NPC - news, injuries etc

KiwiPie

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Nepia" data-cid="600314" data-time="1469494495">
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You have a better on paper squad than the real Bay (all our good players are off overseas or in the ABs ;)). So there's probably one win you can bank. I will practice adding Bay to Of Plenty in the meantime.
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About time you lot left your borders to put the Real Bay Trophy on the line - we always seem to be going there!

KiwiPie

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="mariner4life" data-cid="600295" data-time="1469491032">
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hello Mafia, i should go to the dedicated forum, but i can't be fucked.
 
While i am under no illusion how we are going to go this year, have we got a coach and a set of players that will play enterprising rugby at least? If we're going to lose, can we at least be fun to watch?
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Well last year under Clayton McMillan was 7 times better than the team under Schuler, we were enterprising and made the semis - 4th meaning we finished mid-table. We have backs to play enterprising rugby, pack looks a bit short with Bardoul and Axtens out so hopefully the loosies we stole from Auckland come good and Retallick can last the season. Hoping we make the semis again at minimum

mariner4life

i saw so little last year i forgot we made the semis. With a shit record though? wiki tells me 4 and 6, with some kickings.
 
but only just lost our semi.
 
was last year with the really really dumb, late loss to HB? I remember a game in teh last couple of years where we were in front, and then gave it up with some of the dumbest rugby in history.

Tim

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote"><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11681665'>Rugby: Make or break season for hopeful Harbour</a> 
By Campbell Burnes 
3:07 PM Tuesday Jul 26, 2016 
It's Championship semifinals or bust for North Harbour. But third year coach Steve Jackson believes he has the squad to do it, despite budget restrictions meaning he cannot fully contract more than 29 players, two of whom are the long-term injured midfielders Pita Ahki and Rene Ranger. 
"We definitely believe that we can make the semis. It was disappointing the last two years that we couldn't make it, missing out by a point here and there," says Jackson, whose side placed fifth in the Championship in 2014-15, with three wins in each season. 
Now is the time to up the ante, and the early signs are promising. He has a new coaching lieutenant in Daniel Halangahu, who played the last of his 17 games for the union as a No 10 just last year. The former Waratah replaces Alex O'Dowd as backs coach, the latter about to take up a post at England's Nottingham club. 
"Dan was the best candidate for the job at the interview process, regardless of whether he played for us last year. We both think the same. I play the bad cop now and then, but he's a good calming voice behind me. He runs all our attack and he's got my full support. I think he'll do a fantastic job," says Jackson. "I joked to him that if anyone goes down, he'll have to jump on the field and play." 
Funnier things have happened in rugby. 
While there is disappointment that Ahki (shoulder) and Ranger (knee) will not play, that will mean last season's find Michael Little, starved of any Blues action, and Matt Vaega, should have the inside running. There are two youngsters nipping at their heels, though, in the North Shore midfield combination of James Little, still just 18, cousin of Michael, and Daniel Hilton-Jones. 
Outside back Marty Swart returns from two years of injury issues. Bryn Gatland, signed from Waikato, and Matt McGahan will battle for the No 10 jersey. 
"We understand that Matt can play in other positions. He wants to play 10 and we'll give him an opportunity in pre-season to battle it out with Bryn," says Jackson. 
Competition for places looks to be more intense this season. 
"Chris Smylie and Bryn Hall will be going hammer and tongs and right across the park. Reputations don't mean anything." 
Smylie finished a contract with Treviso in Italy in May and was keen to return to where it all started for the veteran in 2002. 
"When Chris touched base earlier in the year and he said he was available, we jumped at the opportunity. He's 34 but he's in the same condition as a 20-year-old. He wants to give back to the union," Jackson says. 
The return of No 8 Hapakuki Moala-Liava'a from a shoulder injury suffered in the New Zealand Under 20s' campaign is imminent. Newcomers in the pack include loose forwards Kane Jacobson from Waikato, the elder of the Jacobson loosies, and Josh Tyrell, both of whom have been outstanding in helping Takapuna to its first premier club final in seven years. Former All Blacks Sevens rep Murphy Taramai can play more than one position in the loose trio. 
While James Parsons, Bryn Hall and Tevita Li had heavy workloads with the Blues, several others from the franchise saw little to no game time, so should be jumping out of their skins. Into this category fall McGahan, Little, outside backs Matt Duffie and Afa Fa'atau, and lock Gerard Tuioti-Mariner, who will be keen to reproduce his consistent 2015 form for Harbour which won him a Blues' contract. 
Missing from the 2015 group include Hayden Triggs and Nafi Tuitavake, both overseas, and Jordan Manihera, who is in Waikato. 
Jackson says prolific Massey club wing Mark Telea, who led all premier tryscorers with 12 this season, was unlucky, but he is on the fringes and will train with the squad in pre-season. North Shore No 8 So'otala Fa'aso'o, a 2012 NZ Schools captain, who scored eight tries for his club, missed the cut and was duly snapped up by Counties Manukau. 
"You can't take three No 8s. I wish Sooty all the best. As a coach, you want to promote all your players and see them succeed," Jackson says. 
He was very impressed with the quality of club rugby this season, and this has made his job easier when contracting players, such as East Coast Bays pro Toketa Fatai, straight out of the premier competition. 
"Our club season has been one of the best I've ever seen and that's even when I was a player here. Look at the final, going into extra time." 
The level of co-operation between the clubs and rep programme, so evident in 2016, has not always been so smooth in the past at the union. 
"Our premier coaches and clubs have been outstanding in adopting the new rules for the second round, and so have our refs," Jackson says. 
"The players are a good, hard-working group who have been in good club form and we think they will adapt to the new rules and get on with the job." 
Pre-season games are slated for this Friday (Northland), August 5 (Auckland) and August 11 (Hawke's Bay) before North Harbour opens the Mitre 10 Cup with an August 18 Thursday night home crossover fixture against Counties Manukau. 
Getting off to a winning start, not Harbour's forte in recent seasons, will be paramount. Of course, there is the added carrot of a round two Ranfurly Shield challenge in Waikato. Two Premiership opponents in the first nine days will be instructive.
 
</blockquote>

cgrant

Is Josh Larsen related to Blair Larsen ?

shark

Canterbury training squad from June, sans NZ U20s, Super Rugby players and injuries:
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The players selected for the initial Wider Training Group are:
Forwards 
Kalolo Otutaha (Christchurch) 
Carisbrook Toâ€™omalatai (New Brighton) 
Samu Tawake (Sumner) 
Oli Jager (New Brighton) 
Tom Crozier (Sumner) 
Nick Werahiko (Lincoln University) 
Jack Powell (Lincoln University) 
Jonno Osbourne (Lincoln University) 
Sam Godwin (University) 
Dylan Nel (Sumner) 
Billy Harmon (New Brighton) 
Jordan Stewart (Linwood) 
 Backs 
Ere Enari (Lincoln University) 
Jack Stratton (Lincoln University) 
Finlay Christie (University) 
Josh McKay (Lincoln University) 
Brett Cameron (Lincoln University) 
Inga Finau (Christchurch) 
Poasa Waqanibau (Sumner) 
Harrison Groundwater (Lincoln University) 
Nigel Gibb (University) 
Milford Keresoma (Sydenham) 
Marshall Suckling (Sumner) 
Mark Maitland (Waihora) 
 
Some players have not been named due to injuries. 
 New Zealand 20â€™s 
Sean Paranihi (Sumner) 
Hamish Dalzell (Lincoln University) 
Jordie Barrett (Lincoln University) 
Caleb Makene (Lincoln University)
 
</blockquote>
 
To a full squad could be added:
 
Props
 
Franks
Moody
Crockett
Faletau
Tokolahi
Hodgman
Leinert-Brown
 
Hookers
 
Taylor
Funnell
Robinson
 
Locks
 
Whitelock
Romano
Barrett
Manning
Dunshea
Bird
 
Loose forwards
 
Read
Todd
Whitelock
Brown
Sanders
Princep (if fit)
 
Halfbacks
 
Drummond
Fukofuka
 
First-fives
 
Mo'unga
 
Midfield
 
Crotty
Thompson
Goodhue
 
Outside backs
 
McNicholl
Osborne
Tulolo
Laulala
Apa

Duluth

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="shark" data-cid="600449" data-time="1469527762">
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Halfbacks
 
Drummond
Fukofuka
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He's still with Auckland.. was named in the squad last week

Stargazer

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="shark" data-cid="600449" data-time="1469527762">
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Halfbacks
 
Drummond
Fukofuka
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Fukofuka is named in the Auckland squad

Dice

Luteru Laulala is with Counties(see first page). And Apa is now with Waikato.

African Monkey

Tulolo Tulolo hasn't played club rugby this year (assuming he's moved on), and Sione Faletau is at Counties.

Stargazer

Deleted post

Chris B.

Mako$ have apparently signed a Scottish ginga former gymnast as a development player at halfback - a stepping stone to supplanting Drummond?
 
<a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/sport/82523852/christchurch-club-rugby-standout-finlay-christie-signs-for-tasman-Mako$'>http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/sport/82523852/christchurch-club-rugby-standout-finlay-christie-signs-for-tasman-Mako$</a>
 
Seen this guy play, Sammy?
 
Not much other news coming from the Mako$ squad. Earlier they said they'd signed all their current Super players plus Zac Guildford. Since then, however, it sounds like Quentin MacDonald is off before the season starts. Liam Squire is a good chance of being with the ABs, maybe James Lowe could be - there was also talk of him needing shoulder surgery. A few like Halanukonuka, Perry and Geldenhuys on the injured list.
 
Keane usually came up with a few signings from left field, so will be interesting to see whether Leon continues that tradition.
 
There's a heap of defections lining up for next year, so if we're going to win a trophy with this generation of players, it's now or never.
 
First up game is Waikato in Blenheim - give us a Shield Challenge you selfish and cowardly Mooloo fluffybunnys! :)

SammyC

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Chris B." data-cid="600593" data-time="1469586237">
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Mako$ have apparently signed a Scottish ginga former gymnast as a development player at halfback - a stepping stone to supplanting Drummond?
 
<a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/sport/82523852/christchurch-club-rugby-standout-finlay-christie-signs-for-tasman-Mako$'>http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/sport/82523852/christchurch-club-rugby-standout-finlay-christie-signs-for-tasman-Mako$</a>
 
Seen this guy play, Sammy?
 
Not much other news coming from the Mako$ squad. Earlier they said they'd signed all their current Super players plus Zac Guildford. Since then, however, it sounds like Quentin MacDonald is off before the season starts. Liam Squire is a good chance of being with the ABs, maybe James Lowe could be - there was also talk of him needing shoulder surgery. A few like Halanukonuka, Perry and Geldenhuys on the injured list.
 
Keane usually came up with a few signings from left field, so will be interesting to see whether Leon continues that tradition.
 
There's a heap of defections lining up for next year, so if we're going to win a trophy with this generation of players, it's now or never.
 
First up game is Waikato in Blenheim - give us a Shield Challenge you selfish and cowardly Mooloo fluffybunnys! :)
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I like that signing, if Robertson isn't going to reward club form then I'm glad the Mako$ are.
 
There's a couple more blokes who were up near the top of the Hawkins medal list that deserve a shot too.
 
I actually haven't seen University play this year so can't offer an opinion on him. Pretty sure my old man has though, so I'll ask him.

KiwiPie

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="mariner4life" data-cid="600346" data-time="1469502933">
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i saw so little last year i forgot we made the semis. With a shit record though? wiki tells me 4 and 6, with some kickings.
 
but only just lost our semi.
 
was last year with the really really dumb, late loss to HB? I remember a game in teh last couple of years where we were in front, and then gave it up with some of the dumbest rugby in history. 
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No last year was unlucky and slightly contentious although most mid-ranking teams usually combine the sublime and dumb fairly easily. In the Schuler years, we made a habit of dumb defeats on the rare occasions we weren't being humped.
 
So 4-6 last season wasn't great but it was much better than 6-24 for the previous 3 seasons.

taniwharugby

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="cgrant" data-cid="600426" data-time="1469520810">
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Is Josh Larsen related to Blair Larsen ?
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Not sure if related, but dad is Andy and he was born in Canada
 
<a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.odt.co.nz/sport/rugby/391628/rugby-former-eel-makes-northland-squad'>http://www.odt.co.nz/sport/rugby/391628/rugby-former-eel-makes-northland-squad</a>
 
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote">
 
Former Taieri Eels rugby player Josh Larsen is looking forward to pulling on the Cambridge blue jersey of Northland after being selected in its national provincial championship Mitre 10 Cup squad for 2016.
The 22-year-old, who plays lock, played three years for the Eels while studying at the University of Otago from 2012 to 2015. He has since graduated and moved back to his hometown, Paihia.
"I'm very honoured to be picked for Northland,'' Larsen said.
"I grew up here in the province and still remember going to Okara Park as a youngster watching the Cambridge blue. So to be in the squad now is very special.''
Making the squad had taught him that hard work paid off.
"Northland being such a large region, and with my home in Paihia being roughly an hour out of the main area of Whangarei, it has been a lot of work and effort and driving to and from training.
"I was fortunate enough at the start of the year to be involved in the academy up here and then from there really worked on my strength and conditioning as well as my form in club rugby.
"It was all done with huge support from my father, Andy.''
While he hoped to take the field for Northland, he was focused on improving himself and learning from the rest of the squad.
"If I got a game against Otago down south it would be a dream, as I am still very close to the deep South and have some really close friends there.
"But I am just taking it day by day for now.''
His highlights while playing for the Eels were making his premier debut against the Kaikorai Rugby Football Club and being a part of the side's run to the final last year.
The highlights of his rugby career so far were making the Canada Under-20 team - he was born in Canada - and making the Otago B squad last year.
"The main highlight now would be this year with the Northland Mitre 10 Cup squad.''
</blockquote>

Dice

Otago and Southland had a pre-season hit-out on the weekend.
 
Sassanechs(Otago) 41 - 19 Spartans(Southland)
 
Sassanechs scorers: Josh Casey, Dillon Hunt, George Bower, Kyle Harris, Josh Ioane, Jonathan Ruru, Thomas Umaga-Jensen tries; Casey 2 con, Ruru con
<div> </div>
<div>Spartans scorers: DJ Collier, Keanu Kahukura, Tino Mafoe tries; D'Angelo Leuila con, Mafoe con</div>
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<div>Halftime: Sassenachs 19 - 12</div>
 
Match Report: <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.odt.co.nz/sport/rugby/391422/rugby-coach-pleased-performance-sassenachs'>http://www.odt.co.nz/sport/rugby/391422/rugby-coach-pleased-performance-sassenachs</a>
 
Line-ups:
Sassenachs(Otago): Mitchell Scott, Fa'asui Fuitai, Michael Collins, Sio Tomkinson, Jack Wilson, Josh Ioane, Josh Walden (captain), Sione Teu, James Lentjes, Adam Knight, Sione Misoli, Tom Rowe, Mike Mata'afa, Sam Sturgess, Craig Miller. Reserves: Angus Williams, Sekonaia Pole, George Bower, Dillon Hunt, Ben Whale, Kyle Harris, Charles Elton, Jonathon Ruru, Josh Casey, Hemaua Semasoni, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Josh Gordon, Josh Buchan
 
Spartans(Southland): Junior Ngaluafe, Mike Molloy, Dylan Collier, James Schrader, Keanu Kahukura, D'Angelo Leiuila, Ben Brown, Mika Mafi, Phil Halder, Wade McRae, Ben Fotheringham, Tepasu Thomas, Reuben Northover, Ezekiel Sopoaga, Shaun Stodart. Reserves: Josh Leith, George Tuineau, Ben Soper, Jack Capil, Anton Huisman, Josh Brazier, Jaye Thomson Te Muunu, Tino Mafoe, Greg Dyer

Dice

Got two Auckland boys manning the 10 position in that game.
 
Seems Josh Ioane has gone well in club rugby this season. I saw him named in a Club Form XV, but he was listed at 12.
 
Southland coach noted D'angelo Leuila as one of the better players for Southland. It's funny, because he's not even listed in the Mitre 10 Cup team or even the Southland B team. I wonder what's going on there.

Stargazer

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Dice" data-cid="600961" data-time="1469684478">
<div>
Otago and Southland had a pre-season hit-out on the weekend.
 
Sassanechs(Otago) 41 - 19 Spartans(Southland)
 
Sassanechs scorers: Josh Casey, Dillon Hunt, George Bower, Kyle Harris, Josh Ioane, Jonathan Ruru, Thomas Umaga-Jensen tries; Casey 2 con, Ruru con
<div> </div>
<div>Spartans scorers: DJ Collier, Keanu Kahukura, Tino Mafoe tries; D'Angelo Leuila con, Mafoe con</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Halftime: Sassenachs 19 - 12</div>
 
Match Report: <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.odt.co.nz/sport/rugby/391422/rugby-coach-pleased-performance-sassenachs'>http://www.odt.co.nz/sport/rugby/391422/rugby-coach-pleased-performance-sassenachs</a>
 
Line-ups:
Sassenachs(Otago): Mitchell Scott, Fa'asui Fuitai, Michael Collins, Sio Tomkinson, Jack Wilson, Josh Ioane, Josh Walden (captain), Sione Teu, James Lentjes, Adam Knight, Sione Misoli, Tom Rowe, Mike Mata'afa, Sam Sturgess, Craig Miller. Reserves: Angus Williams, Sekonaia Pole, George Bower, Dillon Hunt, Ben Whale, Kyle Harris, Charles Elton, Jonathon Ruru, Josh Casey, Hemaua Semasoni, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Josh Gordon, Josh Buchan
 
Spartans(Southland): Junior Ngaluafe, Mike Molloy, Dylan Collier, James Schrader, Keanu Kahukura, D'Angelo Leiuila, Ben Brown, Mika Mafi, Phil Halder, Wade McRae, Ben Fotheringham, Tepasu Thomas, Reuben Northover, Ezekiel Sopoaga, Shaun Stodart. Reserves: Josh Leith, George Tuineau, Ben Soper, Jack Capil, Anton Huisman, Josh Brazier, Jaye Thomson Te Muunu, Tino Mafoe, Greg Dyer
</div>
</blockquote>
 
Jonathan Ruru? Is that a halfback from Hawke's Bay (last year, the third Magpies hb behind Eaton and Wilson)? Or just someone with the same name?

? Offline

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Stargazer" data-cid="600973" data-time="1469686073">
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Jonathan Ruru? Is that a halfback from Hawke's Bay (last year, the third Magpies hb behind Eaton and Wilson)? Or just someone with the same name?
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Yes, the HB squad member of last year, Stargazer.

? Offline

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="KiwiPie" data-cid="600341" data-time="1469501728">
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About time you lot left your borders to put the Real Bay Trophy on the line - we always seem to be going there!
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Actually, Kiwipie, there have been 48 first-class matches between HB and BOP - 24 in each province.
 
The recent dominance of games between the two in HB have actually corrected the imbalance, not created one.

The Silver Fern

NPC - news, injuries etc