NPC - news, injuries etc
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Dice" data-cid="602116" data-time="1470034146">
<div>
<p>With the players in that Waikato backline, attack shouldn't be a problem, but like the last couple of years, I have a question mark on the defense and pack.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Halaholo is a nice addition for Waikato. He and ALB should be one of the better midfield combos in the comp.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>It's a better squad than last year. Defence was a problem but they've strengthened in the right areas (i.e. midfield) and the pack has a year more experience under their belts. I'm not sure what loose forward trio will be favoured but I expect Douglas and Jacobson to be 2 of the 3.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I was impressed with Alainu'uese vs KC in those conditions after such a long time away with injury. If he can stay fit (a big if based on previous history) he could be looked at for the Chiefs again with a good NPC. He's still only 22.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I will be interested to see what team is picked for the RS game this Sat as it should be closer to the first-choice team (excluding Super players). We could eventually see a back 3 of fullbacks once DMac is back with Stevenson and Trainor on the wings. Donald or Christie will be 1st 5.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Dice" data-cid="602124" data-time="1470036544"><p>
A Samoan Development team made up of NZ based players has been named to play Counties(5th August) and Northland(10th August).<br><br><br>
Quite a few surnames familiar to Samoan Rugby in that bunch.</p></blockquote>
<br>
What was Mark Birtwistle, of circa 1991, Samoan qualification? As he was very white. I'd be thinking any offspring of his wound be stretching the grandparent rule unless his spouse also has Samoan lineage .....<br><br>
Unless he had Samoan honky roots? -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Dice" data-cid="602124" data-time="1470036544"><p>
A Samoan Development team made up of NZ based players has been named to play Counties(5th August) and Northland(10th August).<br><br><br>
Quite a few surnames familiar to Samoan Rugby in that bunch.</p></blockquote>
<br>
Also a Rayasi? Son of Philippe Rayasi the ex-Fijian international and Wellington fullback/outside back?<br><br>
Now that I've typed that out, Phillipe doesn't seem right ... Was it Filipe? -
<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Anyone know what ever happened to So’otala Fa’aso’o? Not sure I've ever read as much hype around an Auckland schoolboy as him. But he ended up bouncing around Wairarapa Bush and Manawatu in recent seasons.</span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">I know he had a massive discipline incident at high school but can't believe his reputation from that would be holding him back this far down the track.</span></span></p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Wurzel" data-cid="602148" data-time="1470041482">
<div>
<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Anyone know what ever happened to So’otala Fa’aso’o? Not sure I've ever read as much hype around an Auckland schoolboy as him. But he ended up bouncing around Wairarapa Bush and Manawatu in recent seasons.</span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">I know he had a massive discipline incident at high school but can't believe his reputation from that would be holding him back this far down the track.</span></span></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>He has been named in the Counties Manukau squad: <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.daimenhutchison.com/rugby/index.php/topic/41897-counties-rugby-2016/?p=601288'>http://www.daimenhutchison.com/rugby/index.php/topic/41897-counties-rugby-2016/?p=601288</a></p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote">
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Backs</strong></p>
<p>Tawera Kerr-Barlow (40) Hautapu</p>
<p>Harrison Levien (6) Hamilton Marist</p>
<p>Pele Cowley (1) Hamilton Old Boys</p>
<p>Isaac Boss (53) (Southern United)</p>
<p>Damian McKenzie (20) University</p>
<p>Stephen Donald (59) University</p>
<p>Sam Christie (43) Fraser Tech</p>
<p>Willis Halaholo (*)</p>
<p>Tevita Taufui (2) Melville</p>
<p>Nathaniel Apa (1) Fraser Tech</p>
<p>Anton Lienert-Brown (19) University</p>
<p>Iliesa Ratuva Tavuyara (2) Hamilton Old Boys</p>
<p>Sevu Reece (2) Melville</p>
<p>Shaun Stevenson (10) Hamilton Old Boys</p>
<p>Jordan Trainor (2) Fraser Tech</p>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>Of that bunch, only TKB is likely to be unavailable for the majority of the competition. A backline comprising Boss, Donald, Halaholo, ALB, Stevenson, Trainor and McKenzie (or slot Apa in there somewhere in the three-quarters) should be able to mix it up nicely.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Wurzel" data-cid="602148" data-time="1470041482">
<div>
<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Anyone know what ever happened to So’otala Fa’aso’o? Not sure I've ever read as much hype around an Auckland schoolboy as him. But he ended up bouncing around Wairarapa Bush and Manawatu in recent seasons.</span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">I know he had a massive discipline incident at high school but can't believe his reputation from that would be holding him back this far down the track.</span></span></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p>He missed out on the North Harbour squad but has ended up at Counties. Injuries have also held him back.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Immenso Rapido" data-cid="602136" data-time="1470039308">
<div>
<p>What was Mark Birtwistle, of circa 1991, Samoan qualification? As he was very white. I'd be thinking any offspring of his wound be stretching the grandparent rule unless his spouse also has Samoan lineage .....<br><br>
Unless he had Samoan honky roots?</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p>I've heard his mum is actually full Samoan.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Funny you mention him, because he's one of the coaches for this team.</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Immenso Rapido" data-cid="602138" data-time="1470039513">
<div>
<p>Also a Rayasi? Son of Philippe Rayasi the ex-Fijian international and Wellington fullback/outside back?<br><br>
Now that I've typed that out, Phillipe doesn't seem right ... Was it Filipe?</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p>Yup, that is Filipe's son.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Immenso Rapido" data-cid="602136" data-time="1470039308">
<div>
<p>What was Mark Birtwistle, of circa 1991, Samoan qualification? <strong>As he was very white. </strong>I'd be thinking any offspring of his wound be stretching the grandparent rule unless his spouse also has Samoan lineage .....<br><br>
Unless he had Samoan honky roots?</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p>Birtwistle was more qualified than Mata'afa Keenan despite Keenan being very brown.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>As to your second point, I'm pretty sure recent Samoan nationals Gavin and Paul William's children wont be eligible for Samoa.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Ps: Bloody Samoans have even put together a poaching list ....</p> -
<p>Taranaki squad:</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Forwards:</p>
<p>Mitchell Graham, Reuben O'Neill, Ryan Cocker, Mike Kainga, Jared Proffit, Rhys Marshall, Sione Lea, Leon Power, Ben Matwijow, Fin Hoeata, Leighton Price, Mitchell Crosswell, Mitchell Brown, Berny Hall, Lachlan Boshier, Toa Halafihi, Iopu Iopu-Aso</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Backs:</p>
<p>Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Kylem O'Donnell, Marty McKenzie, Sean Wainui, Seta Tamanivalu, Charlie Ngatai, Johnny Fa'auli, Latu Vaeno, Manasa Mataele, Stephen Perofeta, Declan O'Donnell, Beaudein Waaka, Jackson Ormond, Waisake Naholo, Beauden Barrett</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/sport/82725250/charlie-ngatai-included-in-taranakis-npc-squad'>http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/sport/82725250/charlie-ngatai-included-in-taranakis-npc-squad</a></p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Dice" data-cid="602228" data-time="1470085833"><p><br><br>
Funny you mention him, because he's one of the coaches for this team.<br><br></p></blockquote>
I mentioned him because there was a Birtwistle in that team, not just some random MN5 style musings about 2 of his favourite subjects: the 90s, and black/brown guys. -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Duluth" data-cid="602273" data-time="1470098533">
<div>
<p>Taranaki squad:</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Forwards:</p>
<p>Mitchell Graham, Reuben O'Neill, Ryan Cocker, Mike Kainga, Jared Proffit, Rhys Marshall, Sione Lea, Leon Power, Ben Matwijow, Fin Hoeata, Leighton Price, Mitchell Crosswell, Mitchell Brown, Berny Hall, Lachlan Boshier, Toa Halafihi, Iopu Iopu-Aso</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Backs:</p>
<p>Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Kylem O'Donnell, Marty McKenzie, Sean Wainui, Seta Tamanivalu, Charlie Ngatai, Johnny Fa'auli, Latu Vaeno, Manasa Mataele, Stephen Perofeta, Declan O'Donnell, Beaudein Waaka, Jackson Ormond, Waisake Naholo, Beauden Barrett</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/sport/82725250/charlie-ngatai-included-in-taranakis-npc-squad'>http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/sport/82725250/charlie-ngatai-included-in-taranakis-npc-squad</a></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>Strong looking squad. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>The TRFU media release also includes this info:</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote">
<p> </p>
<p>Contracted players unavailable for the 2016 season due to injury:</p>
<div> </div>
<div>James Broadhurst (concussion), Riki Hoeata (concussion) and Blade Thomson (shoulder).</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>I don't know for how long Hoeata has already been out of action because of concussion, but Broadhurst has been for a long time now. Not good; not good at all.</p> -
<p>Taranaki should be good enough for a top 4 spot.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Interesting that Fa'auli went over there when he got plenty of game time at Counties last year.</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Immenso Rapido" data-cid="602279" data-time="1470100095">
<div>
<p>I mentioned him because there was a Birtwistle in that team, not just some random MN5 style musings about 2 of his favourite subjects: the 90s, and black/brown guys.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p>Yeah, that would be his son, who is an openside.</p> -
<p style="font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;color:rgb(29,33,41);"><strong>Counties Manukau </strong>team to play <strong>Samoa A</strong>:</p>
<p style="font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;color:rgb(29,33,41);"> </p>
<p style="font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;color:rgb(29,33,41);">1. Sean Bagshaw<br>
2. Suliasi Taufalele<br>
3. Sione Faletau<br>
4. Viliame Rarasea<br>
5. Cameron Skelton <br>
6. Viliami Taulani<br>
7. Fotu Lokotui<br>
8. Sootala Fa’aso’o<br>
9. Jonathan Taumateine<br>
10. Piers Francis<br>
11. Sione Fifita<br>
12. Orbyn Leger<br>
13. Cardiff Vaega (c)<br>
14. Sherwin Stowers<br>
15. Luteru Laulala</p>
<p style="font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;color:rgb(29,33,41);"> </p>
<p style="font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;color:rgb(29,33,41);">16. Gafatasi Su’a<br>
17. Jarred Adams<br>
18. Kalolo Tuiloma<br>
19. Matiaha Martin<br>
20. Alamanda Motuga<br>
21. Richard Judd<br>
22. Nathan de Thierry<br>
23. Joe Reynolds<br>
24. Kalione Hala<br>
25. Joe Ikenasio</p>
<p style="font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;color:rgb(29,33,41);"> </p>
<p style="font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;color:rgb(29,33,41);"><span>I like the look of that backline, it looks looks well balanced and has plenty of upside. Counties should have one of the better backlines in the comp once they add in August Pulu, Toni Pulu and Sam Vaka.</span></p> -
<p>bay of plenty just beat northland 49 to 26 in whakatane</p>
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<p><img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CpFFIjjUMAAf2tl.jpg" alt="CpFFIjjUMAAf2tl.jpg"></p>
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<p>For who doesn't follow the <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.daimenhutchison.com/rugby/index.php/topic/41822-2016-mitre10-cup/'>Magpies</a> thread, here is the <span style="color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">2016 <strong>Hawke's Bay Magpies</strong> Mitre 10 Cup squad:</span></p>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> </div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><u>Front Row</u></div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span>Ash DIXON</span></div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Brendon EDMONDS (injured)</div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Tolu FAHAMOKIOA</div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Mason KEAN</div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Jason LONG</div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Ben MAY</div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Ricky RICCITELLI</div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Jorian TANGAERE</div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> </div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><u>Locks</u></div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span>Mark ABBOTT</span></div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Michael ALLARDICE (injured)</div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Geoff CRIDGE</div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Ross FILIPO*</div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Brodie RETALLICK</div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Sanaila WAQA (injured)</div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> </div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><u>Loose Forwards</u></div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span>Trent BOSWELL-WAKEFIELD</span></div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Gareth EVANS (injured)</div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Ben HAMELINK*</div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Tony LAMBORN</div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Marino MIKAELE TU'U*</div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Hugh RENTON*</div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Fa'alemiga SELESELE*</div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> </div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><u>Inside Backs</u></div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span>Chris EATON</span></div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Tiaan FALCON*</div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Brad WEBER*</div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Ihaia WEST</div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Ellery WILSON</div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> </div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><u>Midfield Backs</u></div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span>Robbie FRUEAN</span></div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Matt GARLAND*</div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Jonah LOWE</div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Lewis MARSHALL</div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Billy ROPIHA</div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> </div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><u>Outside Backs</u></div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span>Shannan CHASE</span></div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Israel DAGG</div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Mason EMERSON</div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Sam MCNICOL*</div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Ryan TONGIA</div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> </div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">* Magpies debutants</div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> </div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><a class="bbc_url" href="http://www.sporty.co.nz/magpies/newsarticle/37852" title="External link">http://www.sporty.co...wsarticle/37852</a></div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> </div>
<div style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Background info:</div>
<ul><li>out for the season due to injury: Brendon Edmonds, Michael Allardice, Sanaila Waqa and Gareth Evans</li>
<li>won't play due to AB duties: Brodie Retallick & Israel Dagg</li>
<li>from our 2015 squad, the following players have left: Brendon O'Connor, Tom Stanley, Zac Guildford, Andrew Horrell, Richard Buckman, Tyrone Elkington-MacDonald, Ben Franks</li>
</ul><p style="margin:0px;color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Despite the arrival of Brad Weber and Sam McNicol (and May & Filipo), this is a weaker team than last year's. The Magpies lose a gigantic amount of experience without - at least - eight of last year's Super Rugby players (not counting Franks). Whether they will be able to stay in the Premiership after this season, will depend a lot on whether young players like Mikaele-Tu'u, Emerson and Lowe as well as the added club rugby players can step up.</p> -
<p>Mako$ team is apparently announced - sans Zac Guildford.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/82977063/tasman-Mako$-part-ways-with-winger-zac-guildford'>http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/82977063/tasman-Mako$-part-ways-with-winger-zac-guildford</a></p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Chris B." data-cid="604229" data-time="1470703011">
<div>
<p>Mako$ team is apparently announced - sans Zac Guildford.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/82977063/tasman-Mako$-part-ways-with-winger-zac-guildford'>http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/82977063/tasman-Mako$-part-ways-with-winger-zac-guildford</a></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>Team naming video: <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href=''></a></p>
