The competition no-one wants to be in
The provincial rugby season kicks off tomorrow. Aaron Goile looks at the teams in the Mitre 10 Championship.
It’s the competition no team aspires to be in, but because they’re forced to be playing for it, they are desperate to hold the silverware aloft.
Since the competition split in 2011, for the teams in the Championship it’s all about getting into the Premiership the following season.
This year Waikato have the ignominy of playing in the second tier for the first time since 1986, and look far from certain to push their way straight back out, such is the strength of other squads.
Otago go in as slight favourites with the TAB.
NORTHLAND
Last year: Semifinalists
Forwards: Jordan Olsen, Matt Moulds, Ross Wright, Ropate Rinakama, Jack Straker, Isileli Tuungafasi, Paddy-joe Atkins, Boyd Wiggins, Joshua Goodhue, Murray Douglas, Temo Mayanavanua, Tom Robinson, Matt Matich, Kara Pryor, Kane Jacobson, Jaycob Matiu, Sam Mcnamara.
Backs: Sam Nock, Jono Kitto, Mac Sykes, Jack Debreczeni, Myles Thoroughgood, Tim Blundell, Jack Goodhue, Scott Gregory, Blake Hohaia, Tamati Tua, Regan Verney, Jordan Hyland, Rene Ranger, Jone Macilai, Renata Roberts-te Nana, Matt Wright, Noah Cooper.
Coach: Derren Witcombe (second season, also 2013-14).
TAB odds: $5.50
Look out for: Jack Debreczeni. Following a fifth Super Rugby campaign with the Melbourne Rebels, and a stint last year with the Honda Heat, the Auckland-born 25-year-old has signed with the Taniwha this season and will add some nous and size (1.92m, 100kg) in the key first five-eighth spot.
WAIKATO
Last year: Seventh in Premiership, relegated
Forwards: Sekope Lopetimoli, Mike Mayhew, Samisoni Taukeiaho, Haereiti Hetet, Josh Iosefa-scott, Ayden Johnstone, Sefo Kautai, Atu Moli, Toby Smith, Tim Bond, Sam Caird, Laghlan Mcwhannell, James Tucker, Jono Armstrong, Jahrome Brown, Adam Burn, Murray Iti, Luke Jacobson, Mitch Jacobson, Jordan Manihera.
Backs: Kylem O’donnell, Jack Stratton, Raniera Takarangi, Matty Lansdown, Damian Mckenzie, Fletcher Smith, Anton Lienert-brown, Pepesana Patafilo, Bailyn Sullivan, Dwayne Sweeney, Quinn Tupaea, Jordan Bunce, Tyler Campbell, Mosese Dawai, Niven Longopoa, Declan O’donnell, Sevu Reece.
Coach: Jono Gibbes (first season).
TAB odds: $4
Look out for: Atu Moli. The 23-year-old prop will be itching to get back on the park after being sidelined with a nasty quad haematoma following the Chiefs’ opening game of the Super Rugby season against the Crusaders in February. It may not be the start of the competition when he returns, but whenever he does the All Blacks selectors will be interested.
BAY OF PLENTY
Last year: Runners-up
Forwards: Nathan Harris, Liam Polwart, Sabastian Siataga, Ross Geldenhyus, James Lay, Tevita Mafileo, Tom Mchugh, Aidan Ross, Solomona Sakalia, Jeff Thwaites, Tyler Ardron, Kane Le’aupepe, Baden Wardlaw, Hugh Blake, Sam Cane, Mitchell Karpik, Tanerau Latimer, Aileone Junior Lafaele-mua, Hoani Matenga.
Backs: Luke Campbell, Richard Judd, Mike Delany, Jason Robertson, Lalakai Foketi, Terrence Hepetema, Liam Steel, Trael Joass, Matthew Garland, Fa’asui Fuatai, Kaleb Trask, Bailey Simonsson, Chase Tiatia.
Coach: Clayton Mcmillan (fourth season).
TAB odds: $4.50
Look out for: Tanerau Latimer. The five-test former All Black is back on the provincial scene for the first time in five years, after finishing a two-year stint with French club Bayonne. .
HAWKE’S BAY
Last year: Sixth
Forwards: Jacob Devery, Ash Dixon, Kianu Kereru-symes, Ben Power, Joe Apikotoa, Mark Braidwood, Tim Farrell, Jason Long, Ben May, Pouri Raketestones, Josiah Tavita-metcalfe, Michael Allardice, Geoff Cridge, Tom Parsons, Brodie Retallick, Hannon Brighouse, Gareth Evans, Devan Flanders, Solomone Funaki, Josh Kaifa, Marino Mikaele-tu’u, Fa’elimiga Selesele, Will Tremain, Sam Ulufonua.
Backs: Folau Fakatava, Brad Weber, Tiaan Falcon, Lincoln Mcclutchie, Pasqualle Dunn, Sasa Tofilau, Shae Tucker,