Auckland Rugby 2023
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@Tim Cam Church has been superb since his return , I am covering the final on Saturday it will be really interesting to see how he goes against a big physical Rovers Pack .
Rovers are a brilliant watch they are so well coached, they know their roles and are capable of attacking from anywhere on the paddock no matter what the game situation
Much of their attack is directed from brilliant 2nd Faletoi Peni who I believe is heading to Southland for the NPC , his ability to identify space is his strength -
@Steven-Harris Is Boa their skills coach? He's interesting to listen to on internet streams.
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@Tim yes very intelligent guy founder of the safe tackle framework that he came up with long before high contact became an issue in the game , played 7s for Sri Lanka as well , add in Doug Sanft whom players seem to rave about as a coach and you have a lethal combo
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For reference, this was the Auckland Bs training squad from last year:
Auckland B Wider Training Group Announced
Auckland Rugby are proud to announce the Auckland B Wider Training Group for the 2022 representative season. A...
Boston Schuster (Grammar TEC)
Dayton Iobu (Grammar TEC)
Faletoi Peni (Manukau)
Feao Vakauta (Waitemata)
Henry Saker (University)
Jay Tuivaiti (Waitemata)
Jordan Hutchings (College Rifles)
Kaleb Emile-Vaoga (Ponsonby)
Kalin Felisi (University)
Leka Tu’ungafasi (Grammar TEC)
Liam Brady (University)
Lise Soloa (Ponsonby)
Ma'ake Taulahi (Ponsonby)
Michael Lea (Marist)
Nela Matakaiongo (Manukau)
Nick Biss (Ponsonby)
Quinton Nicholas (Grammar TEC)
Richard Aho (Waitemata)
Ryuga Hashimoto (Waitemata)
Salesi Tuifua (Pakuranga)
Sam Lester (University)
Siave Togoiu (East Tamaki)
Silao Nonu (East Tamaki)
Solofa Silipa (East Tamaki)
Takaji Young Yen (University)
Te Ariki Te Puni (University)
Tito Tuipulotu (Ponsonby)
Viliami Sipa (Ponsonby)
Wallace Sititi (Marist)
Wiseguy Faiane (Ponsonby)
Zyon Holo (Ponsonby)
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@Steven-Harris I see young Varsity Centre Noah Foster is also in the Southland squad. He previously was with the Mako$ for a season but did not get much game time there.
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@Daffy-Jaffy he’s quite a tidy distributor makes really good decisions.
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Updated squad speculations
Charlie Abel REP [a] - Ieremea pick that will go?
Sione Ahio
Josh Fusitua
Alex Hodgman- France
James Lay
Jordan Lay- Samoa WC squad
Sam Lester REP [b]
Marcel Renata
Angus Taʻavao - expected to be available
Hamdahn Tuipulotu - in AustraliaRobbie Abel - Ieremea pick that will go?
Leni Apisai
Te Ariki Te Puni REP [c]
Soane VikenaJosh Beehre REP [a]
Hamish Dalzell
Felix Kalapu - Harbour/Force?
Jamie Lane
Patrick Tuipulotu - may still go to ABs
Connor Vest- AustraliaAdrian Choat
Vaiolini Ekuasi - Rebels?
Blake Gibson- Hawkes Bay/Japan?
Sam Hainsworth-Fa'aofo REP [a]
Akira Ioane - may still go to ABs
Niko Jones
Terell Peita
Jackson Pugh- Australia
Blake Gibson - returnsTaufa Funaki
Manu Paea- Tonga
Sam Wye- Hawkes Bay
Kalani Thomas - from Reds, playing NPC for Auckland in 2023Simon Hickey - is he still playing?
Jock McKenzie
Harry Plummer (c)Pasqualle Dunn REP [a]
Corey Evans
Bryce Heem
Rieko Ioane- ABs
Tanielu Teleʻa - injured?
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
Essendon TuitupouTomas Aoake - still in Auckland?
Caleb Clarke- ABs
Joel Cobb - back from Australia to play for Ponsonby
AJ Lam
Sofai Maka REP [a]
Salesi Rayasi - injured?
Zarn Sullivan
Jordan Trainor- Northland
Caleb Tangitau -
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@Tim I saw Edward Annandale on your post from Auckland's Instagram. I hope young Byron Smith will be the 3rd 10. I also think I spotted big Manukau No8 Nela Matakaiongo on that post.
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Nice. Three big players.
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I wonder if Fano Funaki is a chance thought he outplayed Josh Beehre in the semi final , only 2 issues might be his height although he makes up for that with an outstanding vertical leap also I do wonder if he might get selected for Tongan RWC squad
Also Rovers hooker Oneone Faafou who is a dynamic player , and throws good darts , is bigger body than Te Ariki Te Puni
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@Daffy-Jaffy I suspect Byron Smith will be the 3rd 10 as I have heard Auckland is trying to push Jock McKenzie to Northland .
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@Steven-Harris interesting seeing Funaki rating so highly, he struggled for a period up here, although IIRC his last season with us he looked great at club and his cameos for Northland.
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@taniwharugby Fano should have got a lot more game time at the Taniwha ,does his core roles very well
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@Nogusta said in Auckland Rugby 2023:
Reds 3rd stringer. Kalani Thomas I think
I don't understand these type of selections.
Pick the three best halfbacks from Auckland club rugby. Although I presume some club rugby halfbacks will be representing other NPC sides (which goes against the idea of a provincial representative competition)
If there is a huge weakness in a particular position, I can see an argument for bring in an experienced overseas player (I would still be against it). However Kalani Thomas is a young developing Aussie player
Do Auckland get paid by Aussie SR sides when they take people like Thomas, Vest, Pugh etc?
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@Duluth the Auckland Union have learnt nothing from having 2 Australians in the squad last year , I am definitely with yourself on this one
This is a situation where you knock on the door of your Blues partners Harbour or Northland if you really feel you haven’t got that position covered and check in to see what they have available.
