Counties Rugby 2016
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<p>Squad Announcement 2016</p>
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<p>25 July 2016</p>
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<p>Steelers coaches Darryl Suasua, Grant Henson and Semo Sititi have announced their squad for the 2016 Mitre 10 Cup. The squad includes 12 new players, with New Zealand Under 20’s representatives Jonathan Taumateine and Orbyn Leger among the new faces. Former New Zealand Secondary Schools captain Sootala Fa’aso’o is included in the squad alongside returning Chiefs hooker Hika Elliot.</p>
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<p>The squad includes a number of Super Rugby and New Zealand Sevens players; Jimmy Tupou, Jordan Taufua, Piers Francis, Sam Vaka, Toni Pulu and Sione Fifita. Augustine Pulu, Sione Molia and Sonny Bill Williams will join the squad at the conclusion of the Rio Olympics. Sevens veteran Sherwin Stowers will line up for the Steelers in 2016. </p>
<p>The squad has been hit hard by injury throughout the Super Rugby season. Chiefs props Nepo Laulala and Pauliasi Manu, loose forwards Maama Vaipulu and Sam Henwood as well as Chiefs outside back Glen Fisi’iahi are all contracted to the Steelers but all unavailable due to injury.</p>
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<p>Head coach Darryl Suasua is excited about the squad he has.</p>
<p>“The number of season-ending injuries has provided opportunities for players who have performed well in our club competition. The real challenge for us this season will be adjusting to the new laws at the Mitre 10 Cup level. Most provinces have adopted to the new laws during their club seasons, where as we have played club under the old rules. A big work on will be adjusting to the tackle ball laws between now and the start of the competition. We’re looking forward to competing well this season.â€</p>
<p>All of our major sponsors return for the season; PIC Insurance Brokers, South Auckland Motors, Kukri & ECOLight will all be supporting the Steelers in 2016.</p>
<p>Season Memberships are on sale now from only $50 for a South Auckland Motors Embankment Membership or $100 for a Grandstand Membership for an adult and $50 for a child. Kids 13 years and under are FREE on the South Auckland Motors Embankment to all Steelers round-robin home games courtesy of Pak ‘n’ Save Pukekohe. Memberships and Individual tickets are available from the CMRFU office, www.steelers.co.nz, www.iticket.co.nz or at the Gate at ECOLight Stadium on game day.</p>
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<p>2016 Steelers Mitre 10 Cup Squad</p>
<p>Jarred Adams (Prop) Pukekohe *</p>
<p>Sam Aiono (Prop) Bombay</p>
<p>Sean Bagshaw (Prop) Onewhero</p>
<p>Nathan De Thierry (First Five-Eighth) Pukekohe</p>
<p>Hika Elliot (Hooker) Papakura</p>
<p>Sootala Fa’aso’o (Loose Forward) North Shore *</p>
<p>Sione Faletau (Prop) Patumahoe *</p>
<p>Sione Fifita (Outside Back) Pukekohe</p>
<p>Piers Francis (First Five-Eighth) Bombay</p>
<p>Joseph Ikenasio (Midfield) Ardmore Marist</p>
<p>Richard Judd (Halfback) Onewhero</p>
<p>Luteru Laulala (Outside Back) Ardmore Marist *</p>
<p>Orbyn Leger (Midfield) Karaka *</p>
<p>Fotu Lokotui (Loose Forward) Patumahoe *</p>
<p>Matiaha Martin (Lock) Bombay *</p>
<p>Sione Molia (Outside Back) Karaka</p>
<p>Augustine Pulu (Halfback) Karaka</p>
<p>Toni Pulu (Outside) Bombay</p>
<p>Viliame Rarasea (Lock) Ardmore Marist</p>
<p>Joe Reynolds (Outside Back) Pukekohe *</p>
<p>Cameron Skelton (Lock) Pukekohe *</p>
<p>Sherwin Stowers (Outside Back) Ardmore Marist</p>
<p>Gafatasi Su’a (Hooker) Pukekohe</p>
<p>Suliasi Taufalele (Hooker) Ardmore Marist</p>
<p>Jordan Taufua (Loose Forward) Ardmore Marist</p>
<p>Viliami Taulani (Loose Forward) Patumahoe</p>
<p>Jonathan Taumateine (Halfback) Ardmore Marist *</p>
<p>Kalolo Tuiloma (Prop) Bombay *</p>
<p>Jimmy Tupou (Lock) Patumahoe</p>
<p>Cardiff Vaega (Midfield) Karaka</p>
<p>Sam Vaka (Midfield) Bombay</p>
<p>Sonny Bill Williams (Midfield) Puni</p>
<p>Five players who are contracted, but unavailable due to injury:</p>
<p>Glen Fisi’iahi (Outside Back) Bombay *</p>
<p>Sam Henwood (Loose Forward) Pukekohe</p>
<p>Nepo Laulala (Prop) Ardmore Marist *</p>
<p>Pauliasi Manu (Prop) Karaka</p>
<p>Maama Vaipulu (Loose Forward) Pukekohe</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Players contracted for pre-season:</p>
<p>Harry Fitzsimons (Loose Forward) Karaka</p>
<p>Kalione Hala (Outside Back) Karaka </p>
<p>Lolohea Loco (Outside Back) Ardmore Marist</p>
<p> New Steelers</p> -
<p>Steelers coach Darryl Suasua has named his side to take on the Taranaki Bulls in their first pre-season game in Otorohanga tomorrow:</p>
<p> </p>
<p>15 Kalione Hala</p>
<p>14 Lolohea Loco</p>
<p>13 Joseph Ikenasio</p>
<p>12 Cardiff Vaega ©</p>
<p>11 Sherwin Stowers</p>
<p>10 Orbyn Leger</p>
<p>9 Richard Judd</p>
<p>8 Sootala Fa’aso’o</p>
<p>7 Fotu Lokotui</p>
<p>6 Viliami Taulani</p>
<p>5 Matiaha Martin</p>
<p>4 Viliame Rarasea</p>
<p>3 Sione Faletau</p>
<p>2 Gafatasi Su’a</p>
<p>1 Sam Aiono</p>
<p> </p>
<p>16 Sione Anga’aelangi</p>
<p>17 Kalolo Tuiloma</p>
<p>18 Sean Bagshaw</p>
<p>19 Jarred Adams</p>
<p>20 Cameron Skelton</p>
<p>22 Harry Fitzsimons</p>
<p>23 Jonathan Taumateine</p>
<p>24 Nathan de Thierry</p>
<p>25 Luteru Laulala</p> -
<p><strong>Steelers vs Taranaki Pre-Season Match Report</strong></p>
<p><strong>30 July 2016</strong></p>
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<p>The Counties Manukau Steelers had a good battle against Taranaki in their first Mitre 10 Cup pre-season match in Otorohanga this afternoon.</p>
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<p>In average conditions, the Steelers fell just short 14-10 to Taranaki at Island Reserve.</p>
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<p>Taranaki got themselves on the board early, breaking through the Steelers defence to score under the posts, before scoring a 60 metre intercept try shortly after to go 14-0 up.</p>
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<p>Sherwin Stowers scored the Steelers' first try and they went into the half time break 14-5 down.</p>
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<p>20 minutes into the second half Stowers scored his second. It was a really well worked team try, with Stowers hooking onto a good ball from halfback Jonathan Taumateine to make it the full time score 14-10.</p>
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<p>Steelers coach Darryl Suasua cleared his bench, allowing everyone to get a run. He was particularly proud of their scrum.</p>
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<p>"We had a really solid scrum and that was all the boys. Everyone got on and the scrum didn't weaken as new players came on and for a lot of the boys it was their first run with Counties. We were really happy with the hit out."</p>
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<p>Suasua said Stowers' experience was invaluable and he kept talking to the boys throughout the game until he came off at the 60 minute mark.</p>
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<p>Taranaki have been playing under the new rules throughout their club season, so the big thing today was for the Steelers to adjust to the new laws. Suasua said it was tough to start out with and they had 8 penalties against them before they got their first penalty. But once they adapted they got some dominance.</p>
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<p>Well done to those players who played for Counties for the first time and thank you to Taranaki for the match. Our Super Rugby players will start returning to the squad throughout the next few weeks.</p>
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<p>The Steelers next pre-season fixture is against Samoa A on Friday 5th August at 6:30pm at ECOLight Stadium. Tickets are pre-season prices; Adults $10, Students $7 & Kids 13 & Under are FREE. Tickets are available at www.iticket.co.nz or the CMRFU Office at ECOLight Stadium.</p> -
<p>If anyone was wondering what happened to Adam Cathcart, he had to retire from rugby because he was told he had the hips of a 80 year old. He has had both hips reconstructed and spent six months on crutches. He took up coaching and coached Onewhero to sixth place in the Counties club premier grade.</p>
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<p>Team to play Samoa A:</p>
<p> </p>
<p>1. Sean Bagshaw</p>
<p>2. Suliasi Taufalele</p>
<p>3. Sione Faletau</p>
<p>4. Viliame Rarasea</p>
<p>5. Cameron Skelton</p>
<p>6. Viliami Taulani</p>
<p>7. Fotu Lokotui</p>
<p>8. Sootala Fa’aso’o</p>
<p>9. Jonathan Taumateine</p>
<p>10. Piers Francis</p>
<p>11. Sione Fifita</p>
<p>12. Orbyn Leger</p>
<p>13. Cardiff Vaega (c)</p>
<p>14. Sherwin Stowers</p>
<p>15. Luteru Laulala</p>
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<p>16. Gafatasi Su’a</p>
<p>17. Jarred Adams</p>
<p>18. Kalolo Tuiloma</p>
<p>19. Matiaha Martin</p>
<p>20. Alamanda Motuga</p>
<p>21. Richard Judd</p>
<p>22. Nathan de Thierry</p>
<p>23. Joe Reynolds</p>
<p>24. Kalione Hala</p>
<p>25. Joe Ikenasio</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="mikedogz" data-cid="601674" data-time="1469879966">
<div>
<p>If anyone was wondering what happened to Adam Cathcart, he had to retire from rugby because he was told he had the hips of a 80 year old. He has had both hips reconstructed and spent six months on crutches. He took up coaching and coached Onewhero to sixth place in the Counties club premier grade.</p>
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</blockquote>
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<p> </p>
<p>That's a real bummer. He hit some awesome form a couple of seasons ago and would have been a good addition to the Chiefs.</p>
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<p>What's with the dumb decision to not use the new trial laws in club rugby this year? Other Unions did and it seems they really get an advantage on not giving away penalties. We have made it hard for ourselves. </p> -
<p><strong>Counties Manukau Steelers team named to play Game of Three Halves</strong></p>
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<p>Steelers coaches Darryl Suasua, Grant Henson and Semo Sititi have named their team to take on Northland and the All Blacks in tomorrow’s Game of Three Halves at ECOLight Stadium in Pukekohe, kick off 5:30pm.</p>
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<p>Suasua said it will be a great opportunity for the community to see the All Blacks in action in Pukekohe.</p>
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<p>“It’s an exciting occasion for us to take on the best team in the world, and also continue to work on the new rules that will be utilised in the Mitre 10 Cup.â€</p>
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<p>The Steelers will play the old rules against the All Blacks and the new rules against Northland.</p>
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<p>The format of the Game of Three Halves will consist of three 40 minute games and will start with Steelers vs Northland at 5:30pm then Northland vs All Blacks and then finishing off with Steelers vs All Blacks. Gates open tomorrow at 4:30pm.</p>
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<p>Season Memberships for the 2016 Mitre 10 Cup are still available for purchase at www.iticket.co.nz or at the CMRFU Office at ECOLight Stadium between 8.30am and 5pm Monday to Friday. Remember a Season Membership includes the Game of Three Halves, as well as the Steelers five Mitre 10 Cup home games. Season Memberships cost as little as $50 for Kids in the Grandstand and $100 for Adults.</p>
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<p>The Steelers first game of the Mitre 10 Cup is against North Harbour at QBE Stadium in Albany at 7:35pm on Thursday 18 August.</p>
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<p>Steelers team for Game of Three Halves:</p>
<p>1. Sean Bagshaw</p>
<p>2. Gafatasi Su’a</p>
<p>3. Sione Faletau</p>
<p>4. Viliame Rarasea</p>
<p>5. Jimmy Tupou ©</p>
<p>6. Viliami Taulani</p>
<p>7. Fotu Lokotui</p>
<p>8. Sootala Fa’aso’o</p>
<p>9. Richard Judd</p>
<p>10. Piers Francis</p>
<p>11. Sherwin Stowers</p>
<p>12. Cardiff Vaega</p>
<p>13. Joseph Ikenasio</p>
<p>14. Kalione Hala</p>
<p>15. Joe Reynolds</p>
<p>16. Suliasi Taufalele</p>
<p>17. Jarred Adams</p>
<p>18. Kalolo Tuiloma</p>
<p>19. Alamanda Motuga</p>
<p>20. Cameron Skelton</p>
<p>21. Matiaha Martin</p>
<p>22. Jonathan Taumateine</p>
<p>23. Orbyn Leger</p>
<p>Lolohea Loco</p>
<p>Nathan de Thierry</p>
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<p>I just saw Cameron Skelton on TV just now. He looks fitter that the last photo I saw of him. His younger brother who is now 16 is 7 foot plus.</p> -
<p>Steelers team to face North Harbour:</p>
<p>1. Sean Bagshaw</p>
<p>2. Gafatasi Su’a</p>
<p>3. Kalolo Tuiloma *</p>
<p>4. Viliame Rarasea</p>
<p>5. Jimmy Tupou ©</p>
<p>6. Jordan Taufua</p>
<p>7. Fotu Lokotui *</p>
<p>8. Sootala Fa’aso’o *</p>
<p>9. Richard Judd</p>
<p>10. Piers Francis</p>
<p>11. Sherwin Stowers</p>
<p>12. Cardiff Vaega</p>
<p>13. Joseph Ikenasio *</p>
<p>14. Sam Vaka</p>
<p>15. Joe Reynolds *</p>
<p>16. Suliasi Taufalele</p>
<p>17. Jarred Adams</p>
<p>18. Sione Faletau *</p>
<p>19. Matiaha Martin *</p>
<p>20. Viliami Taulani *</p>
<p>21. Jonathan Taumateine *</p>
<p>22. Kalione Hala *</p>
<p>23. Luteru Laulala </p>
<p> </p>
<p> Steelers debut</p> -
@mikedogz said in Counties Rugby 2016:
Steelers team to face North Harbour:
1. Sean Bagshaw
2. Gafatasi Su’a
3. Kalolo Tuiloma *
4. Viliame Rarasea
5. Jimmy Tupou ©
6. Jordan Taufua
7. Fotu Lokotui *
8. Sootala Fa’aso’o *
9. Richard Judd
10. Piers Francis
11. Sherwin Stowers
12. Cardiff Vaega
13. Joseph Ikenasio *
14. Sam Vaka
15. Joe Reynolds *
16. Suliasi Taufalele
17. Jarred Adams
18. Sione Faletau *
19. Matiaha Martin *
20. Viliami Taulani *
21. Jonathan Taumateine *
22. Kalione Hala *
23. Luteru Laulala *- Steelers debut
We need Quinn to tell us which schools these guys came from..
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Ken Laban is equally, if not more knowledgable about players schools as well so I'm sure he'll look after that department (not that I'm against it).
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@African-Monkey said in Counties Rugby 2016:
Ken Laban is equally, if not more knowledgable about players schools as well so I'm sure he'll look after that department (not that I'm against it).
I'm not against it either.. I'm actually interested lol..
Usually teams show which clubs they come from, but I'm keen to know about the schools