Super XV 2012 Preview: New Zealand Conference

New Zealand Conference
The New Zealand conference is home to the two most successful teams in Super Rugby's history, the Crusaders (7 titles) and the Blues (3 titles). Those two teams are likely to be the two top teams in the NZ conference again this
season, with the Chiefs, Highlanders and Hurricanes fighting over the minor placings.

v2's pick - New Zealand Conference:
1) Crusaders
2) Blues
3) Chiefs
4) Highlanders
5) Hurricanes


Blues
The Auckland-based franchise has recruited very well over the off-season, with Ma'a Nonu and Piri Weepu moving north from the Hurricanes, offsetting the loss of Joe Rokocoko, John Afoa and Luke McAllister to European clubs, and they will hope to progress further into the playoffs than last season. The Blues have suffered in recent seasons from inconsistency, being capable of brilliant razzle-dazzle one week, and turgid dross the next. They face a tough March, travelling to South Africa to face the Bulls and Stormers.

The Blues miss out on playing the Cheetahs and the Waratahs in the 2012 round-robin.

Key Players: Rene Ranger, Ma’a Nonu, Keven Mealamu, Jerome Kaino

Players to watch: Ma’a Nonu and Rene Ranger could be a lethal midfield combination, especially if the Blues can get things right at #10, a problem position for them in recent seasons.

Gains: Ma'a Nonu, Rudi Wulf, Piri Weepu, Michael Hobbs, Pauliasi Manu, Angus Ta'avao, Gareth Anscombe, George Moala, David Raikuna

Losses: John Afoa, Stephen Brett, Luke McAlister, Winston Stanley, Joe Rokocoko, Jared Payne, Chris Smylie, James King, Kurtis Haiu

Main Squad:
Coach: Pat Lam
Props: Charlie Faumuina (Auckland), Tevita Mailau (Auckland), Pauliasi Manu (Auckland), Angus Ta'avao (Auckland), Tony Woodcock (North Harbour)
Hookers: Tom McCartney (Auckland), Keven Mealamu (c) (Auckland)
Locks: Anthony Boric (North Harbour), Liaki Moli (Auckland), Filo Paulo (North Harbour), Ali Williams (Auckland)
Loose Forwards: Daniel Braid (Auckland), Luke Braid (Auckland), Jerome Kaino (Auckland), Chris Lowrey (Auckland), Peter Saili (Auckland), Brad Mika (Auckland)
Half Backs: Alby Mathewson (Auckland), Piri Weepu (Wellington)
First Five-Eighths: Gareth Anscombe (Auckland), Lachie Munro (Counties-Manukau)
Centres: Michael Hobbs (Wellington), Ma'a Nonu (Auckland), Benson Stanley (Auckland)
Wingers: George Moala (Auckland), David Raikuna (North Harbour), Rudi Wulf (North Harbour)
Fullbacks: Isaia Toeava (Auckland), Sherwin Stowers (Counties-Manukau)


Chiefs
The Sonny Bill Williams circus has arrived in Hamilton, and the Chiefs will be fielding an All Blacks’ bench worth of inside backs with Aaron Cruden, SBW and Richard Kahui. Cruden and SBW replace Stephen Donald and the re-retired Tana Umaga, while Mils Muliaina is a big loss at the back.

New coach Dave Rennie will have his work cut out ending the Chief’s record of underachievement in Super Rugby, and his electric backline will be relying on some relative unknowns in the forwards.

The draw has done the Chiefs some favours; they avoid playing the Stormers, while away games at the Cheetahs and Western Force will be targets.

Key Players: Liam Messam, Aaron Cruden, Hika Elliot

Players to watch: The SBW off-loading show; Williams is possibly in his last season of rugby union with return-to-NRL rumours circulating. If he and Richard Kahui can get enough possession the Chiefs will be dangerous, especially if NZ Sevens star Declan O’Donnell can transfer his skills to the fifteen-man game.

Gains: Shane Cleaver, Aaron Cruden, Michael Fitzgerald, Maritino Nemani, Brodie Retallick, Robbie Robinson, Ben Tameifuna, Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Kane Thompson, Mahonri Schwalger, Sonny Bill Williams

Losses: Colin Bourke, Mike Delany, Aled de Malmanche, Stephen Donald, Toby Lynn, Ben May, Taniela Moa, Mils Muliaina, Culum Retallick, Isaac Ross, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Dwayne Sweeney, Hayden Triggs, Tana Umaga, Nathan White

Main Squad:
Coach: Dave Rennie
Props: Ben Afeaki (North Harbour), Shane Cleaver (Manawatu), Toby Smith (Waikato), Ben Tameifuna (Hawke's Bay), Sona Taumalolo (Hawke's Bay)
Hookers: Hika Elliot (Hawke's Bay), Mahonri Schwalger (Taranaki)
Locks: Craig Clarke (c) (Waikato), Mike Fitzgerald (Manawatu), Romana Graham (Waikato), Brodie Retallick (Bay of Plenty), Kane Thompson (Hawke's Bay)
Loose Forwards: Alex Bradley (Waikato), Sam Cane (Bay of Plenty), Tanerau Latimer (Bay of Plenty), Fritz Lee (Counties Manukau), Liam Messam (c) (Waikato), Scott Waldrom (Taranaki)
Half Backs: Tawera Kerr-Barlow (Waikato), Brendon Leonard (Waikato)
First Five-Eighths: Aaron Cruden (Manawatu), Andrew Horrell (Hawke's Bay)
Centres: Richard Kahui (Waikato), Asaeli Tikoiratuma (Taranaki), Sonny Bill Williams (Canterbury), Jackson Willison (Waikato)
Wingers: Lelia Masaga (Bay of Plenty), Maritino Nemani (Hawke's Bay), Declan O'Donnell (Waikato)
Fullbacks: Tim Nanai-Williams (Counties Manukau), Robbie Robinson (Southland)


Crusaders
2012 is a time of rebuilding for the shattered city of Christchurch, and their Crusaders are no exception. Last year’s beaten finalists have a new ground to replace the earthquake-damaged AMI Stadium, and some good young players queuing up to replace Brad Thorn, Sonny Bill Williams, Kahn Fotuali’I and Chris Jack.

The Crusaders will field one of the best packs in the competition, and will relish playing home games in Christchurch rather than 6 hours’ drive away in Nelson, or half a world away in London – most of the squad logged over 100,000 air miles between March and June 2011. They miss playing the Sharks and the Brumbies this season.

Key Players: Dan Carter, Israel Dagg, Sam Whitelock, Owen Franks

Ones to watch: With Richie McCaw not expected on the field until April his heir apparent Matt Todd has an opportunity to shine. In the backs look out for 2010 U20 World Cup star Tyler Bleyendaal whenever Dan Carter is rested, while Tom “Son of ’87 RWC winner Warwick” Taylor had a very good 2011 NPC. And there’s a chance to play Whitelock bingo, with all four brothers in the squad this year – will they set a record by all being on the field together?

Gains: Tom Donnelly, Ben Funnell, Ross Kennedy, Patrick Osbourne, Tom Taylor, Luke Whitelock, Rugby League Park

Losses: Matt Berquist, Kahn Fotuali’i, David Hall, Chris Jack, Jonathan Poff, Brad Thorn, Sonny Bill Williams, AMI Stadium

Main Squad
Coach: Todd Blackadder
Props: Nick Barrett (Southland), Wyatt Crockett (Canterbury), Ben Franks (Canterbury), Owen Franks (Canterbury)
Hookers: Corey Flynn (Canterbury), Ben Funnell (Canterbury), Quentin McDonald (Tasman)
Locks: Tom Donnelly (Otago), Ross Kennedy (Eastern Province Kings - South Africa), Luke Romano (Canterbury), Sam Whitelock (Canterbury)
Loose Forwards: Richie McCaw (c) (Canterbury), Matt Todd (Canterbury), Kieran Read (Canterbury), Joe Wheeler (Tasman), George Whitelock (Canterbury), Luke Whitelock (Canterbury)
Half Backs: Andrew Ellis (Canterbury), Willi Heinz (Canterbury)
First Five-Eighths: Tyler Bleyendal (Canterbury), Dan Carter (Canterbury)
Centres: Ryan Crotty (Canterbury), Robbie Fruean (Canterbury), Tom Taylor (Canterbury), Adam Whitelock (Canterbury)
Wingers: Zac Guildford (Hawkes Bay), Sean Maitland (Canterbury), Patrick Osbourne (Canterbury)
Full Backs: Israel Dagg (Hawkes Bay), Tom Marshall (Tasman)


Highlanders
An indication of the sad decline of Otago rugby is found in the Highlanders’ squad; the team’s host province contributes just three players to the 2012 team. Even with eight Southlanders in the side the remaining seventeen players are imports. Notably the Highlanders are the only franchise the NZRU are not inviting external investment in – Southland fans don’t like trekking to Dunedin for matches, and it seems that in Otago they can’t be bothered turning up to support, so money is tight around the franchise.

In his first year in charge Jamie Joseph managed to get the Highlanders to the brink of the playoffs in 2011, playing some of their best rugby in years. Can he repeat the dose in 2012?

The Highlanders miss playing the Lions and the Western Force in the round robin.

Key Players: Jimmy Cowan, Colin Slade, Adam Thomson, Andrew Hore

Ones to watch: “Brand” Haskell will be out to put England’s disappointing World Cup behind him, and he’ll have to be very impressive indeed to attract any English notice down in the deep South. Hosea Gear will also be looking to bounce back after an unhappy 2011 at the Hurricanes which ultimately cost him his All Blacks jersey before the Rugby World Cup, while Jarred Hoeata has set himself the goal of filling Brad Thorn’s big boots for the All Blacks.

Gains: Tamati Ellison, Ma'afu Fia , Hosea Gear, James Haskell, Andrew Hore, Chris Noakes, Culum Retallick, Doug Tietjens

Losses: Halani Aulika, Tony Brown, Tom Donnelly, Brayden Mitchell, James Paterson, Robbie Robinson, Sean Romans, Matt Saunders, Mahonri Schwalger, Alando Soakai, David Te Moana, Joe Tuineau, Fetu'u Vainikolo

Main Squad:
Coach: Jamie Joseph
Props: Ma'afu Fia (Manawatu), Chris King (Southland), Jamie Mackintosh (c) (Southland), Bronson Murray (Northland)
Hookers: Andrew Hore (Taranaki), Jason Rutledge
Locks: Josh Bekhuis (Southland), Jarred Hoeata (Taranaki), Culum Retallick (Bay of Plenty)
Loose Forwards: Nick Crosswell (Manawatu), Elliot Dixon (Southland), John Hardie (Southland), James Haskell (London Wasps), Nasi Manu (Canterbury), Adam Thomson (Otago), Doug Tietjens (Manawatu)
Half Backs: Jimmy Cowan (Southland), Aaron Smith (Manawatu)
First Five-Eighths: Chris Noakes (Bay of Plenty), Colin Slade (Canterbury), Lima Sopoaga (Wellington)
Centres: Tamati Ellison (Otago), Kendrick Lynn (Southland), Shaun Treeby (Wellington)
Wingers: Hosea Gear (Wellington), Siale Piutau (Counties Manukau), Kade Poki (Tasman), Telusa Veainu (Canterbury)
Full Backs: Kurt Baker (Taranaki), Ben Smith (Otago)


Hurricanes
The Hurricanes have historically been one of the toughest NZ franchises to support, capable of going from the sublime to the ridiculous in the same phase of play; and the team’s achievements have never quite matched its potential. In 2011 Mark Hammett was brought in to impose some Crusaders-style methods on the team. However the move backfired with a number of senior players falling out with Hammett, and consequently the Highlanders start 2012 minus some big names in Ma’a Nonu, Piri Weepu, Hosea Gear and Andrew Hore.

The ‘Canes look a much weaker outfit than last year, especially up front. Can squad cohesion and team ethic make up the difference?

The Hurricanes have a tough start to their campaign, facing the Stormers in Cape Town with the Lions in Johannesburg the following week. They miss out on playing the Reds and the Bulls in the round robin so there are some compensations in the draw for them.

Key Players: Victor Vito, TJ Perenara, Cory Jane

Ones to watch: Beauden Barrett has two U20 World Cup titles with the Baby Blacks in 2010 and 2011 and will be pushing hard for a starting berth at 10 or 15. Locks Jason Eaton and Jeremy Thrush will look to regain the form that had them wearing the Silver Fern in times past.

Gains: Beauden Barrett, Tim Bateman, Ben May, Brad Shields, Jeff Toomaga-Allen, David Hall, Tusi Pisi, Tristian Moran, Motu Matu'u, Reggie Goodes, TJ Perenara, Chris Smylie

Losses: Aaron Cruden, Bryn Evans,Andrew Hore, Hosea Gear, Ma'a Nonu, Rodney So'oialo, John Schwalger, Neemia Tialata, Piri Weepu, Jacob Ellison

Main Squad:
Coach: Mark Hammett
Props: Michael Bent (Taranaki), Reggie Goodes (Wellington), Ben May (Waikato), Tristan Moran (Bay of Plenty), Jeffery Toomaga-Allen (Wellington)
Hookers: Dane Coles (Wellington), David Hall (Southland), Motu Matu'u (Wellington)
Locks: James Broadhurst (Taranaki), Jason Eaton (Taranaki), Mark Reddish (Wellington), Jeremy Thrush (Wellington)
Loose Forwards: Jack Lam (Waikato), Faifili Levave, Karl Lowe (Hawke’s Bay), Brad Shields (Wellington), Victor Vito (Wellington)
Half Backs: Chris Eaton (Hawke’s Bay), TJ Perenara (Wellington), Chris Smylie (Auckland)
First Five-Eighths: Beauden Barrett (Taranaki), Daniel Kirkpatrick (Hawke’s Bay), Tusi Pisi (Suntori, Japan)
Centres: Tim Bateman (Coca Cola West Red Sparks, Japan), Jayden Hayward (Taranaki), Charlie Ngatai (Wellington), Conrad Smith (Wellington)
Wingers: Richard Buckman (Hawke’s Bay), Alapati Leiua (Wellington), Julian Savea (Wellington), Andre Taylor (Taranaki)
Full Backs: Cory Jane (Wellington)

I am quietly hopeful for the highlanders this year. Thompson and Haskell could go well in the backrow and a back three of Gear, Poki and Smith is pretty damn good.

I hope Hoeata keeps developing aswell

Also, anyone have a clue who the Crusaders inside centre will be or even the centre pairing in general?

Standulstermen wrote:I am quietly hopeful for the highlanders this year. Thompson and Haskell could go well in the backrow and a back three of Gear, Poki and Smith is pretty damn good.

I hope Hoeata keeps developing aswell

Also, anyone have a clue who the Crusaders inside centre will be or even the centre pairing in general?

Ryan Crotty and Robbie Fruean will have the inside running. But Taylor and Whitelock will be pushing them for starting spots.

Cheers kiwi. I have always rated crotty. Fruean is a beast as well

Crikey we look weak up front and in the second row. We should be putting out an SOS to Carl Hayman - maybe Toulon may want rid of him?

Definitely a lot of potential in our backline though. Will be interesting to see how Perenara gets on, provided he is given the starting 9 slot. Two good players outside him too with Barratt, who looks really exciting and Pisi, who was one of Samoa’s best in the WC.

Already stated my hopes and expectations for this season on another thread:

No expectations but hope we finish higher than the Lions/Cheetahs/Rebels/Force

Also:

Jane has requested he play Winger for the Hurricanes. Either Barrett or Taylor will therefore play 15

chewed_mintie wrote:Also:

Jane has requested he play Winger for the Hurricanes. Either Barrett or Taylor will therefore play 15

Interesting, cheers.

I'm about to post my Australian conference preview, just fyi the Brumbies look awful this year.

I'm about to post my Australian conference preview, just fyi the Brumbies look awful this year

Surely they can't be as bad as last year?

I think they may surprise under Jake White. They certainly plumbed new depths last year, whether they hit rock bottom or not will be confirmed one way or another!

Impossible Standards wrote:

I'm about to post my Australian conference preview, just fyi the Brumbies look awful this year

Surely they can't be as bad as last year?

They've lost Elsom and Ashley-Cooper over the off-season

Jake White has a tough job.

Haven't they lost matt gitteu as well?

Impossible Standards wrote:Haven't they lost matt gitteu as well?

Yep

https://www.606v2.com/t24496-super-xv-2012-preview-australian-conference

WHo to attract though....would you want to live in canberra...the grey town...pah

I stopped there for a few days whilst travelling and arrived on a sunday. All the pubs were shut! Whats does that say!

I've visited Canberra. Twice

Both times were on business, one trip it was snowing, the other is was 40 degrees C.


Just a reminder about tipping, as the opening match is under 18 hours away:

There's now a 606v2 pool set up on SportGuru for the upcoming SuperXV.
Enter here.

Pool name: 606v2
Pool code: balmtin

Kiwireddevil wrote:New Zealand Conference
The New Zealand conference is home to the two most successful teams in Super Rugby's history, the Crusaders (7 titles) and the Blues (3 titles). Those two teams are likely to be the two top teams in the NZ conference again this
season, with the Chiefs, Highlanders and Hurricanes fighting over the minor placings.

v2's pick - New Zealand Conference:
1) Crusaders
2) Blues
3) Chiefs
4) Highlanders
5) Hurricanes


Blues
The Auckland-based franchise has recruited very well over the off-season, with Ma'a Nonu and Piri Weepu moving north from the Hurricanes, offsetting the loss of Joe Rokocoko, John Afoa and Luke McAllister to European clubs, and they will hope to progress further into the playoffs than last season. The Blues have suffered in recent seasons from inconsistency, being capable of brilliant razzle-dazzle one week, and turgid dross the next. They face a tough March, travelling to South Africa to face the Bulls and Stormers.

The Blues miss out on playing the Cheetahs and the Waratahs in the 2012 round-robin.

Key Players: Rene Ranger, Ma’a Nonu, Keven Mealamu, Jerome Kaino

Players to watch: Ma’a Nonu and Rene Ranger could be a lethal midfield combination, especially if the Blues can get things right at #10, a problem position for them in recent seasons.

Gains: Ma'a Nonu, Rudi Wulf, Piri Weepu, Michael Hobbs, Pauliasi Manu, Angus Ta'avao, Gareth Anscombe, George Moala, David Raikuna

Losses: John Afoa, Stephen Brett, Luke McAlister, Winston Stanley, Joe Rokocoko, Jared Payne, Chris Smylie, James King, Kurtis Haiu

Main Squad:
Coach: Pat Lam
Props: Charlie Faumuina (Auckland), Tevita Mailau (Auckland), Pauliasi Manu (Auckland), Angus Ta'avao (Auckland), Tony Woodcock (North Harbour)
Hookers: Tom McCartney (Auckland), Keven Mealamu (c) (Auckland)
Locks: Anthony Boric (North Harbour), Liaki Moli (Auckland), Filo Paulo (North Harbour), Ali Williams (Auckland)
Loose Forwards: Daniel Braid (Auckland), Luke Braid (Auckland), Jerome Kaino (Auckland), Chris Lowrey (Auckland), Peter Saili (Auckland), Brad Mika (Auckland)
Half Backs: Alby Mathewson (Auckland), Piri Weepu (Wellington)
First Five-Eighths: Gareth Anscombe (Auckland), Lachie Munro (Counties-Manukau)
Centres: Michael Hobbs (Wellington), Ma'a Nonu (Auckland), Benson Stanley (Auckland)
Wingers: George Moala (Auckland), David Raikuna (North Harbour), Rudi Wulf (North Harbour)
Fullbacks: Isaia Toeava (Auckland), Sherwin Stowers (Counties-Manukau)


Chiefs
The Sonny Bill Williams circus has arrived in Hamilton, and the Chiefs will be fielding an All Blacks’ bench worth of inside backs with Aaron Cruden, SBW and Richard Kahui. Cruden and SBW replace Stephen Donald and the re-retired Tana Umaga, while Mils Muliaina is a big loss at the back.

New coach Dave Rennie will have his work cut out ending the Chief’s record of underachievement in Super Rugby, and his electric backline will be relying on some relative unknowns in the forwards.

The draw has done the Chiefs some favours; they avoid playing the Stormers, while away games at the Cheetahs and Western Force will be targets.

Key Players: Liam Messam, Aaron Cruden, Hika Elliot

Players to watch: The SBW off-loading show; Williams is possibly in his last season of rugby union with return-to-NRL rumours circulating. If he and Richard Kahui can get enough possession the Chiefs will be dangerous, especially if NZ Sevens star Declan O’Donnell can transfer his skills to the fifteen-man game.

Gains: Shane Cleaver, Aaron Cruden, Michael Fitzgerald, Maritino Nemani, Brodie Retallick, Robbie Robinson, Ben Tameifuna, Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Kane Thompson, Mahonri Schwalger, Sonny Bill Williams

Losses: Colin Bourke, Mike Delany, Aled de Malmanche, Stephen Donald, Toby Lynn, Ben May, Taniela Moa, Mils Muliaina, Culum Retallick, Isaac Ross, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Dwayne Sweeney, Hayden Triggs, Tana Umaga, Nathan White

Main Squad:
Coach: Dave Rennie
Props: Ben Afeaki (North Harbour), Shane Cleaver (Manawatu), Toby Smith (Waikato), Ben Tameifuna (Hawke's Bay), Sona Taumalolo (Hawke's Bay)
Hookers: Hika Elliot (Hawke's Bay), Mahonri Schwalger (Taranaki)
Locks: Craig Clarke (c) (Waikato), Mike Fitzgerald (Manawatu), Romana Graham (Waikato), Brodie Retallick (Bay of Plenty), Kane Thompson (Hawke's Bay)
Loose Forwards: Alex Bradley (Waikato), Sam Cane (Bay of Plenty), Tanerau Latimer (Bay of Plenty), Fritz Lee (Counties Manukau), Liam Messam (c) (Waikato), Scott Waldrom (Taranaki)
Half Backs: Tawera Kerr-Barlow (Waikato), Brendon Leonard (Waikato)
First Five-Eighths: Aaron Cruden (Manawatu), Andrew Horrell (Hawke's Bay)
Centres: Richard Kahui (Waikato), Asaeli Tikoiratuma (Taranaki), Sonny Bill Williams (Canterbury), Jackson Willison (Waikato)
Wingers: Lelia Masaga (Bay of Plenty), Maritino Nemani (Hawke's Bay), Declan O'Donnell (Waikato)
Fullbacks: Tim Nanai-Williams (Counties Manukau), Robbie Robinson (Southland)


Crusaders
2012 is a time of rebuilding for the shattered city of Christchurch, and their Crusaders are no exception. Last year’s beaten finalists have a new ground to replace the earthquake-damaged AMI Stadium, and some good young players queuing up to replace Brad Thorn, Sonny Bill Williams, Kahn Fotuali’I and Chris Jack.

The Crusaders will field one of the best packs in the competition, and will relish playing home games in Christchurch rather than 6 hours’ drive away in Nelson, or half a world away in London – most of the squad logged over 100,000 air miles between March and June 2011. They miss playing the Sharks and the Brumbies this season.

Key Players: Dan Carter, Israel Dagg, Sam Whitelock, Owen Franks

Ones to watch: With Richie McCaw not expected on the field until April his heir apparent Matt Todd has an opportunity to shine. In the backs look out for 2010 U20 World Cup star Tyler Bleyendaal whenever Dan Carter is rested, while Tom “Son of ’87 RWC winner Warwick” Taylor had a very good 2011 NPC. And there’s a chance to play Whitelock bingo, with all four brothers in the squad this year – will they set a record by all being on the field together?

Gains: Tom Donnelly, Ben Funnell, Ross Kennedy, Patrick Osbourne, Tom Taylor, Luke Whitelock, Rugby League Park

Losses: Matt Berquist, Kahn Fotuali’i, David Hall, Chris Jack, Jonathan Poff, Brad Thorn, Sonny Bill Williams, AMI Stadium

Main Squad
Coach: Todd Blackadder
Props: Nick Barrett (Southland), Wyatt Crockett (Canterbury), Ben Franks (Canterbury), Owen Franks (Canterbury)
Hookers: Corey Flynn (Canterbury), Ben Funnell (Canterbury), Quentin McDonald (Tasman)
Locks: Tom Donnelly (Otago), Ross Kennedy (Eastern Province Kings - South Africa), Luke Romano (Canterbury), Sam Whitelock (Canterbury)
Loose Forwards: Richie McCaw (c) (Canterbury), Matt Todd (Canterbury), Kieran Read (Canterbury), Joe Wheeler (Tasman), George Whitelock (Canterbury), Luke Whitelock (Canterbury)
Half Backs: Andrew Ellis (Canterbury), Willi Heinz (Canterbury)
First Five-Eighths: Tyler Bleyendal (Canterbury), Dan Carter (Canterbury)
Centres: Ryan Crotty (Canterbury), Robbie Fruean (Canterbury), Tom Taylor (Canterbury), Adam Whitelock (Canterbury)
Wingers: Zac Guildford (Hawkes Bay), Sean Maitland (Canterbury & Scotland), Patrick Osbourne (Canterbury)
Full Backs: Israel Dagg (Hawkes Bay), Tom Marshall (Tasman)


Highlanders
An indication of the sad decline of Otago rugby is found in the Highlanders’ squad; the team’s host province contributes just three players to the 2012 team. Even with eight Southlanders in the side the remaining seventeen players are imports. Notably the Highlanders are the only franchise the NZRU are not inviting external investment in – Southland fans don’t like trekking to Dunedin for matches, and it seems that in Otago they can’t be bothered turning up to support, so money is tight around the franchise.

In his first year in charge Jamie Joseph managed to get the Highlanders to the brink of the playoffs in 2011, playing some of their best rugby in years. Can he repeat the dose in 2012?

The Highlanders miss playing the Lions and the Western Force in the round robin.

Key Players: Jimmy Cowan, Colin Slade, Adam Thomson, Andrew Hore

Ones to watch: “Brand” Haskell will be out to put England’s disappointing World Cup behind him, and he’ll have to be very impressive indeed to attract any English notice down in the deep South. Hosea Gear will also be looking to bounce back after an unhappy 2011 at the Hurricanes which ultimately cost him his All Blacks jersey before the Rugby World Cup, while Jarred Hoeata has set himself the goal of filling Brad Thorn’s big boots for the All Blacks.

Gains: Tamati Ellison, Ma'afu Fia , Hosea Gear, James Haskell, Andrew Hore, Chris Noakes, Culum Retallick, Doug Tietjens

Losses: Halani Aulika, Tony Brown, Tom Donnelly, Brayden Mitchell, James Paterson, Robbie Robinson, Sean Romans, Matt Saunders, Mahonri Schwalger, Alando Soakai, David Te Moana, Joe Tuineau, Fetu'u Vainikolo

Main Squad:
Coach: Jamie Joseph
Props: Ma'afu Fia (Manawatu), Chris King (Southland), Jamie Mackintosh (c) (Southland), Bronson Murray (Northland)
Hookers: Andrew Hore (Taranaki), Jason Rutledge
Locks: Josh Bekhuis (Southland), Jarred Hoeata (Taranaki), Culum Retallick (Bay of Plenty)
Loose Forwards: Nick Crosswell (Manawatu), Elliot Dixon (Southland), John Hardie (Southland), James Haskell (London Wasps), Nasi Manu (Canterbury), Adam Thomson (Otago), Doug Tietjens (Manawatu)
Half Backs: Jimmy Cowan (Southland), Aaron Smith (Manawatu)
First Five-Eighths: Chris Noakes (Bay of Plenty), Colin Slade (Canterbury), Lima Sopoaga (Wellington)
Centres: Tamati Ellison (Otago), Kendrick Lynn (Southland), Shaun Treeby (Wellington)
Wingers: Hosea Gear (Wellington), Siale Piutau (Counties Manukau), Kade Poki (Tasman), Telusa Veainu (Canterbury)
Full Backs: Kurt Baker (Taranaki), Ben Smith (Otago)


Hurricanes
The Hurricanes have historically been one of the toughest NZ franchises to support, capable of going from the sublime to the ridiculous in the same phase of play; and the team’s achievements have never quite matched its potential. In 2011 Mark Hammett was brought in to impose some Crusaders-style methods on the team. However the move backfired with a number of senior players falling out with Hammett, and consequently the Highlanders start 2012 minus some big names in Ma’a Nonu, Piri Weepu, Hosea Gear and Andrew Hore.

The ‘Canes look a much weaker outfit than last year, especially up front. Can squad cohesion and team ethic make up the difference?

The Hurricanes have a tough start to their campaign, facing the Stormers in Cape Town with the Lions in Johannesburg the following week. They miss out on playing the Reds and the Bulls in the round robin so there are some compensations in the draw for them.

Key Players: Victor Vito, TJ Perenara, Cory Jane

Ones to watch: Beauden Barrett has two U20 World Cup titles with the Baby Blacks in 2010 and 2011 and will be pushing hard for a starting berth at 10 or 15. Locks Jason Eaton and Jeremy Thrush will look to regain the form that had them wearing the Silver Fern in times past.

Gains: Beauden Barrett, Tim Bateman, Ben May, Brad Shields, Jeff Toomaga-Allen, David Hall, Tusi Pisi, Tristian Moran, Motu Matu'u, Reggie Goodes, TJ Perenara, Chris Smylie

Losses: Aaron Cruden, Bryn Evans,Andrew Hore, Hosea Gear, Ma'a Nonu, Rodney So'oialo, John Schwalger, Neemia Tialata, Piri Weepu, Jacob Ellison

Main Squad:
Coach: Mark Hammett
Props: Michael Bent (Taranaki), Reggie Goodes (Wellington), Ben May (Waikato), Tristan Moran (Bay of Plenty), Jeffery Toomaga-Allen (Wellington)
Hookers: Dane Coles (Wellington), David Hall (Southland), Motu Matu'u (Wellington)
Locks: James Broadhurst (Taranaki), Jason Eaton (Taranaki), Mark Reddish (Wellington), Jeremy Thrush (Wellington)
Loose Forwards: Jack Lam (Waikato), Faifili Levave, Karl Lowe (Hawke’s Bay), Brad Shields (Wellington), Victor Vito (Wellington)
Half Backs: Chris Eaton (Hawke’s Bay), TJ Perenara (Wellington), Chris Smylie (Auckland)
First Five-Eighths: Beauden Barrett (Taranaki), Daniel Kirkpatrick (Hawke’s Bay), Tusi Pisi (Suntori, Japan)
Centres: Tim Bateman (Coca Cola West Red Sparks, Japan), Jayden Hayward (Taranaki), Charlie Ngatai (Wellington), Conrad Smith (Wellington)
Wingers: Richard Buckman (Hawke’s Bay), Alapati Leiua (Wellington), Julian Savea (Wellington), Andre Taylor (Taranaki)
Full Backs: Cory Jane (Wellington)

Fixed that for you, Pete - no charge

While you're there As, Daniel Kirkpatrick probably has some Scottish ancestry

I'm afraid Jamie Mackintosh has played for the ABs though. But you might persuade Stephen Donald to put a sneaky "Mac" in his name ...

Kiwireddevil wrote:While you're there As, Daniel Kirkpatrick probably has some Scottish ancestry

I'm afraid Jamie Mackintosh has played for the ABs though. But you might persuade Stephen Donald to put a sneaky "Mac" in his name ...

More likely to be a less sneaky 'Duck'?!

What happened to Issac Ross? In 2009 he was the next big thing after playing against the French, then he was left out to work on his conditioning (I'm guessing he was a little too lightweight) and now, thanks to this thread and Wikipeadia, I read he is playing in Japan. Has he suffered with injuries is was he just not good / big enough?

Blues to win by 9 tonight!

Normally fast starters the Blues won this match last year just before the earthquake in a cracking opener to the tournament. Saders are normally slow starters (or should I say more importantly..better finishers!) and are missing their superstars.

Henry has spent some time with Lam and (as I said last year) this might be the Blue's year.

Who is first five for the Saders? I see this a Blues win as well for the same reasons.

Hope Hosea Gear can shine for the Highlanders. Jane has said he wants to play on the wing to not hurt his AB chances.

Will be interesting to see who is the new flavour in this conference.

Kia...teams for tonight...young U20's star Tyler 'Bleyendaal' gets the nod (can see the jokes already if he gets stronger- is he out of Biltongs patch like Merts, or is it Welsh?) . He's impressed preseason so far so follows a long line of good Canterbury 10's. I think they've cotton wooled him long enough...

Blues:

1. Tom McCartney,2. Keven Mealamu (c),3 Charlie Faumuina,4. Anthony Boric,5. Ali Williams ,6. Chris Lowrey,7. Daniel Braid,8. Jerome Kaino,9. Alby Mathewson,10. Michael Hobbs ,11. Rudi Wulf,12. Benson Stanley,13. Rene Ranger,14. David Raikuna,15. Isaia Toeava

16 Pauliasi Manu,17 Tevita Mailau,18 Brad Mika,19 Luke Braid,20 Piri Weepu,21 Hadleigh Parkes,22 Sherwin Stowers

Crusaders:
1. Wyatt Crockett, 2. Quentin MacDonald, 3. Ben Franks, 4. Tom Donnelly, 5. Samuel Whitelock, 6. George Whitelock, 7. Matt Todd, 8. Kieran Read (capt), 9. Andy Ellis (vice capt), 10. Tyler Bleyendaal, 11. Israel Dagg, 12. Ryan Crotty, 13. Robbie Fruean, 14. Sean Maitland, 15. Tom Marshall

Reserves:, 16. Corey Flynn, 17. Owen Franks, 18. Luke Romano, 19. Luke Whitelock, 20. Willie Heinz, 21. Partrick Osborne, 22. Adam Whitelock

I can only see this one going one way and sadly its all black and red.

Tony woodcock has had more than enough time to rehab that leg since the WC final,plus he had half last season out with it as well.

How can Piri still not be fit?

Pat Lam has to prove himself this year or it will be off overseas next year looking for work.

The only thing in Aucklands favour is the venue,and even then these canterbury will treat that as a challenge,and thats when theyre at their most dangerous.

Really Laurie?
Look at recent season starts and you'll find the Blues normally start well and just as equally Crusaders are slow.

The pack looks decent enough right through it. Hobbs is the guess factor but centres and out wide/ subs look solid enough.

Yee of little faith...

taylorman
Yes I am of little faith and thats because all faith is running out fast,Lam has a squad with 14 Internationals in it,sure only 7 of them WC winning ABs but they should be making a statement to the rest of the comp along the lines "O.K. everyone you come get us" but they dont,its all "so and sos tired because he just come back from Japan"or "tony legs still sore"etc etc its pathetic and I put Lam at fault.
over the last 3 years Lam has taken them from 9th to7th to 4th but at no stage have they ever been convincing,opposition teams have lost rather than Auckland winning.Last year in this equivalent fixture Auckland ambushed canterbury (just days after the earthquake) canterbury were in tatters.
I am however looking forward with interest into how Rene Ranger goes,he was apparently very dissappointed in missing out on the WC squad,then the injury ,he has alot to prove.I'm also looking forward to see how Rudi Wolf goes after returning from Toulon.
Tonight I'm not going through to the Park,sure i'll watch it on TV,but these guys are going to have to earn my faith from hereon in....

Last year blues won before the earthquake laurie...a few days before.
Was a great second half.
Ive got some on the blues tonight. Half hour out Im confident.

13 12 to saders after 20...

16-15 to the Crusaders a couple of minutes into the 2nd half

Oh well. 19-18 Saders. Suffocated the blues most of the game. Looks like Weepus attempted drop goal on full time would have gone. Great charge down.

Ranger and Fruean looked good as did tyler b.
Hobbs looked raw and a few basic mistakes.
The A ABs were solid- Read, Mealamu, Kaino, Dagg. All excellent.

Rudi Wulf looks more solid than I remember.
Good match to start the season. My Blues just keep making those silly errors when they are looking to get on top.

Saders without mccaw and carter looked solid as ever. They will be rapt and Im aftaid it looks ominous for most.

So far so good.

Crusaders by 1, and I got me a bonus points as well for being within 5 points.

I lost my jimungo score but my tactics work as my beloved Crusaders won.

I didn´t realise we had the services of Tyler B. He is a great future prospect so the Crusaders is a great environment for him and with Carter out for the early part of the season he is going to be thrown into the deep end which is what you want to see how good the guy is.

I´ll watch the game later but how was the midfield of Canterbury without SBW?

kiakahaaotearoa wrote:I lost my jimungo score but my tactics work as my beloved Crusaders won.

I didn´t realise we had the services of Tyler B. He is a great future prospect so the Crusaders is a great environment for him and with Carter out for the early part of the season he is going to be thrown into the deep end which is what you want to see how good the guy is.

I´ll watch the game later but how was the midfield of Canterbury without SBW?

I'm not in the jimungo one this year, in too many tipping comps already. Tyler spent a fair bit of time on the bench for the Crusaders last seasn but never made it onto the pitch (when Carter was out injured Berquist played the full 80 minutes each time).

I didn't see the whole game, Fruean made some good breaks, but ran away from his support a couple of times. His dummy to score was brilliant (though arguably unnecessary given the support he had with him). Adam Whitelock came off the bench well (I think he'll spend a lot of time on the pine this year, curse of the "utility" tag).

Rene Ranger was at his brilliant best.

Kiwi, could this be Rene's season to make it into the AB shirt do you think?

He seems to split opinion amongst a lot of fans, but to me just about any other country in the world would be playing him on a wing, I suppose it shows NZ's strength that him and Gear may only just now get a look in.

Any white cards involved in the two games?

yappysnap wrote:Kiwi, could this be Rene's season to make it into the AB shirt do you think?

He seems to split opinion amongst a lot of fans, but to me just about any other country in the world would be playing him on a wing, I suppose it shows NZ's strength that him and Gear may only just now get a look in.

Any white cards involved in the two games?

Last season Ranger was guilty of "going missing" on occasion - in fairness, he wasn't the only Blues player like that which cost him. If he can reduce his number of bad games he'll make the ABs I think.

It was interesting to see the Crusaders opting for Dagg on the wing with Tom Marshall at fullback, though with Guildford suspended until next week it makes sense that they'd try to get the stongest possible back 3.

Personally I expect one of Ranger and Gear to grab Guildford's AB squad spot, and with Rokocoko, Sivivatu and Muliaina gone there's a definite opportunity.

Who's Gear playing for? I have to admit i've only seen him a few times but i'll never forget him taking us apart in the Maori v Eng game in '10.

yappysnap wrote:Who's Gear playing for? I have to admit i've only seen him a few times but i'll never forget him taking us apart in the Maori v Eng game in '10.

He's moved to the Highlanders from the Hurricanes after the big falling out with Mark Hammett (that's why Weepu, Nonu and Hore all left too).

Will be interested to see how much ball Gear can get. It shows how far Otago has fallen from grace where most of the Highlanders pack comes from Southland now. Sad to see. In the years when Canterbury was awful - Steve Cleeve, Shayne Philpott being classic examples - the Otago team with Goldie, Ellis, Pene, Joseph, Oliver etc gave me something to cheer about for the Mainland.

kiakahaaotearoa wrote:Will be interested to see how much ball Gear can get. It shows how far Otago has fallen from grace where most of the Highlanders pack comes from Southland now. Sad to see. In the years when Canterbury was awful - Steve Cleeve, Shayne Philpott being classic examples - the Otago team with Goldie, Ellis, Pene, Joseph, Oliver etc gave me something to cheer about for the Mainland.

There are only 3 Otago players in the Highlanders' main squad - and from memory not too many are contracted to other franchises either. The days when lots of promising players arrived at Otago University from outside the province (Ellis, Timu*, Oliver etc) and fed into blue and gold are sadly past. Hopefully with the fancy new ground they can draw in some fans, and find some $ for some better players. Otago's catchment area is now significantly smaller than Waikato's population wise, and they are lagging well behind Auckland, Canterbury, Wellington and North Harbour on that front. Sadly I can see a day where the Crusaders represent the South Island (playing a game or 2 in Dunedin) and Auckland's North Shore hosts the "Harbour Highlanders".

I moved to Christchurch in '94 for university; 94-97 were tough times in Red and Black land.


* Apparently the easiest paper at Otago Uni in those days was "Introduction to Physical Education". Ellis failed it 4 times, and Timu 5

Errors errors errors. Rushing the plays and coughing up the ball. Lack of patience. Just seems to be a pre requisite for blues teams.
Given the weather not as bad as that I suppose.
Ranger did look to have some fire in his eye so one to watch.

Tyler b looked better than his opposite but how he can keep taking 40+ meter kicks that kept falling short of the goal line im not sure.
Good blowout for both i reckon.

Weepu got turned inside out though the in pass to Dagg and as the main go to man when he came on was found lacking. Bot sure about the dropped goal in those conditions. A try or milking the ball up more for penalty might have been a better option.

How mean was that fend by Fruean on Weepu?! That was the biggest don't argue I've seen in a while. You get yellow cards for tackling like that!

Yeah weepu was made to look a bit silly in his first run on.
Talk of xmas turkey seconds had him struggling a bit.
But he does tend to want to take some leadership on which could be good for the blues who dont have that genuinely in the backs. Not for a while anyway.

Frueans obviously been listen to his lack of options critics of last year by putting in the little grubbers, some maturity coming through.

Dont know about you kia but Im astounded we still havnt got star quality 9's yet. Both halves went through the motions but neither shining. Its a position weve been weak in for years and I cant figure out why.

Anyway...Bulls Sharks on now.

Brumbies won 19-17 so Jake White off to an ok start.

Cracking opening game to the season, lovely cheeky elbow from mealamu at the bottom of a ruck to spice things up. Didn't pick the saders to start with a win but credit to them, they won without playing spectacularly. Ranger looks the goods already.

Yeah big game for a first up. Makes you wonder how they can keep that up till August. Was pretty full on... No love lost between competing ABs. Was Mealamu just trying to get the ball for the restart?

The one I thinking of was the bottom a ruck when the crusaders were on the attack after a few phases, nothing in it just a gentle 'reminder' if you like.

That Kaino hit on Bleyendaal was huge too. No love lost between these sides.

Ranger looked dangerous but I don't think playing at centre will help his AB chances. Conrad Smith has that position sewn up. Toeava looked pretty sharp too I must add. I´m not a big fan but Henry liked the cut of his jib and that tackle to snuff out the Dagg pass (who didn't need to pass. He should've dummied and delayed the pass after he passed him as Toeava was already committed to the tackle outside him) was very impressive. Like Ranger he has that utility tag but he looks to be at his best at fullback and that's good cover for Dagg with Muliaina gone. Not sure about Ranger at outside centre though with Fruean probably a man likely to take over Smith, though he still has much to learn for that to happen.

I agree Taylorman, halfback is shockingly bad. We have a guy born in NZ playing for Samoa who would be the best bet. We really are average in this area but hopefully Piri can drop the Chrissy puku and take on the leadership role like he did in the semi final against Australia, his finest hour (and a half).

Kaino was on fire in the first half. I actually preferred to see Ranger get a bit more ball at 13, he looked so dangerous everytime he got a sniff. Toeava's tackle, while a beautie, was probably made to look better than it was as the pass needed to be held up a bit longer. Giving it early like that made the cover tackle easier to commit to. Read was rock solid, as always.

I agree Full Credit that Ranger looks good there at OC for the Blues but I don't think the AB selectors will have him in mind for that position. Jane asked not to play at fullback for the Hurricanes probably for that very reason. You want to make a good impression in your chosen position. Kaino at 8 doesn't matter so much as he's such a beast you put him in the team wherever he's playing but the backs are different I think.

Ranger's like Sampson with that hair, give him a haircut and I'll bet he's rubbish Nice crowd at Loftus.

First points?

Well the Highlanders pip the Chiefs after they were down 19 - 9. Again some bad luck with injuries for the Chiefs. They can't catch a lucky break. Highlanders showed some courage to come back. Cowan showed his poor form in the World Cup is continuing. His laboured, donkey approach at the ruck is an embarrassment and luckily the NZ Maori halfback improved things when he came on. Jeez, we really need a solution at halfback. There won't be the half time switch with Cowan and Weepu in this kind of form. Cowan shouldn't even be allowed near the bench or the ground! He needs a serious talking to as he is woefully bad.

Yeah i dont like any of the current crop at 9 including weepu who will never play 80.

We dont have anything near hougaard or genia and these days passing and tackling isnt enough. The area around the breakdown must be thoroughly tested for defensive weaknesses, more so by the ABs because of the sheer quality and quantity of the ball they get.

That had to assist with the eventual release out wide as it draws the first line of defence nearer to the breakdown.

A position thats probably costing us wins we should have had last two years.