for the break to come. 
 There were periods in this game where teams just went phase after phase slowly creeping up the field. 
 Teams on defence were regularly committing no-one to the ruck, while the attacking team also only had one or two men guarding the ball as it went to the next phase. 
 ... 
 Brown said the trial laws around the breakdown were going to be interesting. 
 "They are going to lean towards the advantage of the attack a wee bit but youâ€™ve still got to be good enough to get across the attack line, accurate with your ball carries, accurate with your work around the ruck. And on defence youâ€™ve got to show some real patience and back your systems."
</blockquote>
 <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='https://www.odt.co.nz/sport/rugby/otago/effect-trial-laws-clear-match'>https://www.odt.co.nz/sport/rugby/otago/effect-trial-laws-clear-match</a>

Chris B.

Top team for the Mako$ will probably look something like:
 
Kane Hames
Andrew Makalio
Sia Halanukonuka
Alex Ainley
Jeff Lepa
Pete Samu
Shane Christie
Vern Fredericks/Liam Squire
 
Billy Guyton
Marty Banks
James Lowe
David Havili
Kieron Fonotia
Viliame Lolohea
Mitchell Hunt
 
Reserves: Tim Perry, Jesse MacDonald, Ross Geldenhuys, Shannon Frizzell, Tevita Koloamatangi, Richard Kingi, Trael Joass, Josh Tafili
 
Others: Tom Hill, Blair Princep, Quentin Strange, Finlay Christie, Tim O'Malley, Alex Nankivell, Tima Faingaanuku, Jesse Pitman
 
We've probably got the best prop rotation in the comp. at least in terms of who we'll be able to use - hopefully we'll have Hames and the others will be fit.
 
Makalio is apparently a good Auckland club player coming via Wairarapa Bush. He'll need to be good at hooker, because I've never seen much from Quentin's little bro Jesse to suggest he's going to be the business. 
 
Ainley probably paired with Lepa, who was in the squad last year. Frizzell is a lock/blindside and Strange a lock from the maligned U20s tight five - looks a bit short to me.
 
Hope we get a bit of use out of Squire, otherwise Fredericks has been around the squad for several years and Koloamatangi - well, it's only the Mako$, so he's allowed to play 6, 7 or 8.
 
Halfbacks: Guyton, Kingi is a former Wallaby who also plays wing/fullback, and Christie a signing from ChCh club rugby.
 
Banks and Hunt cover first five - O'Malley is a journeyman from North Otago via BoP. I think Pitman can play there as well - and fullback. He looks a bit of a Robbie Malneek - though I've only briefly seen him playing for the Ta$man sevens team.
 
Crusaders' midfield - Joass and Nankivell both played a few games last year and looked promising without setting the world on fire. Hopefully better for the experience.
 
Lowe and Lolohea should be good on the wings, with Tafili looking a good "robust" player (ex-leaguie) and Faingaanuku an ex-schoolboy star from Nelson College (he and his brother look like Nelson's answer to the Umaga-Jensens - but, probably better). :)
 
Here's Tafili's highlights reel - not sure about his taste in music, but the fends at 3.54 are pretty amusing - "Call that a midfield"? He doesn't seem to like those stripey guys fullstop.

The Silver Fern

NPC - news, injuries etc