Super Rugby News
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Here we go:
Where, when: Rugby Park, Te Kuiti at 4pm on Friday
Chiefs (from): Aidan Ross, Liam Polwart, Angus Ta'avao, Michael Allardice (c), Dominic Bird, Lachlan Boshier, Mitch Karpik, Taleni Seu, Jonathan Taumateine, Tiaan Falcon, Solomon Alaimalo, Johnny Fa'auli, Sean Wainui, Tim Nanai-Williams, Charlie Ngatai, Samisoni Taukei'aho, Karl Tuinukuafe, Jeff Thwaites, Laghlan McWhannell, Pita Gus Sowakula, Brad Weber (c), Luteru Laulala, Ciarahn Matoe, Alex Nankivell, Bailyn Sullivan, Matty Lansdown, Shaun Stevenson, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Donald Maka, Luke Jacobson, Atu Moli.
Blues: Jordan Trainor, Jordan Hyland, Tamati Tua, TJ Faiane, Tumua Manu, Bryn Gatland, Sam Nock; Akira Ioane, Murphy Taramai, Glenn Preston, Jacob Pierce, Josh Goodhue, Mike Tamoaieta, Ross Wright, Alex Hodgman (c). Replacements: Jonathon Ruru, George Moala, Melani Nanai, Stephen Perofeta, Daniel Kirkpatrick, Orbyn Leger, Augustine Pulu, Harry Plummer, Tanielu Telea, Pauliasi Manu, Kurt Ekland, Marcel Renata, Jimmy Tupou, Waimana Reidling, Hoskins Sotutu, Dalton Papalii, Antonia Kiri Kiri, Jordan Olsen, Jack Straker, Gerard Cowley Tuioiti, Sione Havili.
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@arhs I wouldn't hold it against the coaches if they want their teams to enter the season "under the radar", but it does seem like very little promotional effort is going on this season.
At least the Blues have pushed the Mahurangi game on their website.
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Thanks @Bovidae
Interesting to see Akira starting. I hope its due to a recognition that Akira constantly needs game time and not a case of him being in the dog box.
Really pleased to see the likes of Manu, Eklund, Reidlinger-Kapa, Havili and Sotutu there in the mix.
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@Stargazer Re: McNicol
Young tighthead prop Sefo Kautai and fullback Marty McKenzie are among those not playing due to "niggly injuries", Barnes said, and outside back Sam McNicol is sadly still going through protocols to recover from his latest concussion problem.
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@bovidae said in Super Rugby News:
Blues: Jordan Trainor, Jordan Hyland, Tamati Tua, TJ Faiane, Tumua Manu, Bryn Gatland, Sam Nock; Akira Ioane, Murphy Taramai, Glenn Preston, Jacob Pierce, Josh Goodhue, Mike Tamoaieta, Ross Wright, Alex Hodgman (c). Replacements: Jonathon Ruru, George Moala, Melani Nanai, Stephen Perofeta, Daniel Kirkpatrick, Orbyn Leger, Augustine Pulu, Harry Plummer, Tanielu Telea, Pauliasi Manu, Kurt Ekland, Marcel Renata, Jimmy Tupou, Waimana Reidling, Hoskins Sotutu, Dalton Papalii, Antonia Kiri Kiri, Jordan Olsen, Jack Straker, Gerard Cowley Tuioiti, Sione Havili.
OK, points of contention:
None of the three hookers are involved. Mistake on the team sheet, injury crisis, or something weird?
Ross Wright at hooker is an interesting one.
Akira Ioane has been training with the team from the start, so probably is fit and raring to go.
Jack Straker is a canterbury prop (tight-head) who has been in the Ta$man squad too. Maybe he is heading north for the NPC.
I'm guessing that Tumua Manu is the replacement for Matt Johnson in the midfield.
Interesting to see Hodgman named as captain. The more leadership coming through the better.
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@tim yeah Wright at hooker is interesting (he did get on the field in a pre-season game a few years back at hooker for the Blues)...up until last year, many Northland fans saw hooker as his best position, then he had a breakout year at prop.
Expecting big things from Tua this year, could be the making of him!
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@tim no idea, I think he carried it most of the M10 Cup last year, so highly likely he had it sorted after that?
Just realized Jordan Olsen is on the bench too, another Northland hooker...so Wright, Olsen & Moulds...
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@taniwharugby I really hope Tamati Tua can force his way into gametime this year not be stuck in a development role - especially with Matt Johnson now out of the picture this season. He looks to be a genuine centre of real ability - a rare commodity at the Blues.
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@kiwimurph yep, and I was pleased to see that he seemed to have put on some size AND pace last year too, which I guess is easier for someone so young.
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I just recall when Dave Rennie took the team out to the region, in a well-promoted campaign, inviting people to come along and interact, and get behind them. It is quite noticeable how much the new regime appears to want to stay 'under the radar'. It is frustrating for fans.
The Highlanders publicity machine is so good at generating enthusiasm and Hurricanes are not bad either. It is the contrasts that I notice.
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@arhs said in Super Rugby News:
I just recall when Dave Rennie took the team out to the region, in a well-promoted campaign, inviting people to come along and interact, and get behind them. It is quite noticeable how much the new regime appears to want to stay 'under the radar'. It is frustrating for fans.
The Highlanders publicity machine is so good at generating enthusiasm and Hurricanes are not bad either. It is the contrasts that I notice.
It was the biggest change I noticed between Razor and Blackadder also. He's made a real effort to get the team out in the community and engaging with the fans.
Deans and Wayne Smith were the same.
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Westie Pies pre season vs Hurricanes
Thursday, 15 February 2018
Kick off 4pm
Hosted by North Harbour & Mahurangi Rugby Club
Venue: Warkworth A&P Showgrounds
Entry by gold coin donation
The Blues will play the Hurricanes at Mahurangi Rugby Club on Thursday 15 February, with both teams embarking on their Super Rugby season the following week… read more.
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