2016 Mitre10 Cup
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<p>This afternoon, Manawatu Evergreens defeated HB Saracens 54-17.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Saracens used 27 players.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The only players that played the whole 80 minutes were Trent Boswell-Wakefield, Mason Emerson and Jonah Lowe (at centre).</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Mystery man Hugh Renton played the whole second half, as did Robbie Fruean (on the right wing).</p>
<p> </p>
<p>NZ Under 20 number eight Marino Mikaele-Tu'u is quite a big boy and I thought played well when he came on in the second half.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Gareth Evans was a spectator and had quite an impressive looking brace on his left knee and was on crutches.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Fruean was the only Super Rugby player that HB Saracens fielded.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Played under the new laws, the first three tries in the match (two Evergreens and one Saracens) all came from forward drives off lineouts five metres from the line. Neither side took a penalty kick at goal.</p> -
<p>Filipo. Go Eskview!</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="https://scontent.fakl1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13686498_1269532369754168_4082943946252715576_n.png?oh=c0a4a0071bbfb48ee2cfa24f1f100d1f&oe=58543010" alt="13686498_1269532369754168_40829439462527"></p> -
<p>My mate and I are travelling over to Hawera to watch the game - coming back Sunday - so I'll write a review when I get back.</p>
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<p>Sorry guys.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>My mate and I did not travel.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Crap weather on each coast.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Higgins" data-cid="603259" data-time="1470400227">
<div>
<p>Hugh Renton is absent. Has he been dropped?</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p>I assume all the Canes full squad members will be in Wellington supporting the team?</p> -
A couple of interesting rumors doing the rounds.Fruean is not wanted by Philpott and Lee but the ceo wants to sign him for this season and Shannon Chase was given the rounds of the kitchen by his club coach due to poor form recently.
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<p>Hmm, usually the CEO and coach are of one mind when it comes to jettisoning players (with the assistant thinking differently).</p>
<p> </p>
<p>As we have a pretty weak squad this year I wonder if Trinity Spooner-Neera will return from the Naki after not making the squad. It would be funny if him and Timu finally lived up to their potential in an inexperienced backline.</p> -
<p>This title from HBT says it all:</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote">
<p> </p>
<p><strong><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Saracens beaten again</span></span></strong></p>
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<div><span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">By Shane Hurndell</span></span></div>
<div> </div>
<div><span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">3:33 PM Saturday Aug 6, 2016</span></span></div>
<div> </div>
<div><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The Hawke's Bay Saracens were beaten 19-3 by Taranaki in a pre-season rugby fixture in Hawera today.</span></span></div>
<div> </div>
<div><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The Saracens led 3-0 at halftime after a Tiaan Falcon penalty. Hawke's Bay Magpies head coach Craig Philppott said his troops displayed vast improvement on the previous week's 54-17 loss to the Manawatu Eveergreens.</span></span></div>
<div> </div>
<div><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Two pushover tries proved to be the difference between the two teams. Strong winds and poor ground conditions made attack difficult for both teams. Prop Jason Long, hooker Jorian Tangaere and flanker Ben Hamelink produced strong performances for the Saracens.</span></span></div>
<div> </div>
<div><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">...</span></span></div>
</blockquote>
<div> </div>
<div>
<div><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.nzherald.co.nz/hawkes-bay-today/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503460&objectid=11688510'>http://www.nzherald.co.nz/hawkes-bay-today/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503460&objectid=11688510</a></div>
<div> </div>
<div>Some additional info from the Taranaki Daily News:</div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote">
<p> </p>
<p><strong><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Taranaki slop through the mud to beat Hawke's Bay</span></span></strong></p>
<div> </div>
<div><span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">GLENN MCLEAN</span></span></div>
<div> </div>
<div><span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Last updated 11:29, August 7 2016</span></span></div>
<div> </div>
<div><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Taranaki showed improvement across the park in their second pre-season rugby match to beat Hawke's Bay 19-3 in the mud at Hawera on Saturday.</span></span></div>
<div> </div>
<div><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">It was conditions neither team would have wanted and it will bring up the question of whether or not it's worth playing on grounds that are not sand based given it's a requirement for the national provincial championship.</span></span></div>
<div> </div>
<div><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The players would have given a collective sigh when they pulled up to the ground and saw more mud than grass.</span></span></div>
<div> </div>
<div><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Nevertheless, they at least tried to play positive rugby, even if their boots were repeatedly getting stuck in the ground.</span></span></div>
<div> </div>
<div><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">While Taranaki got two pushover tries to replacement No 8 Mitchell Brown, the winning margin fairly reflected the overall performance of the two sides.</span></span></div>
<div> </div>
<div><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Taranaki dominated the first half into a stiff wind but failed to put points on the board.</span></span></div>
<div> </div>
<div><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Their biggest problem was pushing a pass when it might have been better to hold the ball and show a bit more patience.</span></span></div>
<div> </div>
<div><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Their scrum was certainly working well, the outside backs, especially wing Manasa Mataele, were beating defenders, their loose forwards were defending well while some of the tight forwards, namely prop Reuben O'Neill carried well.</span></span></div>
<div> </div>
<div><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">There was also some nice work from first five-eighth Stephen Perofeta, the midfield performed better than it did against Counties Manukau, while fullback Beaudein Waaka was authoritive in most of his work.</span></span></div>
<div> </div>
<div><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The concerns were around their option taking at times and the number of penalties they conceded.</span></span></div>
<div> </div>
<div><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Still, they enjoyed the fact <strong>Hawke's Bay provided less of a physical threat than Counties Manukau</strong> while the improvement in their attack was obvious.</span></span></div>
<div> </div>
<div><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">"We had another week to improve and I suppose we did," Taranaki captain Berny Hall said.</span></span></div>
<div> </div>
<div><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">"The first half [into the wind] was all about trying to hold them out and we were unlucky not to capitalise when we were in their 22. They defended really well, though, so we will have to change up the way we attack a bit.</span></span></div>
<div> </div>
<div><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">"The scrum went really well in the second half and the backs probably got a bit cold out there."</span></span></div>
<div> </div>
<div><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Hall agreed that their finishing lacked a bit of polish but he thought they were in a good space as they head towards their last pre-season match against Waikato at Inglewood on Friday.</span></span></div>
<div> </div>
<div><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">...</span></span></div>
<div> </div>
<div><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">At a glance</span></span></div>
<div> </div>
<div><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Taranaki 19 (Mitchell Brown 2, Cody Whittaker tries; Beaudein Waaka 2 cons) Hawke's Bay 3 (Tiaan Falcon pen). HT: 0-3 </span></span></div>
<div> </div>
<div><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> - Stuff</span></span></div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
</div>
<div>
<div><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/sport/82893205/taranaki-slop-through-the-mud-to-beat-hawkes-bay'>http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/sport/82893205/taranaki-slop-through-the-mud-to-beat-hawkes-bay</a></div>
</div>
</div> -
<p>After Manawatu trashed the Magpies twice, they now lost to Wellington 33-26.<br>
<br>
Relevant info from the media report of this game:<br>
</p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote">
<p><strong><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Wellington prove too much to handle for Manawatu in preseason</span></span></strong><br>
<br><span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">SHAUN EADE</span></span><br><span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Last updated 18:34, August 7 2016</span></span><br>
<br><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">A physical Wellington side dealt Manawatu their first loss in four preseason matches 33-26 in Feilding on Sunday.</span></span><br>
<br><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Wellington's big forward pack put Manawatu under the pump with some strong carries in tight.</span></span><br>
<br><strong><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The men from the capital did a good job adapting to the trial breakdown rules</span></span></strong><br>
<br><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">They picked their battles well, slowing down Manawatu ball when they committed to the breakdown and hanging off ruck when the ball was lost. </span></span><br>
<br><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">It was a contrast to what Manawatu had seen from <strong>Hawke's Bay who tore into everything and gave away a swag of penalties in the process</strong>.</span></span><br>
<br><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">...</span></span></p>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/provincial/82910612/wellington-prove-too-much-to-handle-for-manawatu-in-preseason'>http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/provincial/82910612/wellington-prove-too-much-to-handle-for-manawatu-in-preseason</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>I'm more and more convinced that the HBRU's decision not to play under the new breakdown rules in HB club rugby was a bad decision. They played under the new rules in Manawatu and Taranaki (don't know about Wellington) and they seem to have a big advantage.</p> -
<p>I suspect that Wellington played under the old rules during the club season. A little hard to be more definitive given the varying interpretations and rulings witnessed on too many occsaions (mostly against the teams I'm supporting) so that must be taken with a grain of salt!</p>
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<p>Whilst on the topic of the NPC it's time to give some thought to putting together our team for the Mitre10 Cup Tipping Contest run by KP. Last year the lineup was Higgins, Nepia, Stoli, Stockcar86, Hurrycanes, and PAJ but sadly we had a bit of an offseason (anything other than winning the title is considered an offseason) culminating in getting done over big time in the final by the damned Wairarapa-Bush mob. All going well we hope to rectify that anomaly this season.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Some of the tippers are virtual life members of the squad but we are always open to annyone interested making themselves available for selection. Hopefully Stargazer who did so well in the Super Rugby season will be one to put his hand up to help us field a full squad again this coming season. Others like Number10 and Gibbit might also be tempted to come out of their semi-retirement as well.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Anyway give it some serious thought as kick off is in a little more than two weeks so not much time left to get things organised.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="matrix" data-cid="603320" data-time="1470454846">
<div>
<p>A couple of interesting rumors doing the rounds.Fruean is not wanted by Philpott and Lee but the ceo wants to sign him for this season and Shannon Chase was given the rounds of the kitchen by his club coach due to poor form recently.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>I must make a serious effort in locating the squad lists of the Canterbury B and Colts teams from last year to see who we have missed out on then. Oh and their Presidents Grade as well to see who Ross Filipo and Ben May beat out of obtaining a contract.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>We have taken some embarrassing poundings in the warm up matches so far. Is might be too soon to be pusing the panic buttons but in all honnesty if thats the best we can do with our non super rugby players then things are looking far from rosy.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Higgins" data-cid="603801" data-time="1470562460">
<div>
<p>I must make a serious effort in locating the squad lists of the Canterbury B and Colts teams from last year to see who we have missed out on then. Oh and their Presidents Grade as well to see who Ross Filipo and Ben May beat out of obtaining a contract.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>We have taken some embarrassing poundings in the warm up matches so far. Is might be too soon to be pusing the panic buttons but <strong>in all honnesty if thats the best we can do with our non super rugby players then things are looking far from rosy</strong>.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>I'm not usually pessimistic, but I think we will struggle to stay in the Premiership. It's 2012 all over again, with so many players leaving/unavailable in the season after promotion.</p>
<p>I have only seen the preseason game in Napier and I was less than impressed. The pack didn't look very strong; completely overpowered by Manawatu. Huge error rate & penalty count, leaky defence. If we have to rely on a lot of club players, it could prove to be a loooooong season.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Prop </strong>(Edmonds unavailable due to injury):</p>
<p>May is not even close to the level of Edmonds, and Fahamokioa is the only other prop that I rate from last year's squad. So to me, this is a problem area.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Hooker</strong>: no worries, if Tangaere is our 3rd.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Lock</strong> (Retallick with ABs/ Allardice unavailable due to injury):</p>
<p>If Waqa is out for the season, then Cridge will be our 3rd and only back-up lock (assuming Abbott and Filipo are 1 & 2), who hasn't convinced me yet; need to see more of him. I wish we could 'lock' in Bird. We need a 4th lock, but who?</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Loosies </strong>(O'Connor, Stanley gone/ Evans unavailable due to injury):</p>
<p>With TBW, Lamborn & Mikaele Tu'u, we may have a good first choice squad, but we don't have much depth. Renton: same as Cridge, haven't seen him play enough to convince me he's the real deal. Who else? Where's Karl Lowe? He won't play for Provence Rugby now that they have been relegated.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Halfback</strong>:</p>
<p>Not sure who will be the 3rd after Weber and Wilson, but if Weber is called into the ABs (if one of the other 3 gets injured) or one of these two gets injured, we may have a problem on the bench. Is Eaton still playing? Does Mathewson have a job (same as Karl Lowe)? Ruru is now in the Otago squad. Paewai?</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>1st five </strong>(Elkington-MacDonald gone):</p>
<p>Don't think we have a big problem here, if Falcon is the new back-up for West. But didn't find Snee convincing in the one game I've seen him play, so not convinced we've got a good back-up for the back-up. Horrell fulfilled that role the last few seasons.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Midfield </strong>(Horrelll & Buckman gone):</p>
<p>I am not aware of any midfield signing, so no Super Rugby experience if they don't sign Fruean. I like Lowe and Ropiha, but who else? Not a fan of Marshall but I guess it will be him.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Outside backs </strong>(Dagg with ABs/ Guildford gone):</p>
<p>I assume McNicol will be our first choice fullback, but in our outside back stocks we only have one other Super Rugby player (Tongia) who has hardly played.</p>
<p>Emerson has plenty of talent, but no SR experience and only a few games last year, although instrumental in the most important one.</p>
<p>Depth and experience are clearly lacking. As I said, I'm not a fan of Marshall. Timu didn't convince me a couple of years ago, bit of a (failed) journey man; is he really that much better this year?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I guess we'll find out the 9th when they will name the team.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><em>Edit</em>: apparently, the team naming is now tomorrow!</p> -
<p>Longer article about last Saturday's PS game:<br>
</p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote">
<p><strong><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Magpies' cup hopefuls shine in wet conditions</span></span></strong><br>
<br><span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">By Shane Hurndell</span></span><br>
<br><span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">4:42 AM Monday Aug 8, 2016</span></span><br>
<br><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">It was the last throw of the dice for Hawke's Bay Saracens rugby players hoping to crack the Magpies Mitre 10 Cup squad on Saturday.</span></span><br>
<br><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">It was also a massive assignment for the Saracens taking on a more experienced and more physical team.</span></span><br>
<br><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">However, three fringe players, prop Jason Long, hooker Jorian Tangaere and flanker Ben Hamelink, boosted their chances of selection with strong performances.</span></span><br>
<br><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">"They certainly didn't do their chances any harm," Magpies head coach Craig Philpott said after the Saracens were beaten 19-3 in muddy conditions at Hawera.</span></span><br>
<br><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Philpott had to be careful how he relayed the news because, while the players have been told who has made the squad, it won't be publicly released until tomorrow. Equally pleasing for Philpott as the form of this trio was the improvement the Saracens displayed on the previous week's 54-17 loss to the Manawatu Evergreens in Napier.</span></span><br>
<br><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">"There was good improvement in all areas from last week. It was a pretty even game in which two pushover tries proved to be the difference," Philpott said.</span></span><br>
<br><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The Saracens led 3-0 at halftime after a penalty from first five-eighth Tiaan Falcon. Philpott was pleased they held the hosts out until the 65th minute.</span></span><br>
<br><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Taranaki's scrum gained the upper hand in the second half after changes were made to the Saracens' starting eight. Taranaki No8 Mitchell Brown scored two pushover tries.</span></span><br>
<br><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">There were 32 scrums in the game and 21 lineouts. Philpott said the lineout tussle was even.</span></span><br>
<br><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Taranaki winger Manasa Mataele made the most of his limited opportunities on attack. His backline was well served by New Zealand under-20s rep Stephen Perofeta and midfielders Isaia Tuifua and Johnny Fa'auli combined well.</span></span><br>
<br><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">With Super midfielders Sean Wainui and Seta Tamanivalu still to return, Philpott believed the Naki's midfield will be one of their strengths this season. Former Magpies lock Leighton Price started for the hosts while former Magpies utility back Trinity Spooner-Neera got the final five minutes off the pine.</span></span><br>
<br><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Price has been selected in Taranaki's Mitre 10 Cup squad but Spooner-Neera missed out.</span></span><br>
<br><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Taranaki 19 (Mitchell Brown 2, Cody Whittaker tries; Beaudein Waaka 2 cons) Hawke's Bay Saracens 3 (Tiaan Falcon pen). Halftime: HB 3-0.</span></span><br>
<br><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">- Hawkes Bay Today</span></span></p>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.nzherald.co.nz/hawkes-bay-today/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503460&objectid=11689263'>http://www.nzherald.co.nz/hawkes-bay-today/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503460&objectid=11689263</a></p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Stargazer" data-cid="603835" data-time="1470571933">
<div>
<p>I'm not usually pessimistic, but I think we will struggle to stay in the Premiership. It's 2012 all over again, with so many players leaving/unavailable in the season after promotion.</p>
<p>I have only seen the preseason game in Napier and I was less than impressed. The pack didn't look very strong; completely overpowered by Manawatu. Huge error rate & penalty count, leaky defence. If we have to rely on a lot of club players, it could prove to be a loooooong season.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Prop </strong>(Edmonds unavailable due to injury):</p>
<p>May is not even close to the level of Edmonds, and Fahamokioa is the only other prop that I rate from last year's squad. So to me, this is a problem area.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Hooker</strong>: no worries, if Tangaere is our 3rd.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Lock</strong> (Retallick with ABs/ Allardice unavailable due to injury):</p>
<p>If Waqa is out for the season, then Cridge will be our 3rd and only back-up lock (assuming Abbott and Filipo are 1 & 2), who hasn't convinced me yet; need to see more of him. I wish we could 'lock' in Bird. We need a 4th lock, but who?</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Loosies </strong>(O'Connor, Stanley gone/ Evans unavailable due to injury):</p>
<p>With TBW, Lamborn & Mikaele Tu'u, we may have a good first choice squad, but we don't have much depth. Renton: same as Cridge, haven't seen him play enough to convince me he's the real deal. Who else? Where's Karl Lowe? He won't play for Provence Rugby now that they have been relegated.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Halfback</strong>:</p>
<p>Not sure who will be the 3rd after Weber and Wilson, but if Weber is called into the ABs (if one of the other 3 gets injured) or one of these two gets injured, we may have a problem on the bench. Is Eaton still playing? Does Mathewson have a job (same as Karl Lowe)? Ruru is now in the Otago squad. Paewai?</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>1st five </strong>(Elkington-MacDonald gone):</p>
<p>Don't think we have a big problem here, if Falcon is the new back-up for West. But didn't find Snee convincing in the one game I've seen him play, so not convinced we've got a good back-up for the back-up. Horrell fulfilled that role the last few seasons.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Midfield </strong>(Horrelll & Buckman gone):</p>
<p>I am not aware of any midfield signing, so no Super Rugby experience if they don't sign Fruean. I like Lowe and Ropiha, but who else? Not a fan of Marshall but I guess it will be him.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Outside backs </strong>(Dagg with ABs/ Guildford gone):</p>
<p>I assume McNicol will be our first choice fullback, but in our outside back stocks we only have one other Super Rugby player (Tongia) who has hardly played.</p>
<p>Emerson has plenty of talent, but no SR experience and only a few games last year, although instrumental in the most important one.</p>
<p>Depth and experience are clearly lacking. As I said, I'm not a fan of Marshall. Timu didn't convince me a couple of years ago, bit of a (failed) journey man; is he really that much better this year?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I guess we'll find out the 9th when they will name the team.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><em>Edit</em>: apparently, the team naming is now tomorrow!</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p>That looks awful TBH, especially combined with our poor form so far. How on earth can we go up to 1st Division yet lose most of our decent players that same year?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Hopefully Philpott has a plan and this pre-season bumbling is part of that plan. As it stands I think we're going to lose to Bay of Plenty this year. And I can't frikkin handle that.</p> -
<div>The 2016 Magpies Mitre 10 Cup squad is</div>
<div> </div>
<div><u>Front Row</u></div>
<div> </div>
<div>Ash DIXON</div>
<div>Brendon EDMONDS (injured)</div>
<div>Tolu FAHAMOKIOA</div>
<div>Mason KEAN</div>
<div>Jason LONG</div>
<div>Ben MAY</div>
<div>Ricky RICCITELLI</div>
<div>Jorian TANGAERE</div>
<div> </div>
<div><u>Locks</u></div>
<div> </div>
<div>Mark ABBOTT</div>
<div>Michael ALLARDICE (injured)</div>
<div>Geoff CRIDGE</div>
<div>Ross FILIPO*</div>
<div>Brodie RETALLICK</div>
<div>Sanaila WAQA (injured)</div>
<div> </div>
<div><u>Loose Forwards</u></div>
<div> </div>
<div>Trent BOSWELL-WAKEFIELD</div>
<div>Gareth EVANS (injured)</div>
<div>Ben HAMELINK*</div>
<div>Tony LAMBORN</div>
<div>Marino MIKAELE TU'U*</div>
<div>Hugh RENTON*</div>
<div>Fa'alemiga SELESELE*</div>
<div> </div>
<div><u>Inside Backs</u></div>
<div> </div>
<div>Chris EATON</div>
<div>Tiaan FALCON*</div>
<div>Brad WEBER*</div>
<div>Ihaia WEST</div>
<div>Ellery WILSON</div>
<div> </div>
<div><u>Midfield Backs</u></div>
<div> </div>
<div>Robbie FRUEAN</div>
<div>Matt GARLAND*</div>
<div>Jonah LOWE</div>
<div>Lewis MARSHALL</div>
<div>Billy ROPIHA</div>
<div> </div>
<div><u>Outside Backs</u></div>
<div> </div>
<div>Shannan CHASE</div>
<div>Israel DAGG</div>
<div>Mason EMERSON</div>
<div>Sam MCNICOL*</div>
<div>Ryan TONGIA</div>
<div> </div>
<div><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.sporty.co.nz/magpies/newsarticle/37852'>http://www.sporty.co.nz/magpies/newsarticle/37852</a></div> -
<p>Interesting to see that both Jarvy Aoake and Mark Braidwood have not made the team and are now named in the 2016 Saracens squad. Another player from last year's squad is Joseph Penitito, who seemed so promising in the Shield defences against the Heartland teams and then got injured, and he's also in the Saracens squad. Other former Magpies who didn't make it are Isaac Paewai, Mikey Vuicakau and Star Timu.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="https://scontent-syd1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13886854_888507824627031_5343144771863341162_n.jpg?oh=decd31476a4dffc558b048f585d18a84&oe=5858671B" alt="13886854_888507824627031_534314477186334"></p>
<p>A few comments/questions on the Magpies squad:</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Props: with May replacing Edmonds, I assume Kean is a TH? Both Aoake and Braidwood have been dropped, but replaced by only one player? I hope May and Fahamokioa can stay fit and play the house down.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Locks: only three named who will actually play, I expected four. Waqa must have a contract to be named despite his injury?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Loosies: Hamelink and Selesele? I recognise the name Hamelink from club rugby (can't remember seeing him play), but who's the other guy? Only saw him give away many penalties in the preseason game v Manawatu.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Backs: Fruean made it, but despite that we're losing so much experience behind the halves. I hope McNicol, Tongia and Fruean stay healthy and have a huge season, and that Emerson and Lowe will be able to step up.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I don't know why I secretly hoped for a surprise signing of a great player ....</p> -
<p>The forwards look good when you include everyone who isn't going to be playing.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I wonder if Philpott will finally give TBW some starts now that he's the most senior loose forward on the team?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I see the Canterbury connection finally seems to have dried up, Philpott must have been out of the loop too long now. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>At least we're not going into this season with high expectations.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Nepia" data-cid="604143" data-time="1470694912">
<div>
<p> </p>
<p>I wonder if Philpott will finally give TBW some starts now that he's the most senior loose forward on the team?</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p>Hasn't TBW been captain for some of the warm-up Saracen games? Surely the captaincy and vice captaincy must be between him and Dixon now that O'Connor has left</p>
