NPC CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW
Otago have assembled a strong squad as they again try to win promotion from the NPC Championship, but the lower tier is so competitive there are no guarantees that 2021 will be their year.
Hawke’s Bay took out the Championship last year, swapping places with the relegated North Harbour, and the division looks even with Otago, North Harbour, Taranaki and Northland hard to separate, while outsiders Southland look capable of beating any of those sides on their day.
The Championship, therefore, is likely to be a hard-fought scrap but it is hard not to focus on Otago, especially as they can field a backline consisting entirely of Highlanders.
Joint favourites Harbour look strong in the key positions, where Bryn Hall and Bryn Gatland will pull the strings, Taranaki look well balanced with magic out wide to complement a tough pack, and the Taniwha have put together an exciting backline with Rivez Reihana at No 10.
Those four teams are the most likely semifinalists, but anyone who underestimates Counties Manukau or Southland on any given day will get burnt.
The fun begins tomorrow with Manawatu¯ taking on Counties, while the Otago-Southland derby on Saturday will be the pick of the round-one games. Here’s how the teams line up:
NORTHLAND
Last year: Runners-up
Squad: Allan Craig, Ben Tou, Blake Hohaia, Brady Rush, Coree Te Whata-Colley, Corey Taylor, Dan Hawkins, George Tuineau, Isi Manu, Johnny Cooper, Jonah Mau’u, Jone Macilai, Jordan Hyland, Jordan Olsen, Josh Goodhue, Kaliopsi
Uluilakepa, Leka Tuungafasi, Liam Hallam-Eales, Noah Cooper, Pisi Leilua, Raikabula Moemodonu, Rene Ranger, Rivez Reihana, Rob Rush, Ross Wright, Sam McNamara, Sam Nock, Scott Gregory, Setefano Funaki, Tamati Tua, Tom Robinson, Will Grant
Coach: George Konia (second season)
TAB odds: $7
Look out for: Rivez Reihana. The talented Chiefs No 10 has headed north for more game time and could ignite a Taniwha backline that already has plenty of firepower. Northland could be one of the best sides to watch in the NPC.
NORTH HARBOUR
Last year: Last in Premiership (relegated)
Squad: Sione Mafileo, Nic Mayhew, Teague McElroy, Fatongia Paea, Jimmy Roots, Karl Tu’inukuafe, Donald Coleman, Rhys Marshall, Luteru Tolai, Xavier Cowley-Tuioti, Jacob Pierce, Senio Toleafoa, Tate Evans, Dillon Hunt, Lotu Inisi, Tamarau McGahan, Tim Sail, Cameron Suafoa, Murphy Taramai, Sione Teu, Bryn Hall (c), Aisea Halo, Brad McNaughten, Siaosi Nginingini, Bryn Gatland, Jack Heighton, Fine Inisi, James Little, Henry Taefu, Tomas Aoake, Kade Banks, Walter Fifita, Moses Leo, Antonio MikaeleTu’u, Shaun Stevenson
Coach: Ben Afeaki and Daniel Halangahu (co-coaches, first season)
TAB odds: $3.20
Look out for: Jacob Pierce. The 23-year-old Blues lock has all the tools to be an outstanding player, and Harbour will need him to step up in the absence of Gerard CowleyTuioti. Harbour have assembled a decent group of tight-five forwards, and they should aim up under the tutelage of Ben Afeaki.
COUNTIES MANUKAU
Last year: Sixth
Squad: Joe Royal, Zuriel Togiatama, Penisoni Fineanganofo, Ezekiel Lindenmuth, Kalolo Tuiloma, Mark
Royal, Nepo Laulala, Sekope Kepu, Sila Puafisi, Suetena Asomua, Alex McRobbie, Matiaha Martin, Ray Tatafu, Viliame Rarasea, Adam Brash, Alamanda Motuga, Dalton Papali’i, Hoskins Sotutu, Nili Latu, Sam Slade, Viliami Taulani, Steven Leavasa, Cameron Roigard, Jonathan Taumateine, Liam Daniela, Orbyn Leger, Riley Hohepa, Amanaki Savieti, Tanielu Tele’a, Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Peniasi Malimali, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Jarrod Halliday, Luteru Laulala, Jared Page
Coach: Tai Lavea (second season)
TAB odds: $9
Look out for: Viliami Taulani. The Tongan backrower looked the goods for the Chiefs this year, and must surely be in line for a role with Moana Pasifika. He’s an explosive ball carrier who makes an impact whenever he plays. With the hardworking Alamanda Motuga beside him in the back row, the Steelers will be good to watch.
TARANAKI
Last year: Fourth
Squad: Bradley Slater, Donald Brighouse, Jared Proffit, Kyle Stewart, Michael Bent, Millennium Sanerivi, Reuben O’Neill, Ricky Riccitelli, Fin Hoeata, Jesse Parete, Josh Lord, Scott Barrett, Tupou Vaa’i, Johnny Faletagoa’i-Malase, Lachlan Boshier, Kaylum Boshier, Mitch Brown, Mitchell Crosswell, Pita Gus Sowakula, Tom Florence, Josh Jacomb, Liam Blyde, Logan Crowley, Stephen Perofeta, Daniel Rona, Daniel Waite, Lukas Halls, Meihana Grindlay, Teihorangi Walden, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Jayson Potroz, Kini Naholo, Vereniki Tikoisolomone
Coach: Neil Barnes (first season)
TAB odds: $4.50
Look out for: Kini Naholo. Injuries have held back Waisake’s younger brother, but this could be the season when he makes his own mark on the game. The Bulls look like they could mount a serious challenge under canny coach Neil Barnes. They have plenty of Super Rugby players up front and Naholo should get quality ball to work with.
MANAWATU ¯
Last year: Last
Squad: Jamie Booth, Aaron Smith, Liam Mitchell, Brayden Iose, Brett Cameron, Harrison Allan, James Tofa, Johnny Galloway, Stewart Cruden, Josiah Maraku, Drew Wild, Tietie Tuimaga, Bryn Wilson, Shamus Hurley-Langton, Te Kamaka Howden, Tyler Laubscher, Siua Maile, Micaiah Torrance-Read, Ofa Tauatevalu, Taniela Filimone, Ropate Rinakama, Joseph Gavigan, Veikoso