NPC - news, injuries etc
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<p>Canterbury training squad from June, sans NZ U20s, Super Rugby players and injuries:</p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote">
<p>The players selected for the initial Wider Training Group are:</p>
<p><strong>Forwards</strong><br>
Kalolo Otutaha (Christchurch)<br>
Carisbrook To’omalatai (New Brighton)<br>
Samu Tawake (Sumner)<br>
Oli Jager (New Brighton)<br>
Tom Crozier (Sumner)<br>
Nick Werahiko (Lincoln University)<br>
Jack Powell (Lincoln University)<br>
Jonno Osbourne (Lincoln University)<br>
Sam Godwin (University)<br>
Dylan Nel (Sumner)<br>
Billy Harmon (New Brighton)<br>
Jordan Stewart (Linwood)<br>
<br><strong>Backs</strong><br>
Ere Enari (Lincoln University)<br>
Jack Stratton (Lincoln University)<br>
Finlay Christie (University)<br>
Josh McKay (Lincoln University)<br>
Brett Cameron (Lincoln University)<br>
Inga Finau (Christchurch)<br>
Poasa Waqanibau (Sumner)<br>
Harrison Groundwater (Lincoln University)<br>
Nigel Gibb (University)<br>
Milford Keresoma (Sydenham)<br>
Marshall Suckling (Sumner)<br>
Mark Maitland (Waihora)<br>
<br>
Some players have not been named due to injuries.<br>
<br><strong>New Zealand 20’s</strong><br>
Sean Paranihi (Sumner)<br>
Hamish Dalzell (Lincoln University)<br>
Jordie Barrett (Lincoln University)<br>
Caleb Makene (Lincoln University)</p>
<p> </p>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>To a full squad could be added:</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Props</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Franks</p>
<p>Moody</p>
<p>Crockett</p>
<p>Faletau</p>
<p>Tokolahi</p>
<p>Hodgman</p>
<p>Leinert-Brown</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Hookers</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Taylor</p>
<p>Funnell</p>
<p>Robinson</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Locks</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Whitelock</p>
<p>Romano</p>
<p>Barrett</p>
<p>Manning</p>
<p>Dunshea</p>
<p>Bird</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Loose forwards</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Read</p>
<p>Todd</p>
<p>Whitelock</p>
<p>Brown</p>
<p>Sanders</p>
<p>Princep (if fit)</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Halfbacks</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Drummond</p>
<p>Fukofuka</p>
<p> </p>
<p>First-fives</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Mo'unga</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Midfield</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Crotty</p>
<p>Thompson</p>
<p>Goodhue</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Outside backs</p>
<p> </p>
<p>McNicholl</p>
<p>Osborne</p>
<p>Tulolo</p>
<p>Laulala</p>
<p>Apa</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="shark" data-cid="600449" data-time="1469527762">
<div>
<p>Halfbacks</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Drummond</p>
<p><strong>Fukofuka</strong></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p>He's still with Auckland.. was named in the squad last week</p> -
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<p>Tulolo Tulolo hasn't played club rugby this year (assuming he's moved on), and Sione Faletau is at Counties.</p>
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<p>Mako$ have apparently signed a Scottish ginga former gymnast as a development player at halfback - a stepping stone to supplanting Drummond?</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/sport/82523852/christchurch-club-rugby-standout-finlay-christie-signs-for-tasman-Mako$'>http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/sport/82523852/christchurch-club-rugby-standout-finlay-christie-signs-for-tasman-Mako$</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Seen this guy play, Sammy?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Not much other news coming from the Mako$ squad. Earlier they said they'd signed all their current Super players plus Zac Guildford. Since then, however, it sounds like Quentin MacDonald is off before the season starts. Liam Squire is a good chance of being with the ABs, maybe James Lowe could be - there was also talk of him needing shoulder surgery. A few like Halanukonuka, Perry and Geldenhuys on the injured list.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Keane usually came up with a few signings from left field, so will be interesting to see whether Leon continues that tradition.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>There's a heap of defections lining up for next year, so if we're going to win a trophy with this generation of players, it's now or never.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>First up game is Waikato in Blenheim - give us a Shield Challenge you selfish and cowardly Mooloo fluffybunnys! :)</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Chris B." data-cid="600593" data-time="1469586237">
<div>
<p>Mako$ have apparently signed a Scottish ginga former gymnast as a development player at halfback - a stepping stone to supplanting Drummond?</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/sport/82523852/christchurch-club-rugby-standout-finlay-christie-signs-for-tasman-Mako$'>http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/sport/82523852/christchurch-club-rugby-standout-finlay-christie-signs-for-tasman-Mako$</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Seen this guy play, Sammy?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Not much other news coming from the Mako$ squad. Earlier they said they'd signed all their current Super players plus Zac Guildford. Since then, however, it sounds like Quentin MacDonald is off before the season starts. Liam Squire is a good chance of being with the ABs, maybe James Lowe could be - there was also talk of him needing shoulder surgery. A few like Halanukonuka, Perry and Geldenhuys on the injured list.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Keane usually came up with a few signings from left field, so will be interesting to see whether Leon continues that tradition.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>There's a heap of defections lining up for next year, so if we're going to win a trophy with this generation of players, it's now or never.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>First up game is Waikato in Blenheim - give us a Shield Challenge you selfish and cowardly Mooloo fluffybunnys! :)</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>I like that signing, if Robertson isn't going to reward club form then I'm glad the Mako$ are.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>There's a couple more blokes who were up near the top of the Hawkins medal list that deserve a shot too.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I actually haven't seen University play this year so can't offer an opinion on him. Pretty sure my old man has though, so I'll ask him.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="mariner4life" data-cid="600346" data-time="1469502933">
<div>
<p>i saw so little last year i forgot we made the semis. With a shit record though? wiki tells me 4 and 6, with some kickings.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>but only just lost our semi.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>was last year with the really really dumb, late loss to HB? I remember a game in teh last couple of years where we were in front, and then gave it up with some of the dumbest rugby in history. </p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p>No last year was unlucky and slightly contentious although most mid-ranking teams usually combine the sublime and dumb fairly easily. In the Schuler years, we made a habit of dumb defeats on the rare occasions we weren't being humped.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>So 4-6 last season wasn't great but it was much better than 6-24 for the previous 3 seasons.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="cgrant" data-cid="600426" data-time="1469520810">
<div>
<p>Is Josh Larsen related to Blair Larsen ?</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>Not sure if related, but dad is Andy and he was born in Canada</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.odt.co.nz/sport/rugby/391628/rugby-former-eel-makes-northland-squad'>http://www.odt.co.nz/sport/rugby/391628/rugby-former-eel-makes-northland-squad</a></p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote">
<p> </p>
<p>Former Taieri Eels rugby player Josh Larsen is looking forward to pulling on the Cambridge blue jersey of Northland after being selected in its national provincial championship Mitre 10 Cup squad for 2016.</p>
<p>The 22-year-old, who plays lock, played three years for the Eels while studying at the University of Otago from 2012 to 2015. He has since graduated and moved back to his hometown, Paihia.</p>
<p>"I'm very honoured to be picked for Northland,'' Larsen said.</p>
<p>"I grew up here in the province and still remember going to Okara Park as a youngster watching the Cambridge blue. So to be in the squad now is very special.''</p>
<p>Making the squad had taught him that hard work paid off.</p>
<p>"Northland being such a large region, and with my home in Paihia being roughly an hour out of the main area of Whangarei, it has been a lot of work and effort and driving to and from training.</p>
<p>"I was fortunate enough at the start of the year to be involved in the academy up here and then from there really worked on my strength and conditioning as well as my form in club rugby.</p>
<p>"It was all done with huge support from my father, Andy.''</p>
<p>While he hoped to take the field for Northland, he was focused on improving himself and learning from the rest of the squad.</p>
<p>"If I got a game against Otago down south it would be a dream, as I am still very close to the deep South and have some really close friends there.</p>
<p>"But I am just taking it day by day for now.''</p>
<p>His highlights while playing for the Eels were making his premier debut against the Kaikorai Rugby Football Club and being a part of the side's run to the final last year.</p>
<p>The highlights of his rugby career so far were making the Canada Under-20 team - he was born in Canada - and making the Otago B squad last year.</p>
<p>"The main highlight now would be this year with the Northland Mitre 10 Cup squad.''</p>
</blockquote> -
<p>Otago and Southland had a pre-season hit-out on the weekend.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Sassanechs(Otago) 41 - 19 Spartans(Southland)</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Sassanechs scorers: Josh Casey, Dillon Hunt, George Bower, Kyle Harris, Josh Ioane, Jonathan Ruru, Thomas Umaga-Jensen tries; Casey 2 con, Ruru con</p>
<div> </div>
<div>Spartans scorers: DJ Collier, Keanu Kahukura, Tino Mafoe tries; D'Angelo Leuila con, Mafoe con</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Halftime: Sassenachs 19 - 12</div>
<p> </p>
<p>Match Report: <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.odt.co.nz/sport/rugby/391422/rugby-coach-pleased-performance-sassenachs'>http://www.odt.co.nz/sport/rugby/391422/rugby-coach-pleased-performance-sassenachs</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Line-ups:</p>
<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.16px;background-color:rgb(230,230,230);"><b>Sassenachs(Otago):</b> Mitchell Scott, Fa'asui Fuitai, Michael Collins, Sio Tomkinson, Jack Wilson, Josh Ioane, Josh Walden (captain), Sione Teu, James Lentjes, Adam Knight, Sione Misoli, Tom Rowe, Mike Mata'afa, Sam Sturgess, Craig Miller. Reserves: Angus Williams, Sekonaia Pole, George Bower, Dillon Hunt, Ben Whale, Kyle Harris, Charles Elton, Jonathon Ruru, Josh Casey, Hemaua Semasoni, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Josh Gordon, Josh Buchan</p>
<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.16px;background-color:rgb(230,230,230);"> </p>
<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.16px;background-color:rgb(230,230,230);"><b>Spartans(Southland):</b> Junior Ngaluafe, Mike Molloy, Dylan Collier, James Schrader, Keanu Kahukura, D'Angelo Leiuila, Ben Brown, Mika Mafi, Phil Halder, Wade McRae, Ben Fotheringham, Tepasu Thomas, Reuben Northover, Ezekiel Sopoaga, Shaun Stodart. Reserves: Josh Leith, George Tuineau, Ben Soper, Jack Capil, Anton Huisman, Josh Brazier, Jaye Thomson Te Muunu, Tino Mafoe, Greg Dyer</p> -
<p>Got two Auckland boys manning the 10 position in that game.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Seems Josh Ioane has gone well in club rugby this season. I saw him named in a Club Form XV, but he was listed at 12.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Southland coach noted D'angelo Leuila as one of the better players for Southland. It's funny, because he's not even listed in the Mitre 10 Cup team or even the Southland B team. I wonder what's going on there.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Dice" data-cid="600961" data-time="1469684478">
<div>
<p>Otago and Southland had a pre-season hit-out on the weekend.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Sassanechs(Otago) 41 - 19 Spartans(Southland)</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Sassanechs scorers: Josh Casey, Dillon Hunt, George Bower, Kyle Harris, Josh Ioane, <strong>Jonathan Ruru</strong>, Thomas Umaga-Jensen tries; Casey 2 con, Ruru con</p>
<div> </div>
<div>Spartans scorers: DJ Collier, Keanu Kahukura, Tino Mafoe tries; D'Angelo Leuila con, Mafoe con</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Halftime: Sassenachs 19 - 12</div>
<p> </p>
<p>Match Report: <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.odt.co.nz/sport/rugby/391422/rugby-coach-pleased-performance-sassenachs'>http://www.odt.co.nz/sport/rugby/391422/rugby-coach-pleased-performance-sassenachs</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Line-ups:</p>
<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.16px;background-color:rgb(230,230,230);"><b>Sassenachs(Otago):</b> Mitchell Scott, Fa'asui Fuitai, Michael Collins, Sio Tomkinson, Jack Wilson, Josh Ioane, Josh Walden (captain), Sione Teu, James Lentjes, Adam Knight, Sione Misoli, Tom Rowe, Mike Mata'afa, Sam Sturgess, Craig Miller. Reserves: Angus Williams, Sekonaia Pole, George Bower, Dillon Hunt, Ben Whale, Kyle Harris, Charles Elton, Jonathon Ruru, Josh Casey, Hemaua Semasoni, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Josh Gordon, Josh Buchan</p>
<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.16px;background-color:rgb(230,230,230);"> </p>
<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.16px;background-color:rgb(230,230,230);"><b>Spartans(Southland):</b> Junior Ngaluafe, Mike Molloy, Dylan Collier, James Schrader, Keanu Kahukura, D'Angelo Leiuila, Ben Brown, Mika Mafi, Phil Halder, Wade McRae, Ben Fotheringham, Tepasu Thomas, Reuben Northover, Ezekiel Sopoaga, Shaun Stodart. Reserves: Josh Leith, George Tuineau, Ben Soper, Jack Capil, Anton Huisman, Josh Brazier, Jaye Thomson Te Muunu, Tino Mafoe, Greg Dyer</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>Jonathan Ruru? Is that a halfback from Hawke's Bay (last year, the third Magpies hb behind Eaton and Wilson)? Or just someone with the same name?</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Stargazer" data-cid="600973" data-time="1469686073">
<div>
<p>Jonathan Ruru? Is that a halfback from Hawke's Bay (last year, the third Magpies hb behind Eaton and Wilson)? Or just someone with the same name?</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>Yes, the HB squad member of last year, Stargazer.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="KiwiPie" data-cid="600341" data-time="1469501728">
<div>
<p>About time you lot left your borders to put the Real Bay Trophy on the line - we always seem to be going there!</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>Actually, Kiwipie, there have been 48 first-class matches between HB and BOP - 24 in each province.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The recent dominance of games between the two in HB have actually corrected the imbalance, not created one.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="taniwharugby" data-cid="600767" data-time="1469655832">
<div>
<p>Not sure if related, but dad is Andy and he was born in Canada</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.odt.co.nz/sport/rugby/391628/rugby-former-eel-makes-northland-squad'>http://www.odt.co.nz/sport/rugby/391628/rugby-former-eel-makes-northland-squad</a></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p>Thanks !</p> -
<br><p> </p>
<p>Line-ups:</p>
<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.16px;background-color:rgb(230,230,230);"><b>Sassenachs(Otago):</b> Mitchell Scott, Fa'asui Fuitai, Michael Collins, Sio Tomkinson, Jack Wilson, Josh Ioane, Josh Walden (captain), Sione Teu, James Lentjes, Adam Knight, Sione Misoli, Tom Rowe, Mike Mata'afa, Sam Sturgess, Craig Miller. Reserves: Angus Williams, Sekonaia Pole, George Bower, Dillon Hunt, Ben Whale, Kyle Harris, Charles Elton, Jonathon Ruru, Josh Casey, Hemaua Semasoni, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Josh Gordon, Josh Buchan</p>
<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.16px;background-color:rgb(230,230,230);"> </p>
<p style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12.16px;background-color:rgb(230,230,230);"><b>Spartans(Southland):</b> Junior Ngaluafe, Mike Molloy, Dylan Collier, James Schrader, Keanu Kahukura, D'Angelo Leiuila, Ben Brown, Mika Mafi, Phil Halder, Wade McRae, Ben Fotheringham, Tepasu Thomas, Reuben Northover, Ezekiel Sopoaga, Shaun Stodart. Reserves: Josh Leith, George Tuineau, Ben Soper, Jack Capil, Anton Huisman, Josh Brazier, Jaye Thomson Te Muunu, Tino Mafoe, Greg Dyer</p>
<p> </p>
<p>You can tell the boys born and raised in Otago in those two teams. They're the ones called Josh. </p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Number 10" data-cid="600977" data-time="1469686535">
<div>
<p>Actually, Kiwipie, there have been 48 first-class matches between HB and BOP - 24 in each province.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The recent dominance of games between the two in HB have actually corrected the imbalance, not created one.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p>Don't start throwing facts into the debate! Nobody wants to see that ....</p>
