Are Canterbury in
There’s one obvious question in provincial rugby’s premiership this season: Can anyone stop Canterbury? Aaron Goile reports.
Canterbury or the field?
That’s probably the more realistic question when it comes to picking who will win New Zealand rugby’s top domestic prize. The red-and- blacks have won nine of the past 10 titles, and again go into this year as hot favourites with the TAB.
The one side that has put a dent in the Canterbury wave over the last decade is Taranaki, who triumphed in 2014. The amber-and-blacks stunned Canterbury to claim the Ranfurly Shield last year and finished the regular season as top qualifiers, only to drop their home semifinal to Tasman, who then went on to lose the decider 35-13 in Christchurch.
NORTH HARBOUR
Last year: Semifinalists
Forwards: James Parsons, Luteru Tolai, Chris Eves, Lua Li, Sione Mafileo, Nic Mayhew, Mike Tamoaieta, Karl Tu’inukuafe, Gerard CowleyTuioti, Danny Drake, Ben NeeNee, Jacob Pierce, James Fiebig, Dillon Hunt, Hapakuki MoalaLiava’a, Glenn Preston, Murphy Taramai, Sione Teu.
Backs: Lewis Gjaltema, Bryn Hall, Jack Bergin, Bryn Gatland, Harrison Groundwater, Daniel Hilton-Jones, Loketi Manu, Mark Telea, Matt Duffie, James Dargaville, Tevita Li, Shaun Stevenson.
Coach: Tom Coventry (second season).
TAB odds: $10
Look out for: James Dargaville. The 26-year-old winger is moving on from the Brumbies Super Rugby club after four seasons and, after featuring in just three matches for them this year, he’ll be keen to stretch his legs on the New Zealand domestic scene.
AUCKLAND
Last year: Sixth
Forwards: Robbie Abel, Mike Sosene, Leif Schwencke, Sam Prattley, Jarred Adams, Ezekiel Lindenmuth, Marco Fepulea’i, Marcel Renata, Taniela Koroi, Ofa Tuungafasi, Michael Fatialofa, Jamie Lane, Jack Whetton, Patrick Tuipulotu, Faatiga Lemalu, Dalton Papalii, Lyndon Dunshea, Blake Gibson, Adrian Choat, Akira Ioane, Taleni Seu, Hoskins Sotutu, Evan Olmstead, Waimana Riedlinger-Kapa.
Backs: Jonathan Ruru, Leon Fukofuka, Desma Liaina, Harry Plummer, Daniel Kirkpatrick, Jacob Umaga, TJ Faiane, Tanielu Tele’a, Tumua Manu, Melani Nanai, Joe Ravouvou, Salesi Rayasi, Caleb Clarke, Rieko Ioane, AJ Lam, Jordan Trainor.
Coach: Alama Ieremia (first season). TAB odds: $12
Look out for: Evan Olmstead. The Canadian international will add size, physicality and experience in a lock/flanker role, after shifting from English club Newcastle. Olmstead made his international debut in 2015 and has gone on to play 24 tests.
COUNTIES MANUKAU
Last year: Fifth
Forwards: Joseph Royal, Gafatasi Su’a, Suetana Asomua, Sean Bagshaw, Nepo Laulala, Howard Sililoto, Coree Te Whata-Colley, Kalolo Tuiloma, Daymon Leasuasu, Matiaha Martin, Viliame Rarasea, Sam Henwood, Dan Hyatt, Fotu Lokotui, Matthew Vaai, Sikeli Nabou, Kieran Read, Viliami Taulani.
Backs: Liam Daniela, Siaosi Nginingini, Jonathan Taumateine, Latiume Fosita, Luteru Laulala, Nigel Ah Wong, Sam Furniss, Obyn Leger, Cardiff Vaega, Sonny Bill Williams, Kalione Hala, Sione Fifita, Toni Pulu, Sione Molia, Tevita Nabura, Etene NanaiSeturo, Te Aihe Toma.
Coach: Darryl Suasua (third season).
TAB odds: $26
Look out for: Etene NanaiSeturo. The 18-year-old, who was at the centre of the NZ RugbyWarriors tug-of-war earlier this year, will make his provincial debut this season. Having shown some dazzling touches with the New Zealand sevens team in 2018, the silky fullback will now be looking to build on that back in 15s.
TARANAKI
Last year: Semifinalists
Forwards: Donald Maka, Ricky Riccitelli, Bradley Slater, Chris Gawler, Mitchell Graham, Scott Mellow, Reuben O’Neill, Jared Proffit, Asaeli Sorovaki, Kyle Stewart, Angus Ta’avao, Scott Barrett, Mitchell Brown, Mitchell Croswell, Fin Hoeata, Jarrad Hoeata, Jack Jordan, Leighton Price, Kane Thompson, Tupou Vaai, Lachlan Boshier, Tom Florence, Toa Halafihi, Jesse Parete, Pita Gus Sowakula, Adrian Wyrill.
Backs: Logan Crowley, Brendon Leonard, Xavier Roe, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Beauden Barrett, Ciarahn Matoe, Marty McKenzie, Stephen Perofeta, Jayson Potroz, Daniel Waite, Brayton Northcott-Hill, Seta Tamanivalu, Sean Wainui, Tehorangi Walden, Jordie Barrett, Avon Lewis, Manasa Mataele, Kiniviliame Naholo, Waisake Naholo, Latu Vaeno, Beaudein Waaka.
Coach: Willie Rickards (first season)
TAB odds: $6.50
Look out for: Kiniviliame Naholo. He might be the brother of All Blacks flyer Waisake Naholo, but this winger comes with his own impressive pedigree, heading into his first season of Mitre 10 Cup. The 19-year-old scored a remarkable 40 tries in 20 games last year for the Hastings Boys’ High School 1st XV, and has already dotted down three times in 60 minutes in two early Ranfurly Shield defences.
WELLINGTON
Last year: Winners of Championship, promoted
Forwards: Leni Apisai, Asafo Aumua, Dane Coles, James