Auckland Mitre 10 Cup squad announced
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<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11677746'><strong>Rugby: Selection headaches loom for Auckland NPC coach</strong></a><br><br>
By Campbell Burnes<br>
6:41 AM Wednesday Jul 20, 2016<br><br>
New Auckland coach Nick White has some looming selection headaches with his Mitre 10 Cup squad, especially if some of his fringe All Blacks are released back to the union for extended periods.<br><br>
But those are the kind of headaches every coach wants.<br><br>
Into the fringe All Blacks category come George Moala, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Patrick Tuipulotu and surely now Steven Luatua, if we consider Jerome Kaino, Charlie Faumuina and Malakai Fekitoa as front-liners.<br><br>
"We won't bank on having them, but if we do have them, we'll definitely play them, because we don't want to penalise them for being All Blacks. Hopefully, for their sakes, we don't see a lot of them. Steven has played well the last 4-5 games, so he's probably put himself back on the radar. If there are injuries (to the All Blacks), he's there or thereabouts for a recall, and we need to promote guys for the end of year tour if we can," says White.<br><br>
Auckland announced their 37-man squad on Monday, a group brimful of talent, with 22 Super Rugby players, seven who have played for the All Blacks, one Tongan international and a potential five Auckland debutants, who have won their spurs out of one of the tightest premier club competitions in years.<br><br>
First five Tyrone Elkington-MacDonald played Ranfurly Shield rugby for Hawke's Bay in 2015 and has racked up 204 points for the University club this season. Tongan five-eighths Latiume Fosita, out of the Papatoetoe club, has previously played for Northland.<br>
"Obviously we had a lot of guys returning from last year. That was a bonus and made things a little easier," says White.<br><br>
"A lot of guys put their hands up during the club season. We had to think long and hard about some positions, which was great. The club competition was very even this year. At the end of the club season we are getting better players because they are having to play well every week."<br><br>
Into the club standouts category comes Manukau Rovers captain and No 8 Josh Kaifa, who led his team from the front, and the College Rifles duo of wing Joe Ravouvou, who has run in 12 tries to help his club to the top of the standings heading into this weekend's semifinals, and second five Pasqualle Dunn.<br><br>
There may be some eyebrows raised from White's old Waitemata club, which has no players in the team, or from Suburbs, which has just Lolagi Visinia in the mix. There will also be some who quibble over the fact that there is a clutch of players in the mix from University and Manukau, two clubs that missed the top eight.<br><br>
In truth, there were some who were unlucky, but there are others who are central to their teams' fortunes, such as No 10 Carl Perry at Suburbs and Rifles loose forwards Hayden Edwards and Jeremy Innes, who are not quite at Mitre 10 Cup standard.<br><br>
The Rifles props Dexter Faamoana and Emerson Tamura-Paki might have won the nod were it not for the fact that Auckland already has several PU-contracted props.<br>
University threequarter Liam Steel has been injured most of the season, but he is now running and will likely be available for selection in a month, probably through the Development XV at first.<br><br>
White has named just two halfbacks in Jono Hickey and Crusader Leon Fukofuka, but feels they can easily whistle up a young player from either the Colts or Development XV, and Lisati Milo-Harris, also due back from a long-term injury, will soon be an option.<br><br>
The Ioane brothers may well be available for the opening Mitre 10 Cup clash with Canterbury - a repeat of the 2015 Premiership decider - on August 20, depending on how they pull up after their Olympic campaign. Rieko Ioane, of course, is an option in the No 13 jersey or on the wing.<br><br>
Vince Aso has been in fine form for the Hurricanes at second five, while Michael Fatialofa has been tremendous for that franchise in the second-row.<br><br>
"With the new rules coming into play, the Super Rugby boys haven't played them yet. That's going to be a big challenge, and they need to get a good grip on those as soon as possible," says White.<br><br>
That could mean that a jack of all trades like Taleni Seu, who has excelled with the Chiefs, could even provide cover at No 7.<br><br>
"There's not the same opportunities to jackle over the ball now, so Taleni may have a few numbers on his back. He's got the skillset to play anywhere, that fella."<br><br>
Whichever combination White chooses to play in the pack, he will likely always have at last four lineout options, and that includes the spring-heeled Blake Gibson, whose 2015 campaign never got going due to injury, allowing Mitch Karpik to shine. Gibson should be champing at the bit after a stop-start Blues season.<br><br>
Liaki Moli, who has been plain luckless with injury in recent seasons, sits on the verge of 50 games for the union. He is coming off a full campaign with the Sunwolves, where he operated primarily at blindside flanker.<br><br>
"Liaki enjoys playing for Auckland. There was some doubt about whether he would come back, but he's made the decision and he's a good asset for us," says White.<br><br>
Simon Hickey will again assume the captaincy duties before he heads back to France with Bordeaux-Begles in the Top 14. He has fitted in three games for his Grammar TEC club since his return.<br><br>
"I didn't see the point in changing the captaincy. It's going to be his last year here. He wants to finish on a high. He did a bloody good job last year and he's got a lot of respect from the boys," adds White. Calvary Fonoti, who can also play one out, will be a capable deputy.<br><br>
There was no rest for White after he dispensed his Blues scrum coach duties last Friday night. But he doesn't mind.<br><br>
"Tana's (Umaga) been really good. Once training's done at the Blues, I've been allowed to scoot off and get into my Auckland work."<br><br>
White's assistant Geoff Moon will be even busier through August, as he winds up the season with the all-conquering Mt Albert Grammar First XV, who look set to be in the Auckland 1A final. Win that, on August 20, the same day as Auckland faces Canterbury, and Moon could be involved with the First XV until the first week of September at the national Top 4 tournament.<br><br>
White says Moon will stay with his school team until their season is complete.<br><br>
"They've had a fantastic year. Hopefully they can go all the way and then he can join us. It's only the game day he misses anyway."<br><br>
Auckland's pre-season programme comprises North Harbour on August 5 and Bay of Plenty on August 12, though not all the squad will be involved as some - the non-Blues - will be on leave after Super Rugby.<br><br>
White does not have to be reminded it is now nine years since Auckland last won the provincial title. He came off the bench against Wellington in that 2007 decider.<br><br>
But, with minimal injuries and, dependent on All Blacks selections, Auckland looks to have a squad that can again mount a serious tilt at the Premiership crown.<br><br>
"We're going to have to work hard and play smart. There's some damned good teams there. Everyone's out to win it," says White.</p>
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<p>I'm a bit concerned about his comments on the impact of the new rules. </p>
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<p><span style="color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;font-size:12px;background-color:rgb(247,247,247);">With the new rules coming into play, the Super Rugby boys haven't played them yet. That's going to be a big challenge, and they need to get a good grip on those as soon as possible," says White.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;font-size:12px;background-color:rgb(247,247,247);">That could mean that a jack of all trades like Taleni Seu, who has excelled with the Chiefs, could even provide cover at No 7.</span><br><br><span style="color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;font-size:12px;background-color:rgb(247,247,247);">"There's not the same opportunities to jackle over the ball now, so Taleni may have a few numbers on his back. He's got the skillset to play anywhere, that fella."</span></p>
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<p>Although, it would allow Auckland to get all its tall 6/8s on the field</p>
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<p>It will be interesting to see how Northland adapts. Their squad will likely contain four opensides</p> -
Dunno that our loosies are out and out 7s though, Kara probably the most 7 like of the main 4 that will be named for match day, but can play 6, more like 6.5s I'd say.
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="taniwharugby" data-cid="598251" data-time="1468972075">
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<p>Dunno that our loosies are out and out 7s though, Kara probably the most 7 like of the main 4 that will be named for match day, but can play 6, more like 6.5s I'd say.</p>
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<p>Yes they can play other roles. But they are primarily 7's who shift around because Northland doesn't want to leave quality players on the bench.</p>
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<p>The point I was making was about the new laws.</p>
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<p>They might discourage 'jackal' loosies and instead encourage large trios that push past the ball. If that is the case, we'll find out fast by watching Northland. There is plenty of talent in the Northland loose forwards however there is not much size.</p>
<p>Northland aren't likely to be playing large loosies who can cover lock etc</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Immenso Rapido" data-cid="598163" data-time="1468925126">
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<p>Fox may have had up to 8?<br><br>
82, 84, 84, 87, 88, 89, 90, 93.<br><br>
Not sure if he was involved in 82?</p>
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<p>I guess back in the day they didn't have finals, so if you made the squad you got a medal. His Wiki page says '82.</p>
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<p>I've tried to interest UHB in doing the research.</p> -
<p>So with Ofa in the AB's who is the starting TH?</p>
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<p>I assume it's Renata? </p>
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<p>Isn't Isi more of a LH? But looking at this squad I assume he has been selected as a TH?</p>
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<p>What has his club form been like? When I've seen the Grammar team sheet, Isi is normally on the bench (seemingly behind McHugh on the LH side)</p> -
<div>It definitely looks like Renata will start with Ofa not there. I'm thinking with Ofa being the 5th prop for the ABs, he might still get a bit of game time with Auckland.</div>
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<div>I think Isi can cover both sides, but I'm not really sure. I can't really remember him playing TH.</div> -
<p>So Suburbs won the Gallaher Shield on the weekend. Bloody good stuff!</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="http://www.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/d/7/h/o/1/image.related.StuffLandscapeSixteenByNine.620x349.1d7h3r.png/1469884070324.jpg" alt="1469884070324.jpg"></p>
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<p>Visinia was injured and had crutches, but there was no cast, so it doesn't seem too serious. I hope he's ready for round 1 against Canterbury, because we don't have any proven outside backs behind him.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Dice" data-cid="602672" data-time="1470185457">
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<p>So Suburbs won the Gallaher Shield on the weekend. Bloody good stuff!</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="http://www.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/d/7/h/o/1/image.related.StuffLandscapeSixteenByNine.620x349.1d7h3r.png/1469884070324.jpg" alt="1469884070324.jpg"></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Visinia was injured and had crutches, but there was no cast, so it doesn't seem too serious. I hope he's ready for round 1 against Canterbury, because we don't have any proven outside backs behind him.</p>
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<p>We've gone from having too many outside backs to barely any at all.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="African Monkey" data-cid="602728" data-time="1470203008">
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<p>We've gone from having too many outside backs to barely any at all.</p>
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<p>Yup. With the rate we're producing outside backs in school at the moment, it shouldn't be a problem for too long. Hopefully the 3 guys in the U19s(Vaega, Vaha'akolo and Tameifuna) can add some depth there as soon as next year.</p> -
<div style="color:rgb(78,78,78);font-family:'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Verdana, Tahoma, sans-serif;font-size:12.8px;">
<p>Team to play North Harbour this Friday.</p>
<p> </p>
<div style="font-size:12.8px;">1.<span> </span>Sam Prattley (Pakuranga)</div>
<div style="font-size:12.8px;">2.<span> </span>Blake Hill (Eden)</div>
<div style="font-size:12.8px;">3.<span> </span>Marcel Renata (University)</div>
<div style="font-size:12.8px;">4.<span> </span>Scott Scrafton (Grammar TEC)</div>
<div style="font-size:12.8px;">5.<span> </span>Ben Nee Nee (Pakuranga)</div>
<div style="font-size:12.8px;">6.<span> </span>Josh Kaifa (Manukau Rovers)</div>
<div style="font-size:12.8px;">7.<span> </span>Sinclair Dominikovich-Murray (University)</div>
<div style="font-size:12.8px;">8.<span> </span>Joe Edwards (Pakuranga)</div>
<div style="font-size:12.8px;">9.<span> </span>Jono Hickey (Grammar TEC)</div>
<div style="font-size:12.8px;">10.<span> </span>Simon Hickey (Grammar TEC)</div>
<div style="font-size:12.8px;">11.<span> </span>Stacey Ili (Manukau Rovers)</div>
<div style="font-size:12.8px;">12.<span> </span>Calvary Fonoti (Manukau Rovers)</div>
<div style="font-size:12.8px;">13.<span> </span>Pasqualle Dunn (College Rifles)</div>
<div style="font-size:12.8px;">14.<span> </span>Sailosi Vatabua (College Rifles)</div>
<div style="font-size:12.8px;">15.<span> </span>Latiume Fosita (Papatoetoe)</div>
<div style="font-size:12.8px;"> </div>
<div style="font-size:12.8px;"><strong>Reserves:</strong> Leif Schwenke (Suburbs), Tom McHugh (Grammar TEC), Isi Tu’ungafasi (Grammar TEC), James Lay (Pakuranga), NIli Moala (Grammar TEC), Jamie Lane (Ponsonby), Tana Fotofili (College Rifles), Ignacio Costa (Eden), Tyrone Elkington-MacDonald (University), Pryor Collier (Ponsonby), Pisi Leilua (Suburbs), Outmaka Mausia (College Rifles), Loketi Manu (College Rifles)</div>
<div style="font-size:12.8px;"> </div>
<div style="font-size:12.8px;"><em>Unavailable for selection:</em> Joe Ravouvou, Kurt Eklund, Steven Luatua, Blake Gibson, Melani Nanai, Lolagi Visinia, Sam Thomas.</div>
<div style="font-size:12.8px;"> </div>
<div style="font-size:12.8px;"><em>Players still with Super Rugby:</em> Greg Pleasants-Tate, Michael Fatialofa, Liaki Moli, Leon Fukofuka, Vince Aso.</div>
<div style="font-size:12.8px;"> </div>
<div style="font-size:12.8px;"><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.aucklandrugby.co.nz/News/2016-8-4/Auckland-team-named-for-pre-season-fixture.aspx'>http://www.aucklandrugby.co.nz/News/2016-8-4/Auckland-team-named-for-pre-season-fixture.aspx</a></div>
<p> </p>
<div style="color:rgb(78,78,78);font-family:'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Verdana, Tahoma, sans-serif;font-size:12.8px;">
<p> </p>
</div>
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<div style="color:rgb(78,78,78);font-family:'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Verdana, Tahoma, sans-serif;font-size:12.8px;"><span style="font-size:12.8px;">A lot of players from the Bs and Colts getting a chance with a lot of players unavailable. Loketi Manu is the sole U19s player in the team.</span></div> -
<div>Harbour side to play Auckland:</div>
<div> </div>
<div>1 Adrian Smith</div>
<div>2 Vyron Smith</div>
<div>3 Sione Mafileo</div>
<div>4 Brandon Nansen</div>
<div>5 Chris Vui ©</div>
<div>6 Gerrard Cowley Mariner</div>
<div>7 Murphy Taramai</div>
<div>8 Hapakuki Liavaa Moala</div>
<div>9 Chris Smylie</div>
<div>10 Matt McGahan</div>
<div>11 Afa Faatau</div>
<div>12 Michael Little</div>
<div>13 Matt Vaega</div>
<div>14 Mark Telea</div>
<div>15 Matt Duffey</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Reserves</div>
<div>16 Shea Turner</div>
<div>17 Toketa Fatai</div>
<div>18 Nic Mayhew</div>
<div>19 Jethro Felemi</div>
<div>20 Glen Preston</div>
<div>21 Dylan Lam</div>
<div>22 Kane Jacobsen</div>
<div>23 Lewis Gjaltema</div>
<div>24 Bryn Gatland</div>
<div>25 Daniel Hilton Jones</div>
<div>26 James Little</div>
<div>27 Niko Ratamavuki</div>
<div> </div>
<div><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.harbourrugby.co.nz/news/qbe-harbour-v-auckland-tomorrow/'>http://www.harbourrugby.co.nz/news/qbe-harbour-v-auckland-tomorrow/</a></div> -
And they did 45 - 21<br><br>
Auckland scored first but then harbour had three tries to lead 21 -7 at the break. I think duffie got one of them.<br><br>
Harbour scored again early in second half but after making 8 changes lost a bit of momentum allowing Auckland in for a couple before harbour struck back with Two tries to finish -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Dice" data-cid="603047" data-time="1470300447">
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<p>Harbour look to be near full strength for this game. They should come out with the win with that team.</p>
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<p>Haha yeah was talking to one of our players who got a call up for this game and even he admitted to me that they weren't gonna win with that side. Still, good to see a lot of youngsters getting a go against a virtual full strength North Harbour side.</p> -
<div><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://aucklandrugby.co.nz/News/2016-8-11/Auckland-to-face-Bay-of-Plenty-in-pre-season-clash.aspx'>http://aucklandrugby.co.nz/News/2016-8-11/Auckland-to-face-Bay-of-Plenty-in-pre-season-clash.aspx</a></div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<div>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote">
<p>Auckland close out their pre-season tomorrow with a match against Bay of Plenty at Shore Road (kick off 12pm).</p>
<p> </p>
<p>After last Friday’s loss to North Harbour, coach Nick White said the squad have spent this week working on the new break down laws.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The return of Super Rugby players Steven Luatua, Leon Fukofuka, Melani Nanai and Liaki Moli will bolster the side, with the remaining Super Rugby players joining the squad full time next week.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“It’s good to have those Super guys back and is a chance for them to show their leadership,†said White.“Tomorrow the goal is to work on our game plan, get in the right places, have good work rate and get our set piece right.â€</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Auckland kick off the Mitre 10 Cup season against Canterbury next Saturday.</p>
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<p> </p>
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</div>
<div>1. Sam Prattley (Pakuranga) </div>
<div>2. Kurt Eklund (University) </div>
<div>3. Marcel Renata (University) </div>
<div>4. Scott Scrafton (Grammar TEC) </div>
<div>5. Ben Nee Nee (Pakuranga) </div>
<div>6. Steven Luatua (University) </div>
<div>7. Josh Kaifa (Manukau Rovers) </div>
<div>8. Joe Edwards (Pakuranga) </div>
<div>9. Leon Fukofuka (Marist) </div>
<div>10. Simon Hickey (Grammar TEC) </div>
<div>11. Pryor Collier (Ponsonby) </div>
<div>12. Latiume Fosita (Papatoetoe) </div>
<div>13. Stacey Ili (Manukau Rovers) </div>
<div>14. Pisi Leilua (Suburbs) </div>
<div>15. Melani Nanai (Manukau Rovers) </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Reserves: Blake Hill, Tom McHugh, Isi Tu’ungafasi, James Lay, Liaki Moli, Jamie Lane, Tana Fotofili, Jono Hickey, Tyrone Elkington-MacDonald, Otumaka Mausia, Calvary Fonoti, Sailosi Vatabua, Loketi Manu</div> -
<p>Ideally, it would've been nice if we got more Super players involved in the last pre-season game to get use to the new laws, but I can understand why we're resting them.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Gibson must be injured because he's one who doesn't need a rest.</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Tim" data-cid="604962" data-time="1470886310">
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<p>Interesting that Luatua is starting at 6. </p>
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<p>He'll probably play most of the season there with Akira at 8.</p> -
<p>Makes sense. It suits his game and if it wasn't for an All Black, he'd be playing there for the Blues.</p>
