Canterbury will be looking to seal a magnificent seven straight ITM Cup titles when New Zealand’s provincial competition kicks-off this Thursday.
For the third time, the red and blacks defeated Wellington for the 2013 silverware at the final hurdle as they ran out 29-13 at Westpac Stadium.
But will they triumph in 2014? Here we look at the runners and riders this season, with Auckland and Wellington set to be their challengers.
ITM Cup Premiership
Auckland
Last year: Third spot in the regular-season with seven wins from ten games and an away semi-final ultimately cost them, going down to a heavy 56-26 loss to Canterbury in Christchurch. Plus points from 2013 were the emergence of now All Blacks lock Patrick Tuipulotu and outside centre Malakai Fekitoa while the form of flank Luke Braid and power of wing George Moala saw them average over 30 points a game in the season.
This year: The absence of Braid due to surgery is cushioned by Jerome Kaino’s return so they will be amongst the contenders once again. New coach Paul Feeney, who takes over from Wayne Pivac, will look for big campaigns from the likes of Moala and Ben Lam.
Prospects: With fly-half or full-back Gareth Anscombe not yet moving to Wales, they have two strong playmaking options as Simon Hickey returns from injury. Do they have enough as a complete package up front to win? We don’t think so as it is knockout rugby at best.
Squad: Fraser Armstrong, Nick Barrett, Charlie Faumuina, Sam Prattley, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Tom McCartney, Keven Mealamu, Gafatasi Su’a, William Lloyd, Liaki Moli, Scott Scrafton, Patrick Tuipulotu, Jack Whetton, Joe Edwards, Nepia Fox-Matamua, Blake Gibson, Airi Hunt, Jerome Kaino, Steve Luatua, Sean Polwart, Peter Saili, Leon Fukofuka, Wayne Ngaluafe, Gareth Anscombe, Simon Hickey, TJ Faiane, Malakai Fekitoa, George Moala, Hadleigh Parkes, Francis Saili, Vince Aso, Ben Lam, Charles Piutau, Lolagi Visinia.
Canterbury
Last year: Despite coming second in the league standings, the Cantabs went on to lift the title with a 29-13 win over Wellington showing their unrivalled ability to turn it on when it matters. Milford Keresoma was the competition’s top try-scorer with eight and will hope to shine again alongside trio Tom Taylor, Patrick Osborne and Johnny McNicholl. A superb sixth successive title was Canterbury’s then. How do they do it time and time again?
This year: They lose Jordan Taufua to Counties while mainstay Corey Flynn departs to Toulouse so much will rest on the shoulders of Ben Funnell, with Codie Taylor backing him up at hooker. Of course they’ll be without several players during the Rugby Championship but have depth coming in the form of promising talent Richie Mo’unga and Nepo Laulala, the latter impressing in Super Rugby and will start plenty of games in the ITM Cup this season.
Prospects: Looking at their squad, Canterbury will be missing huge numbers during the early campaign, with Joe Moody and Colin Slade the latest called by New Zealand. But once the business end arrives expect them to be there. A brave person would bet against them.
Squad: Scott Barrett, Dominic Bird, Tyler Bleyendaal, Jed Brown, Dan Carter, Wyatt Crockett, Ryan Crotty, Mitchell Drummond, Joel Everson, Sione Falatau, Owen Franks, Ben Funnell, Willi Heinz, Alex Hodgeman, Milford Keresoma, Nepo Laulala, Daniel Leniert Brown, Johnny McNicholl, Nasi Manu, Richie McCaw, Joe Moody, Richie Mo’unga, Patrick Osborne, Kieran Read, Luke Romano, Tom Sanders, Colin Slade, Matt Symons, Codie Taylor, Tom Taylor, Rob Thompson, Matt Todd, Siate Tokolahe, Adam Whitelock, Luke Whitelock, Sam Whitelock.
Taranaki
Last year: Just three wins out of ten – with the worst scoring rate of under 14 points per game – amassed by the ‘Naki as they finished second bottom in last year’s Premiership. Of course the absence of star player Beauden Barrett was a blow but there were a few bright notes for coach Colin Cooper as Isaia Tuifua, Andre Taylor and the versatile Blade Thomson stood out with top flight survival achieved at the expense of Bay of Plenty.
This year: They lose Jarrad Hoeata and the aforementioned Tuifua but have recruited well in the form of Charlie Ngatai and Angus Ta’avao, who will do solid jobs at centre and prop respectively. Meanwhile, James Marshall has improved twelve months on and the same goes for James Broadhurst, Rhys Marshall and number eight Thomson so they do have decent firepower. Taranaki will hope that Kurt Baker returns from injury as soon as possible.
Prospects: Another season down the bottom of the standings is expected for Taranaki, as they will battle with Tasman for survival. We can’t see them avoiding the dreaded play-off.
Squad: Ryan Cocker, Angus Ta’avao, Mitchell Graham, Sione Lea, Timo Tutavaha, Rhys Marshall, James Broadhurst, Kane Barrett, Leighton Price, Riki Hoeata, Mitchell Crosswell, Iopu Iopu, Mitchell Brown, Doug Tietjens, Berny Hall, Blade Thomson, Jamison Gibson-Park, Chris Smylie, Marty McKenzie, Beauden Barrett, James Marshall, Beauden Waaka, Seta Tamanivalu, Charlie Ngatai, Sean Wainui, Kurt Baker, Codey Rei, Waisake Naholo, Jackson Ormond.
Counties Manukau
Last year: Making the semi-finals and lifting the coveted Ranfurly Shield was a remarkable achievement for Counties in their promotion year. They won six matches out of ten in 2014 – providing plenty of entertainment for their Pukekohe faithful along the way – with the likes of Bundee Aki, Fritz Lee and Frank Halai standing out. Their heavy loss against Wellington in the knockout stages should not ruin what was an otherwise impressive top flight term.
This year: The arrival of Crusaders blindside Jordan Taufua is a huge coup for Counties as it will add much-needed steel to the Steelers’ forward pack. However, he must replace now Clermont number eight Fritz Lee in the back-row so much will rest on the youngster’s shoulders. The backline meanwhile is full of talent – it could read Pulu, Kerr, Stowers, Aki, Lee-Lo, Halai, Nanai-Williams from 9 to 15 – so Tana Umaga will look to them to shine.
Prospects: They will be in the mix once again under Umaga’s guidance as the Steelers eye back-to-back top four finishes. It is possible with a comfortable feel to this squad.
Squad: Bundee Aki, Sione Anga’aelangi, Onosai’i Auva’a, Sean Bagshaw, Adam Cathcart, Jarrod Firth, Frank Halai, Kane Hancy, Dan Hyatt, Baden Kerr, Mike Lawrenson, Rey Lee-lo, Sikeli Nabou, Tim Nanai-Williams, Pauliasi Manu, Jared Page, Augustine Pulu, Toni Pulu, Ronald Raaymakers, Sherwin Stowers, Jordan Taufua, Suliasi Taufalele, Ahsee Tuala, Jimmy Tupou, John Tu’ungafasi, Maama Vaipulu, Sam Vaka.
Waikato
Last year: Missing the top four spots equalled a disappointing season for the Mooloo men as Counties finished seven points ahead of them. Just the four wins from ten games while they conceded more points than they scored so it was a forgetful effort. One player who impressed though was blindside Rory Grice while then captain Jackson Willison could not say goodbye to ITM Cup rugby with a bang. Unfortunately both are not involved in 2014.
This year: Liam Messam and Tawera Kerr-Barlow were not considered due to All Black commitments, which makes the campaign even more of an uphill task for Waikato. The arrival of experienced flanker Marty Holah is a boost up front while All Blacks Sevens duo Declan O’Donnell and Joe Webber are two players to watch, with Webber’s ability to find top gear from a standing start something special. Brad Weber is their captain from the base.
Prospects: We can’t see them improving on last season’s fifth spot as on paper other squads look stronger. A tough campaign awaits them near the Premiership basement.
Squad: Josh Hohneck, James McGougan, Ben Tameifuna, Loni Uhila, Joe Walsh, Hame Faiva, Brayden Mitchell, Luke Katene, David Morgan, Nick Ross, Jacob Skeen, Josh Tyrell, Adam Burn, Whetu Douglas, Zac Hohneck, Marty Holah, Zane Kapeli, James Tucker, Harrison Levien, Troy Lobendahn, Brad Weber, Wharenui Hawera, Damian McKenzie, Anton Lienert-Brown, Jordan Payne, Regan Ware, Semisi Masirewa, Declan O’Donnell, Joe Webber, Dylan Collier, Albert Nikoro.
Wellington
Last year: Wellington were looking good to end Canterbury’s outstanding streak as they finished atop the league table with nine victories out of ten leading up to the 41-10 semi-final win over Counties Manukau. However, they came up short in the final on home soil as Canterbury won 29-13. Alapati Leiua starred alongside Lima Sopoaga in the backline while Victor Vito showed what an athlete he is in a largely decent term. Just don’t mention the final.
This year: Wellington head coach Chris Boyd is set to be without both tighthead Jeffery Toomaga-Allen and openside Ardie Savea for the whole campaign, which is a significant setback. Toomaga-Allen was outstanding in Super Rugby so his absence is a sizeable one but they do have plenty of quality in other positions. Winger Leiua and fly-half Sopoaga have departed, as has Tim Bateman, but in come Jason Woodward and Riki Flutey for 2014.
Prospects: Expect a strong season from the likes of inside centre Shaun Treeby and back-row Brad Shields but the departures are a blow to the Lions. Top four but no title.
Squad: Tolu Fahamokioa, Reggie Goodes, Taniela Koroi, John Schwalger, Eric Sione, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Dane Coles, Motu Matu’u, James O’Reilly, Vaea Fifita, Kaipati Gaualofa, Christian Lloyd, Api Naikatini, Jeremy Thrush, Ross Filipo, Adam Hill, Mark Reddish, Ardie Savea, Brad Shields, Victor Vito, Jared Kahu, Matt O’Connor, TJ Perenara, Frae Wilson, Riki Flutey, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Wes Goosen, Tau Mamea, Ma’a Nonu, Ope Peleseuma, Parataiso Siliafai-Leaana, Conrad Smith, Shaun Treeby, Ambrose Curtis, Afa Fa’atau, Cory Jane, Julian Savea, Belgium Tuatagaloa, Sam McNicol, Matt Proctor, Jason Woodward.
Tasman
Last year: Success for the Makos as they followed up top spot in the Championship with a semi-final win over Southland before Hawke’s Bay were edged out 26-25 to promotion glory. The big success stories were number eight Liam Squire, goal-kicker Marty Banks, finisher James Lowe and centre Tom Marshall, all of whom stood out for Kieran Keane’s side. Led by the superb openside Shane Christie, it was a season that was hugely successful.
This year: Quentin MacDonald’s return following a brief stint at Munster is a fillip for the Makos while Joe Wheeler, Tim Perry, Kieron Fonotia and Bryce Heem have all improved in Super Rugby and Sevens respectively since they secured promotion. A back-row of Tevita Koloamatangi, Christie and Squire meanwhile can cut it with the best of them in the Premiership and also keep an eye out for a busy Robbie Malneek in the back-three.
Prospects: We’re not expecting miracles and it could be a basement scrap, but their brand will entertain throughout the campaign. They should have enough class to survive.
Squad: Ross Geldenhuys, Siua Halanukonuka, Reuben Northover, Tim Perry, Jesse MacDonald, Quentin MacDonald, Alex Ainley, Tevita Cavubati, Joe Wheeler, Shane Christie, Vernon Fredericks, Tevita Koloamatangi, Jeff Lepa, Peter Samu, Liam Squire, Jimmy Cowan, Billy Guyton, Marty Banks, Kieron Fonotia, David Havili, Tom Marshall, Michael Wells, Bryce Heem, James Lowe, Robbie Malneek, Mitchell Scott, Ben Tyler.
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This year’s ITM Cup kicks off at Yarrow Stadium in New Plymouth where Taranaki host Ranfurly Shield holders Counties Manukau Steelers.
Both sides head into this clash brimming with confidence after securing morale-boosting victories in their last pre-season matches.
Taranaki secured a 24-5 win over Aucklanad on Thursday and Counties claimed a hard-fought 21-19 victory over Bay of Plenty on the same day.
Taranaki scored only 14 tries during last season’s campaign – Their worst attacking record since 1921 – and their coach Colin Cooper has bolstered his back-line by signing Chiefs centre Charlie Ngatai and former Blues utility back Marty McKenzie.
The Amber and Blacks will also be boosted by the return of utility back James Marshall, who is fit again after missing the entire 2013 campaign after undergoing hip surgery.
Marshall is set to captain Taranaki until regular skipper utility forward Kane Barrett overcomes his ongoing concussion problems.
Up front, Cooper has also brought in Blues front-row Angus Ta’avao, who will strenthen Taranaki’s set-piece alongside Chiefs hooker Rhys Marshall and fellow prop Mitchell Graham.
Counties coach Tana Umaga has picked most of the players that helped his side to secure the Ranfurly Shield last season.
All eyes will be on Crusaders flanker Jordan Taufua, who packs down at number eight in his first game for the Pukekohe based side alongside fellow debutants Pauliasi Manu (prop) and Dan Hyatt (flank) in the run-on side.
Counties were surprise semi-finalists in 2014 and will look to build on that performance by hitting the ground running in this encounter.
Their strength lies in their backs and Umaga has opted for experience with full-back Sherwin Stowers, wing Frank Halai, inside centre Bundee Aki and captain and scrum-half Augustine Pulu all included in the run-on side.
Taranaki head coach Colin Cooper has named a powerful side to take on the Steelers in what’s set to be a demanding opening fixture for both teams.
Five new faces feature in the starting XV with former Canterbury prop Mitchell Graham, Blues prop Angus Ta’avao, former Tasman lock Riki Hoeata, All Blacks 7s representative Marty McKenzie and Chiefs midfielder Charlie Ngatai all on debut for the amber and blacks.
Waisake Naholo will start in his 20th game for Taranaki, earning his blazer in front of a home crowd. James Marshall has been appointed co-captain alongside Kane Barrett for the 2014 ITM Cup season as Barrett remains sidelined with concussion issues.
The teams:
Taranaki: 15 Codey Rei, 14 Seta Tamanivalu, 13 Charlie Ngatai, 12 James Marshall (c), 11 Waisake Naholo, 10 Marty McKenzie, 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 8 Blade Thomson, 7 Berny Hall, 6 Mitchell Crosswell, 5 James Broadhurst, 4 Riki Hoeata, 3 Angus Ta’avao, 2 Rhys Marshall, 1 Mitchell Graham
Replacements: 16 Timo Tutavaha, 17 Sione Lea, 18 Leighton Price, 19 Doug Tietjens, 20 Warwick Lahmert, 21 Jackson Ormond, 22 Beaudein Waaka.
Counties Manukau: 15 Sherwin Stowers, 14 Frank Halai, 13 Sam Vaka, 12 Bundee Aki, 11 Toni Pulu, 10 Ahsee Tuala, 9 Augustine Pulu (c), 8 Jordan Taufua, 7 Maama Vaipulu, 6 Dan Hyatt, 5 Jimmy Tupou, 4 Ronald Raaymakers, 3 Jarrod Firth, 2 Suliasi Taufalele, 1 Pauliasi Manu.
Replacements: 16 Sione Anga’aelangi, 17 Sean Bagshaw, 18 Viliami Rarasea, 19 Onosa’i Auva’a, 20 Kane Hancy, 21 Baden Kerr, 22 Rey Lee-Lo.
Date: Thursday, August 14
Kick-Off: 19:35 NZ Time (09:35 SA Time, 07:35 GMT)
Venue: Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth
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The Counties Manukau Steelers ITM Cup season officially starts on Thursday night when they play Taranaki in New Plymouth at 19:35 NZ Time.
The match will be Jordan Taufua’s Steelers debut but will be the return for Jordan in the red, back and white, with the 22-year-old having last played for the province in the Counties Manukau U16’s side.
Prop Pauliasi Manu and loose forward Dan Hyatt will make their ITM Cup debut for the Steelers along with reserves Sione Anga’aelangi, Sean Bagshaw and Onosa’i Auva’a who also played age group rugby for Counties Manukau.
This season Augustine Pulu and Tim Nanai-Williams will co-captain the current Ranfurly Shield holders. Tim Nanai-Williams is not named in the side as he is currently awaiting the birth of his first child.
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The Bay of Plenty Rugby Union have confirmed themes for their home matches and are finalising some exciting match enhancement ideas to make it a great experience to attend games and support the Steamers.
The first ITM match for the Steamers is against Tasman at Baypark and the theme for this match is the Heritage Round, which will link back to clubs. Bay of Plenty Development will play North Harbour Development in the curtain raiser to this match. The second match to be held on Father’s Day will be themed around Fathers, and to compliment this, the third match will be themed around women in rugby with the BOP Women’s team and the Volcanix playing a televised curtain raiser against Auckland.
There are some exciting curtain raisers to watch before the main event, including Bay of Plenty Development v North Harbour Development, Bay of Plenty U19 v Waikato U19, Volcanix v Auckland Women, Bay of Plenty U16 v the Rebels from Australia and the Roller Mills Semi-finals.
During half time at the matches, you can look forward to the Carter’s Tyre Service Bombing Challenge, rippa rugby and the Bayleys Dancers.
Bay of Plenty Rugby’s biggest fan Hori BOP is back too, he’s off on a road trip to the Southland game on Friday to show fans if he can hitch hike 1517kms to watch a Steamers match, they can easily support the team locally.
To top it all off, all match day tickets include a $10 voucher to major sponsor Cobb & Co at both their Tauranga and Rotorua restaurants.
Bay of Plenty Rugby Union’s Commercial Manager, Matt Cairns says, “we’re ready for another fun season of home matches. It’s really exciting being behind the scenes contributing to the operations team’s ideas for match days. We have great entertainment lined up and we’re sure everyone will have a great time on match day.”