2016 Mitre10 Cup
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<div>The 2016 Shield Snorters Mitre 10 Cup squad is</div>
<div> </div>
<div><u>Front Row</u></div>
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<div>Ash DIXON</div>
<div>Brendon EDMONDS (injured)</div>
<div>Tolu FAHAMOKIOA</div>
<div>Mason KEAN</div>
<div>Jason LONG</div>
<div>Ben MAY</div>
<div>Ricky RICCITELLI</div>
<div>Jorian TANGAERE</div>
<div> </div>
<div><u>Locks</u></div>
<div> </div>
<div>Mark ABBOTT</div>
<div>Michael ALLARDICE (injured)</div>
<div>Geoff CRIDGE</div>
<div>Ross FILIPO*</div>
<div>Brodie RETALLICK</div>
<div>Sanaila WAQA (injured)</div>
<div> </div>
<div><u>Loose Forwards</u></div>
<div> </div>
<div>Trent BOSWELL-WAKEFIELD</div>
<div>Gareth EVANS (injured)</div>
<div>Ben HAMELINK*</div>
<div>Tony LAMBORN</div>
<div>Marino MIKAELE TU'U*</div>
<div>Hugh RENTON*</div>
<div>Fa'alemiga SELESELE*</div>
<div> </div>
<div><u>Inside Backs</u></div>
<div> </div>
<div>Chris EATON</div>
<div>Tiaan FALCON*</div>
<div>Brad WEBER*</div>
<div>Ihaia WEST</div>
<div>Ellery WILSON</div>
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<div><u>Midfield Backs</u></div>
<div> </div>
<div>Robbie FRUEAN</div>
<div>Matt GARLAND*</div>
<div>Jonah LOWE</div>
<div>Lewis MARSHALL</div>
<div>Billy ROPIHA</div>
<div> </div>
<div><u>Outside Backs</u></div>
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<div>Shannan CHASE</div>
<div>Israel DAGG</div>
<div>Mason EMERSON</div>
<div>Sam MCNICOL*</div>
<div>Ryan TONGIA</div>
<div> </div>
<div><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.sporty.co.nz/Shield Snorters/newsarticle/37852'>http://www.sporty.co.nz/Shield Snorters/newsarticle/37852</a></div> -
<p>Interesting to see that both Jarvy Aoake and Mark Braidwood have not made the team and are now named in the 2016 Saracens squad. Another player from last year's squad is Joseph Penitito, who seemed so promising in the Shield defences against the Heartland teams and then got injured, and he's also in the Saracens squad. Other former Shield Snorters who didn't make it are Isaac Paewai, Mikey Vuicakau and Star Timu.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="https://scontent-syd1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13886854_888507824627031_5343144771863341162_n.jpg?oh=decd31476a4dffc558b048f585d18a84&oe=5858671B" alt="13886854_888507824627031_534314477186334"></p>
<p>A few comments/questions on the Shield Snorters squad:</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Props: with May replacing Edmonds, I assume Kean is a TH? Both Aoake and Braidwood have been dropped, but replaced by only one player? I hope May and Fahamokioa can stay fit and play the house down.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Locks: only three named who will actually play, I expected four. Waqa must have a contract to be named despite his injury?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Loosies: Hamelink and Selesele? I recognise the name Hamelink from club rugby (can't remember seeing him play), but who's the other guy? Only saw him give away many penalties in the preseason game v Manawatu.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Backs: Fruean made it, but despite that we're losing so much experience behind the halves. I hope McNicol, Tongia and Fruean stay healthy and have a huge season, and that Emerson and Lowe will be able to step up.</p>
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<p>I don't know why I secretly hoped for a surprise signing of a great player ....</p> -
<p>The forwards look good when you include everyone who isn't going to be playing.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I wonder if Philpott will finally give TBW some starts now that he's the most senior loose forward on the team?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I see the Canterbury connection finally seems to have dried up, Philpott must have been out of the loop too long now. </p>
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<p>At least we're not going into this season with high expectations.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Nepia" data-cid="604143" data-time="1470694912">
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<p> </p>
<p>I wonder if Philpott will finally give TBW some starts now that he's the most senior loose forward on the team?</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
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<p>Hasn't TBW been captain for some of the warm-up Saracen games? Surely the captaincy and vice captaincy must be between him and Dixon now that O'Connor has left</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Stockcar86" data-cid="604237" data-time="1470705163">
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<p>Hasn't TBW been captain for some of the warm-up Saracen games? Surely the captaincy and vice captaincy must be between him and Dixon now that O'Connor has left</p>
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<p>I'd be surprised if Philpott would give him the captaincy as he's always been reluctant to select him in the starting lineup. Abbott or Weber might be in the frame along with Dixon?</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Nepia" data-cid="604238" data-time="1470705850">
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<p>I'd be surprised if Philpott would give him the captaincy as he's always been reluctant to select him in the starting lineup. Abbott or Weber might be in the frame along with Dixon?</p>
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<p>I agree with you, although TBW captained the Shield Snorters last year (the game v Southland) when O'Connor was rested. The only other game not captained by O'Connor was the first RS challenge v WaiBush (captained by Eaton).</p> -
<p>Whats wrong with Gareth Evans?</p>
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<p>Gareth Evans injured his knee in the Highlanders v Kings match. At the Saracens v Manawatu game on 30 July, he was at McLean Park walking on crutches with an impressive looking brace on his left knee. </p>
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<p>Candidates for captain - Ash Dixon captained the Shield Snorters twice in 2014, and as Stargazer says TBW captained the Shield Snorters once last year. A third candidate I have heard mentioned is Mark Abbott. </p>
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<p>Loose forwards: Of the seven named, one (Evans) is out injured, and four have no NPC experience. Only Boswell-Wakefield and Lamborn have NPC experience.</p>
<p>Who do you do start? Boswell-Wakefield and Lamborn seem to pick themselves by default. But where do you play them? If Renton at 7 then Lamborn or BW are 6 and 8 or 8 and 6? If Mikaeke-Tu'u at 8 then Lamborn at 7 BW at 6?</p>
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<p>This morning's <em>HB Today</em> says the starting midfield is Ropiha and Lowe with Fruean coming into consideration later in the season.</p> -
<p>Unfortunate he couldn't pull it together! I know how many chances etc etc but still a quality if not outstanding player who at his best was great to watch. Surely tech must be expecting a great winger/full back next year!</p>
<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.nzherald.co.nz/hawkes-bay-today/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503460&objectid=11690180 '>http://www.nzherald.co.nz/hawkes-bay-today/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503460&objectid=11690180 </a></p> -
<p><strong>Shield Snorters team for the North Harbour game tomorrow:</strong></p>
<p>Lewis Marshall, Matt Garland, Jonah Lowe, Billy Ropiha, Mason Emerson, Tiaan Falcon, Ellery Wilson, Fa'alemiga Selesele, Ben Hamelink, Trent Boswell-Wakefield (captain), Josh Eden-Whaitiri, Ross Filipo, Tolu Fahamokioa, Jorian Tangaere, Jason Long.</p>
<p>Substitutes, Forwards: Tere Joel, Mason Kean, Jarvy Aoake, Ben Parsons, Marino Mikaele-Tu'u. Backs: Chris Eaton, Ihaia West, Shannan Chase.</p>
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<p>Looking at the numbers named it appears to could be classified a first class fixture (although the venue of Park Island kind of rebutts this). We await Stargazer and/or Number10s review of the match.</p>
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<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.nzherald.co.nz/hawkes-bay-today/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503462&objectid=11690828'>http://www.nzherald.co.nz/hawkes-bay-today/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503462&objectid=11690828</a></p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Higgins" data-cid="604539" data-time="1470781376">
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<p><strong>Shield Snorters team for the North Harbour game tomorrow:</strong></p>
<p>Lewis Marshall, Matt Garland, Jonah Lowe, Billy Ropiha, Mason Emerson, Tiaan Falcon, Ellery Wilson, Fa'alemiga Selesele, Ben Hamelink, Trent Boswell-Wakefield (captain), Josh Eden-Whaitiri, Ross Filipo, Tolu Fahamokioa, Jorian Tangaere, Jason Long.</p>
<p>Substitutes, Forwards: Tere Joel, Mason Kean, Jarvy Aoake, Ben Parsons, Marino Mikaele-Tu'u. Backs: Chris Eaton, Ihaia West, Shannan Chase.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Looking at the numbers named it appears to could be classified a first class fixture</strong> (although the venue of Park Island kind of rebutts this). We await Stargazer and/or Number10s review of the match.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.nzherald.co.nz/hawkes-bay-today/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503462&objectid=11690828'>http://www.nzherald.co.nz/hawkes-bay-today/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503462&objectid=11690828</a></p>
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<p>Slightly different bench (backs) posted by the HBRU on Facebook:</p>
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<p><img src="https://scontent-syd1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13907104_1274331262607612_5455468113882259523_n.png?oh=13b3b0e5b9b4f6a6d571441c39307eda&oe=5820BA6F" alt="13907104_1274331262607612_54554681138822"></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Surprised to see Fahamokioa at TH. Experiment or can he really play in both positions?</p>
<p>Don't know the replacement hooker; I see he's playing for MAC and named in the Saracens squad, but have never heard of him.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Not sure yet whether I can make it to the game due to the 3pm kick-off time.</p> -
<p>Allblacks.com have gone a bit overboard with this headline:</p>
<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.allblacks.com/News/29569/mix-of-star-power-and-experience-in-Shield Snorters-squad'>http://www.allblacks.com/News/29569/mix-of-star-power-and-experience-in-Shield Snorters-squad</a></p>
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<p>"mix-of-star-power-and-experience-in-Shield Snorters-squad"</p>
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<p>It's probably our least experienced with less star power than recent years. </p> -
<p>North Harbour have named a 26-man team for the match tomorrow - so won't be a first-class fixture:</p>
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<p><span style="color:rgb(69,69,69);font-family:Helvetica;font-size:12px;">1 Nic Mayhew</span></p>
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<p style="font-size:12px;font-family:Helvetica;color:rgb(69,69,69);">2 James Parsons</p>
<p style="font-size:12px;font-family:Helvetica;color:rgb(69,69,69);">3 Sione Mafileo</p>
<p style="font-size:12px;font-family:Helvetica;color:rgb(69,69,69);">4 Gerrard Cowley - Tuioti</p>
<p style="font-size:12px;font-family:Helvetica;color:rgb(69,69,69);">5 Chris Vui </p>
<p style="font-size:12px;font-family:Helvetica;color:rgb(69,69,69);">6 Dylan Lam</p>
<p style="font-size:12px;font-family:Helvetica;color:rgb(69,69,69);">7 Glen Preston</p>
<p style="font-size:12px;font-family:Helvetica;color:rgb(69,69,69);">8 Murphy Taramai</p>
<p style="font-size:12px;font-family:Helvetica;color:rgb(69,69,69);"> </p>
<p style="font-size:12px;font-family:Helvetica;color:rgb(69,69,69);">9 Bryn Hall</p>
<p style="font-size:12px;font-family:Helvetica;color:rgb(69,69,69);">10 Matt McGahan</p>
<p style="font-size:12px;font-family:Helvetica;color:rgb(69,69,69);">11 Tevita Li</p>
<p style="font-size:12px;font-family:Helvetica;color:rgb(69,69,69);">12 Daniel Hilton Jones</p>
<p style="font-size:12px;font-family:Helvetica;color:rgb(69,69,69);">13 Matt Vaega</p>
<p style="font-size:12px;font-family:Helvetica;color:rgb(69,69,69);">14 Afa Faatau</p>
<p style="font-size:12px;font-family:Helvetica;color:rgb(69,69,69);">15 Marty Swart</p>
<p style="font-size:12px;font-family:Helvetica;color:rgb(69,69,69);"> </p>
<p style="font-size:12px;font-family:Helvetica;color:rgb(69,69,69);">16 Vyron Smith</p>
<p style="font-size:12px;font-family:Helvetica;color:rgb(69,69,69);">17 Toketa Fatai</p>
<p style="font-size:12px;font-family:Helvetica;color:rgb(69,69,69);">18 Jethro Felemi</p>
<p style="font-size:12px;font-family:Helvetica;color:rgb(69,69,69);">19 Connor Collett</p>
<p style="font-size:12px;font-family:Helvetica;color:rgb(69,69,69);">20 Kane Jacobsen</p>
<p style="font-size:12px;font-family:Helvetica;color:rgb(69,69,69);">21 Dylan Lam</p>
<p style="font-size:12px;font-family:Helvetica;color:rgb(69,69,69);">22 Chris Smylie</p>
<p style="font-size:12px;font-family:Helvetica;color:rgb(69,69,69);">23 Bryn Gatland</p>
<p style="font-size:12px;font-family:Helvetica;color:rgb(69,69,69);">24 Michael Little</p>
<p style="font-size:12px;font-family:Helvetica;color:rgb(69,69,69);">25 James Little</p>
<p style="font-size:12px;font-family:Helvetica;color:rgb(69,69,69);">26 Mark Telea</p> -
<p>Last preseason game was lost 14-17 to North Harbour, from being down 0-17 at halftime.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Ross Filipo played the first half, Ihaia West played the last 20 minutes.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>HB got the try of the game when Mason Emerson picked up a loose ball 10 metres from his own line and zig-zagged up the field to the North Harbour 10m line, another three passes and Faalemiga Selesele scored between the posts.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Harbour deserved their win, they blew two tries in the last five minutes with a forward pass in the HB 22 and a dropped pass in the HB 22.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>HB lineout functioned very well in the first half with Trent BW calling them, mainly to Ross Filipo. At halftime Trent BW and Ross Filipo were both subbed off.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Scrum seemed okay in the first half with Fahamokioa at tighthead, he went off injured after about two minutes in the second half and the scrum went backwards a bit after that. I liked the look of Marino Mikaele-Tu'u who came on at halftime for Trent BW with Selesele going to 6. He (Tu'u) is a big boy and obviously still learning in just his first year out of High School - one for the future I think the saying is. He turns 19 in November, so is eligible again for the NZ U20 next year.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The midfield of Ropiha and Lowe didn't have many attacking opportuniites but there was only one North Harbour break thru the midfield.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Shannan Chase is currently unavailable due to concussion concerns.</p>
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<p>Warren Gatland was there watching, his son Bryn came on in the second half. </p>
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<p>Looking forward to getting our Super Rugby players back.</p> -
This photo indicates that Ash Dixon will be captain
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Stockcar86" data-cid="605776" data-time="1471327028">
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<p>This photo indicates that Ash Dixon will be captain</p>
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<p> </p>
<p>I'm happy with that choice.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Nepia" data-cid="604143" data-time="1470694912">
<div><br><p>At least we're not going into this season with high expectations.</p>
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<p>The TAB are slightly more optimistic with both Wellington and the Bay being quoted at $1.90 Head to Head at the moment. Bound to be changes in those odds once the teams are declared and the availability of Super Rugby players for the match becomes clear.</p>
<p>TAB odds for the Permiership currently stand at</p>
<p>Canterbury $2.10</p>
<p>Auckland $3.10</p>
<p> Ta$man $5.50</p>
<p>Taranaki $9.00</p>
<p>Counties $15.00</p>
<p>Shield Snorters $16.00</p>
<p>Waikato $21.00</p>
<p>These odds are somewhat conservative. Even if I was a completely neutral punter I would not put any money of Counties, in particular, at $15.00. Hell I would not even consider punting them if they were paying $16000.00. In brutal honesty I would have to be earning $250,000.00 per annum to even consider slipping a lazy hundred on the Bay at these odds. I hope I am proved wrong but somehow I can't see it.</p> -
<p>One of the least known players in this year's Shield Snorters squad to me is Fa'alemiga Selesele. The only thing that I remember being written about him in the HBT is that he's a Samoan international.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>After some googling, I found out that he's the <em>captain </em>of the Samoan 7s team. He was the player who scored the winning try in the Paris 7s Cup final against Fiji, he was named the Player of the Final & was in the Paris 7s dream team.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Here's an article about him on the World Rugby website: <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.worldrugby.org/sevens-series/news/158883 '>http://www.worldrugby.org/sevens-series/news/158883 </a></p>