2016 Mitre10 Cup

Stargazer

The 2016 Mitre10 Cup draw has been released.
 
Magpies games:
<img src="http://pbs.twimg.com/media/CdI9NJ6VAAAteaN.jpg" alt="CdI9NJ6VAAAteaN.jpg">
 
Full draw (pdf): <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://files.allblacks.com/NZRU_Media_Releases/2016/2016_MITRE_10_Cup_Draw_FINAL.pdf'>http://files.allblacks.com/NZRU_Media_Releases/2016/2016_MITRE_10_Cup_Draw_FINAL.pdf</a>
 
Media release: <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.mitre10cup.co.nz/News/28873/mitre-10-cup-and-heartland-championship-draws-released'>http://www.mitre10cup.co.nz/News/28873/mitre-10-cup-and-heartland-championship-draws-released</a>
 
Let's hope Waikato keep the Shield until 8 October. Like 2015, we get Wellington, Auckland and BOP at home and have to travel to Chirstchurch and Invercargill.

Hooroo

I'm picking either Manwatu or North Harbour will be having two cracks at the Shield this year.

Stargazer

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Hooroo" data-cid="563578" data-time="1457566925">
<div>
I'm picking either Manwatu or North Harbour will be having two cracks at the Shield this year.
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</blockquote>
 
Yes, unfortunately Waikato plays Taranaki & Canterbury at home first, before they play the Magpies. And then the Magpies have already played those two teams. Even if Waikato would lose to Manawatu, Canterbury would have a crack at it before the Magpies. Our chances of a Shield challenge will be slim in 2016, unless Waikato has a really good year.

Crucial

How much did Canterbury bribe the draw makers? It is like they get two options at a possible shield challenge in one round.

Stockcar86

Not really related to this thread, but great to see my favorite player of all time, MJ, is still going strong
 
<a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.nzherald.co.nz/hawkes-bay-today/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503460&objectid=11601993'>http://www.nzherald.co.nz/hawkes-bay-today/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503460&objectid=11601993</a>

Higgins

In relation to the first post the draw contains an asterix against the Waikato fixture. At the bottom it indicates the asterix is for possible Ranfirly Shield games. Why then is the Bay of Plenty fixture being played at McLean Park the next Saurday (October 15)
not similalry accorded an asterix? Hell do the fishheads at the HBRFU have no confidence that the Shield might be resident in Napier by then?????????????? Maybe Hugh Renton and Geoffrey Cridge might be available for selection in this latter game?

Stargazer

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Higgins" data-cid="563914" data-time="1457672007">
<div>
In relation to the first post the draw contains an asterix against the Waikato fixture. At the bottom it indicates the asterix is for possible Ranfirly Shield games. Why then is the Bay of Plenty fixture being played at McLean Park the next Saurday (October 15)
not similalry accorded an asterix? Hell do the fishheads at the HBRFU have no confidence that the Shield might be resident in Napier by then?????????????? Maybe Hugh Renton and Geoffrey Cridge might be available for selection in this latter game?
</div>
</blockquote>
 
Hmm, I think it has more to do with the fact that all Waikato home games have been marked as possible RS games by the NZRU in the complete list of fixtures because they are the current holders - and no other games, because there are just too many, otherwise? Geez, have you ever seen those graphics Sumo put on Twitter with all possible shield games in a season if you include more than the current holders? To me, a game is only a possible RS game if you hold the shield. Considering that we most likely won't get a shield challenge, I agree with not marking the Magpies-BOP game as a possible RS game.

? Offline

Magpies have signed Ross Filipo and Ben May.

Nepia

Finally some good news - those are tow decent signings, although a couple of years younger would have been better. 
 
I wonder if we'll be picking up a few backs or if we're just going to unleash the young fellas every game?

Stargazer

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Number 10" data-cid="598765" data-time="1469168982">
<div>
Magpies have signed Ross Filipo and Ben May.
</div>
</blockquote>
 
Not bad. I assume both have been brought in to cover for Allardice and Edmonds and only signed for one year?

Higgins

Hardly inspiring, one a virtual Super Gold Card Holder and the other was not even given a contract with the Championship Level Wellington Lions team last season. How Ben May keeps getting selected is one of lifes mysteries. Perhaps he is related to Chris Eaton? I suppose it could have been marginally worse considering Jamie MacIntosh is also out there looking for someone to pick him up after he could not make the Southland team.
 
Mr. Philpott rates Bendon Edmonds and Ben May on the same level talent (and experience) wise. Well I'm afraid I don't see it that way.
<a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/provincial/82403272/hawkes-bay-magpies-sign-ross-filipo-and-ben-may-for-2016-provincial-season'>http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/provincial/82403272/hawkes-bay-magpies-sign-ross-filipo-and-ben-may-for-2016-provincial-season</a>

Stargazer

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Higgins" data-cid="599027" data-time="1469189796">
<div>
Hardly inspiring, one a virtual Super Gold Card Holder and the other was not even given a contract with the Championship Level Wellington Lions team last season. How Ben May keeps getting selected is one of lifes mysteries. Perhaps he is related to Chris Eaton? I suppose it could have been marginally worse considering Jamie MacIntosh is also out there looking for someone to pick him up after he could not make the Southland team.
 
Mr. Philpott rates Bendon Edmonds and Ben May on the same level talent (and experience) wise. Well I'm afraid I don't see it that way.
<a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/provincial/82403272/hawkes-bay-magpies-sign-ross-filipo-and-ben-may-for-2016-provincial-season'>http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/provincial/82403272/hawkes-bay-magpies-sign-ross-filipo-and-ben-may-for-2016-provincial-season</a>
</div>
</blockquote>
 
That's incorrect. May was in the 2015 Lions squad but wasn't available for personal reasons initially, and then out injured (knee). He played a couple of games for them last season.
 
I assume there were no better, experienced players available (like Dominic Bird) who were willing to move to the Bay. I think Filippo in particular can add a lot of value due to his experience.

? Offline

I'm okay with the two signings - they are just for one year only.
 
Andrew Horrell, Brendon Edmonds, Richard Buckman, Michael Allardice, Robbie Fruean (probably), Sanaila Waqa (shoulder injury), are all out for the year. The first five of them all had starting positions last year.
 
2016, rather eerily, was starting to look a bit like 2012 where, in our first year after promotion, we were lost a lot of front line players, struggled, and got relegated.
 
Even with Filipo and May, when I look at the announced 2016 squads for Auckland and Taranaki, I get a feeling of inferiority which would be more so if Filipo and May weren't there.
 
Our first choice starting lineup would be (excluding Dagg and Retallick) what?
 
15 McNicol
 
14 Tongia
11 Chase
 
13 Marshall?
12 Ropiha
 
10 West
9 Weber
 
8 Evans
7 Renton?
6 Boswell-Wakefield
 
5 Cridge
4 Abbott
 
3 May
2 Dixon
1 Fahamokioa

Stargazer

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Number 10" data-cid="599118" data-time="1469239650">
<div>
I'm okay with the two signings - they are just for one year only.
 
Andrew Horrell, Brendon Edmonds, Richard Buckman, Michael Allardice, Robbie Fruean (probably), Sanaila Waqa (shoulder injury), are all out for the year. The first five of them all had starting positions last year.
 
2016, rather eerily, was starting to look a bit like 2012 where, in our first year after promotion, we were lost a lot of front line players, struggled, and got relegated.
 
Even with Filipo and May, when I look at the announced 2016 squads for Auckland and Taranaki, I get a feeling of inferiority which would be more so if Filipo and May weren't there.
 
Our first choice starting lineup would be (excluding Dagg and Retallick) what?
 
15 McNicol
 
14 Tongia
11 Chase
 
13 Marshall?
12 Ropiha
 
10 West
9 Weber
 
8 Evans
7 Renton?
6 Boswell-Wakefield
 
5 Cridge
4 Abbott
 
3 May
2 Dixon
1 Fahamokioa
</div>
</blockquote>
 
I'd put Lamborn at 7 and maybe Emerson at 11. Despite Chase having slightly more experience at NPC level, I think Emerson is better.
At 12, either Marshall or Lowe.
 
I have the same reaction as you after seeing other teams. I'm worried we'll go straight back to the Championship if they're not hiring a few more experienced backs.

Nepia

Boswell-Wakefield at 6? You do remember Philpott is the coach right?

Higgins

I cannot see what you guys see in Ben May. I have watched him a few times in club rugby over these last two seasons (he has not played much at all) and apart from one game when he played against lowly Avalon about five weeks back I have seen nothing to suggest he is he is a solution to any teams propping problems at ITM Cup level much less at super XV level. I can't comment on his play in tonights super rugby quarter final as I was otherwise engaged but is he was any good some other team would have signed him up adminst much fanfare way before now. Ross Filipo off the pace when he last turned out for Wellington two years ago and I seriously doubt he has found any new lease of live since then. I do have a fond memory as in his last appeqarance for Wellington (against North Harbour possibly from memory) he did knock over a couple of conversions one from wide out on the right hand side of the field so maybe he has been acquired for that skill.

Stargazer

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Number 10" data-cid="599118" data-time="1469239650">
Andrew Horrell, Brendon Edmonds, Richard Buckman, Michael Allardice, Robbie Fruean (probably), Sanaila Waqa (shoulder injury), are all out for the year. The first five of them all had starting positions last year.
</blockquote>
 
I don't think Waqa is injured because he played club rugby yesterday ... unless Hastings have another S Waqa in their squad (who scored a try).
 
<a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.sporty.co.nz/asset/downloadasset?id=e51d21e7-9f2c-4ae4-9b9e-6aa6eebe031d'>http://www.sporty.co.nz/asset/downloadasset?id=e51d21e7-9f2c-4ae4-9b9e-6aa6eebe031d</a>

? Offline

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Stargazer" data-cid="599634" data-time="1469315675">
<div>
I don't think Waqa is injured because he played club rugby yesterday ... unless Hastings have another S Waqa in their squad (who scored a try).
 
<a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.sporty.co.nz/asset/downloadasset?id=e51d21e7-9f2c-4ae4-9b9e-6aa6eebe031d'>http://www.sporty.co.nz/asset/downloadasset?id=e51d21e7-9f2c-4ae4-9b9e-6aa6eebe031d</a>
</div>
</blockquote>
 
Hmmm, got that about Waqa being out for the season from Shane Hurndell's writeup in yesterday's HB Today.
 
<a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.nzherald.co.nz/hawkes-bay-today/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503460&objectid=11679786'>http://www.nzherald.co.nz/hawkes-bay-today/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503460&objectid=11679786</a>

Stargazer

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Number 10" data-cid="599646" data-time="1469319597">
<div>
Hmmm, got that about Waqa being out for the season from Shane Hurndell's writeup in yesterday's HB Today.
 
<a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.nzherald.co.nz/hawkes-bay-today/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503460&objectid=11679786'>http://www.nzherald.co.nz/hawkes-bay-today/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503460&objectid=11679786</a>
</div>
</blockquote>
 
I guess the line-up for next weekend's preseason game will give us a clue ...

? Offline

This afternoon, Manawatu Evergreens defeated HB Saracens 54-17.
 
Saracens used 27 players.
 
The only players that played the whole 80 minutes were Trent Boswell-Wakefield, Mason Emerson and Jonah Lowe (at centre).
 
Mystery man Hugh Renton played the whole second half, as did Robbie Fruean (on the right wing).
 
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.
 
Gareth Evans was a spectator and had quite an impressive looking brace on his left knee and was on crutches.
 
Fruean was the only Super Rugby player that HB Saracens fielded.
 
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.

The Silver Fern

2016 Mitre10 Cup