Super 14
Few surprises in 2012 Super Rugby squads
027 new players and 28 players have moved on (or been left out). Rudi Wulf (Blues) and Tamati Ellison (Highlanders) are back.
The exclusion of North Harbour’s Matt Luamanu was the only real surprise for me. The big number 8 had made significant strides after moving north from Wellington. He is difficult to stop and has improved his fitness. It is surprising to imagine that there is no place for him at the next level.
Also to miss out in that position were Bay of Plenty captain Colin Bourke and Canterbury’s Ash Parker.
Alex Bradley (Chiefs); Elliot Dixon (Highlanders) and Nick Crosswell (Highlanders) are a bit lucky to be considered ahead of Luamanu, Bourke and Parker.
Declan O’Donnell (Waikato, NZ Sevens) is a bolter in the Chiefs. There are more experienced outsides in the region like sevens team mate Tim Mikkleson and Henry Speight.
Perhaps O’Donnell’s age was to his advantage. Getting a young guy into the full-time professional environs of Super Rugby can only be a good thing.
Dual hemisphere teams pay off for Stormers owners
0The people who own the Western Stormers super rugby franchise also own English champions, Saracens in London.
In their quest for a dual hemisphere double, they have recruited Schalk Brits back into the Stormers squad to play the Crusaders in the semi-final of the southern hemisphere’s biggest rugby prize.
It’s not surprising that players need to be drafted in as injury cover when squads get depleted in what can be a brutal rugby competition.
The Crusaders called on Brent Ward who was playing club rugby in Auckland after returning from a 3 year stint in France.
I guess it is a little surprising when it involves players who have left the country, signed with another team and are still with that team. Players of the class of Schalk Brits – an exceptional athlete.
In most instances the club who holds a players’ contract is never going to release them to play for another team regardless of whether they are in a different competition even if it is the off-season.
This is where it pays off to own a team in a different competition. Not only are there additional playing resources but players remain ‘in the system’ – they are not lost to a foreign club in a foreign competition. They are still around and available to switch hemispheres.
As part of his Saracens contract ex-All Black Chris Jack was required to play a Currie Cup season for Western Province before he could come home. He made a significant contribution to the team, strengthening their tight five and scoring a try in his first 20 seconds of play.
In the late 1990s Auckland was involved in serious talks with Blackheath – then in the English second division. Auckland coach Graham Henry took training sessions at the Kent-based club and 1-2 players travelled between the countries for experience.
I was at Blackheath the next season after a promising young English player had spent the (English) summer playing for the Auckland colts and living with Craig Dowd. Then Auckland player John Ratcliffe was put up by Blackheath to play in the English second division.
No deal was reached but the theory was sound – to extend the playing and coaching resources of a strong rugby organisation by reaching out to the northern hemisphere.
It looks like it is paying dividends for both the Stormers and Saracens.
Perspectives on the state of the Hurricanes
0As with most press coverage and feedback from punters and commentaries alike, only about 10% of it shows any real insight.
Rather than wade on with more rhetoric, here are a couple of points to provide some perspective.
1. Track record
In 14 seasons of Super Rugby, the Hurricanes have made just 1 final (losing to the Crusaders in 2006).
They made the semi-finals 5 further times.
Worst finish: 2nd last in 2004
2010 finish: 8th
All except the 1997 semi-final finish were under previous coach, Colin Cooper and involved some of New Zealand’s best rugby players: Christian Cullen, Tana Umaga, Jerry Collins, etc.
2. Jamie Joseph may have done exactly the same thing as Mark Hammett
Joseph was the guy who left Corey Jane and Ma’a Nonu on the bench when the 2 were available for 1-2 NPC games during his time as Wellington Lions coach.
He didn’t cave to All Black coaches whims (amd Corey Jane’s tweets) to play the back line stars.
3. It’s going to take time to transform the Hurricanes – regardless of who does it
It took the Crusaders 2 years and a complete top-to-bottom revamp before results improved.
There are several reasons why the Hurricanes may take longer, including
- The ethnicity, playing styles and geography are completely different to Canterbury
The Crusaders have always kept hold of the bulk of their squad outside of the Super Rugby season.
Depending upon form, the Hurricanes have always had a strong contingent of Taranaki and Hawkes Bay players.
The Blues are the second best performing NZ franchise and that was from a time when 90% of the team were from the Auckland NPC ranks – continuity and culture are the success formula - The 2012 season is going to be difficult
With the mass exodus of players, the make-up of the NZ teams will be young and fresh. It will take time for them to settle.
Man U were not built in a day
Nor has their success been easily copied by other football organisations – just because Hammett has been part of a successful Crusaders outfit does not mean he will be able to implement an equally successful regime in Wellington.
Also, Kiwis will be very slow to get back into the swing of supporting rugby. The World Cup will leave people rugby’d out. The season starts very early in the NZ year when people are still enjoying summer. Crowds are always poor early on and this trend will be drawn out in 2012.
More and more players announce their departure plans
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Jared Payne - another player lost to New Zealand rugby
New Zealand players are leaving to play in the Northerm Hemisphere at a rate of almost one per fortnight.
Last was John Afoa, this time it’s Jared Payne.
The Blues and Northland centre/fullback is in the form of his career.
He is the best performing centre in the New Zealand Super Rugby franchises – Now he is lost to New Zealand rugby.
The 2012 Super 15 is not going to be worth watching. Even if they make it free to get in, you are still going to struggle to get a decent crowd along to watch second-rate teams.
Related items
- Young Kiwi sevens stars may get chances earlier than expected
- Is Mike Delaney off to Japan?
- Many more have made their move away
- Where do you go to see All Blacks in the twilight of their careers?
- Top 3 reasons why the 2012 Super 15 will suck
Related items in the Rugby Lifestyle Network
Young Kiwi sevens stars may get chances earlier than expected
1It usually takes top sevens players 2-3 seasons before someone is willing to give then the chance to step up to Super Rugby.
That was the case for the latest crop, Sherwin Stowers, Kurt Baker and Fritz Lee.
But given the mass exodus likely after the World Cup later this year, we could see the likes of Declan O’Donnell and Frank Halai promoted to Super Rugby in 2012 just one year after making their sevens debut.
Halai and O’Donnell are causing a stir in the sevens world running around and through defenders, scoring lots of tries.
O’Donnell scored 10 tries at the Wellington Sevens including 3 in the final. That moved him into first equal on the season’s top try scorers table with 17. Frank Halai is not far behind on 13.
Planning to leave
Luke McAllister is already making plans for his next move and Ali Williams has had plans to head to the USA for some time. Their have also been reports about Brad Thorne, Sonny-Bill Williams and Mike Delaney.
Others are at that point in their careers when travel and greater pay prospects are becoming more and more attractive. Mils Muliaina falls into this category. Others may also be feeling the urge – Conrad Smith, Ma’a Nonu, Corey Jane, Jo Rokocoko perhaps.
Many have already left
We listed 14 players who have already left New Zealand – that’s nearly a whole team!
But the reward for those who don’t go will be Super Rugby contracts in 2012.
New Zealand Sevens coach Gordon Teitjens is certainly doing his bit – exposing new crops of players to international competition and an elite level of fitness.
But Teitjens won’t be around forever either.
As the sevens game gains momentum around the world, the demand for a coach and talent spotter like Teitjens in emerging rugby markets like China and the USA will be considerable.
Is Mike Delaney off to Japan?
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Despite being the Chief’s first choice at fly half by the end of the 2010 super rugby season, Bay of Plenty number 10 Mike Delaney has been on the outer since returning from surgery to his injured shoulder in the middle of last year.
We voiced our concerns about Delaney’s future in New Zealand rugby back in October. Now it seems to have come to fruition as he looks to secure his financial future with a lucrative contract in Japan.
He was overlooked for All Black selection on the end of year tour to Hong Kong and the UK last year. Despite indifferent super rugby form, Stephen Donald was preferred as Dan Carter’s backup after a strong NPC season.
At the time of selection All Black coach Graham Henry talked of Aaron Cruden and Colin Slade as potential options in the first five eighth position. Delaney did not rate a mention.
As it happened, Donald did not have a great tour. He came on against Australia in Hong Kong and made several critical errors and was crucified in the press.
But is seems Delaney is not waiting around and you can’t blame him. The marketplace will be a different scene in the aftermath of the World Cup where there could be a lot of international class players looking for deals.
We believe it will be one of the main reasons why the Super 15 will struggle to gain New Zealand interest in 2012.
New Zealand relaxes policy on foreign players but continues to snub Pacific Islands
1Two foreign players will be allowed to play for New Zealand franchises in the 2011 Super (15) Rugby competition.
This is an increase of one but comes with similar caveats as were in place under last year’s policy:
- No more than one foreigner on a ‘key’ position like first five eighth (fly half) and tight head prop
- No more than one foreign player in positions such as lock or prop
I’m sure the intention is clearer than the wording ‘we want to improve performance but not at the expense of new Zealand prospects’.
Fair enough.
But the disappointing aspect is the continued snubbing of Pacific Island players who are loyal to their home countries.
The policy says that a Pacific Island player may be included ‘if no equivalent New Zealand eligible player is available’.
This would never wash in the European Union.
Then the condescending bit …
This recognises the special relationship that exists with the Pacific Islands and the contribution that Pacific Island players have made to Super Rugby.
Is it just in Super Rugby that New Zealand should be grateful for the contribution of Pacific Island players?
No thoughts to All Black greats Brian Williams, Michael Jones, Frank Bunce, Jonah Lomu or Tana Umaga?
Then here was Bernie Fraser, Vai’iga Tuigamala, Graeme Bashop, Jerry Collins, Tana Umaga, Joe Rokocoko, Sitivini Sivivatu, Mils Muliaina and Ma’a Nonu.
[Stephen Bashop, Pita Alitini, Rene Ranger, ...]
Or the hoards of players making significant contributions at local and NPC levels?
Pacific Islanders who make Super Rugby teams but who remain loyal to their home country have no guarantees beyond the current season. They could very easily be assessed as ‘equivalent’ to an NZ prospect and dropped in an instant.
Bottom line: Unless they are an All Black, there is no (financial) future for Pacific Island players in New Zealand rugby
Super 14 2010 – The good points II
0As many lament the poor performances of the NZ Super 14 teams in the 2010 season, we have found room for a second post that focuses on more positives
Adding to our earlier highlights, more observations of promise as the competition comes to a close. Not all of these guys are All Black contenders but they all did well in trying situations.
Ben Afeaki
The young North Harbour Prop has done well this season.
I initially felt he was out of his depth when he was pushed into the Chiefs lineup due to pre-season injuries to front liners James McGoogan and Ben May.
Afeaki is a big unit and gets around the paddock very well making tackles, hitting rucks and taking the ball up.
It was the growth in his scrummaging that was probably the most significant part of his season.
There are a lot of props who are ‘there abouts’ for the All Blacks and while he may be considered too young for the world cup next year, a big NPC and Super 15 could see him force his way into the picture.
Then the inevitable post world cup exodus at the end of next year could provide a clear pathway for Afeaki.
Our prediction for his near future
Will be in the All Black picture if he can continue to build from here. Needs to dominate NPC matches this year.
Colin Bourke
Colin Bourke, Bay of Plenty and Chiefs
Bay of Plenty captain and Number 8 Colin Bourke was a big contributor for the Chiefs this season. He brings a high degree of skill from his emerging years in the Hawkes Bay backline.
Along with Liam Messam and Tanerau Latimer, Bourke rounded out a very quick loose trio.
Bourke has shown that he is not out of his depth at this level.
Our prediction for his near future
Not really All Black material but likely to be attracted by a European contract and will have a long, successful career in the Northern Hemisphere, similar to Craig Newbie.
Callum Retallick
Callum Retallick, Bay of Plenty and Chiefs
The Bay of Plenty lock’s rise has been very similar to predecessors, Bernie Upton and Mark Sorenson who came through the Bay a couple of years back – both of whom are playing in Europe, which is where Retallick could end up due to the high degree of competition in the All Black second row ranks.
There could be opportunities if he continues to grow and others move on after RWC 2011 but it will all depend upon the pecking order.
Ali Williams has made noises about leaving before. Chris Jack and Brad Thorne will not be part of the 2015 world cup campaign so there will be some opportunity.
But the competition all have experience at the next level.
Isaac Ross, Tom Donelly, Antony Boric, Kevin O’Neill and Jason Eaton have all played or the All Blacks and are all likely to be vying for world cup selection next year.
Added to the mix will be Sam Whitelock from Canterbury and Craig Clarke from Taranaki and the Crusaders who have both played well and advanced their claims in 2010. Whitelock will have the added advantage of featuring in semi-finals.
Our prediction for his near future
Retallick will head to the Northern Hemisphere to further his career – just too much competition in NZ.
Tyson Keats
NZ have a wealth of well-performed half-backs at the moment.
With Tasman Mako’s standout Kahn Fotuali’i joining All Black Andy Ellis at the Crusaders, Keats entered the draft and was given the back-up position vacated by Albie Matthewson at the Hurricanes.
Keats took the opportunity with both hands, playing well enough to beat out All Black Piri Wepu for a starting spot on 2 occasions.
The Canterbury back-up number 9 looked good in a new environment and will be looking for more game time next year.
Our prediction for his near future
Will need to wait for the dust to settle following next year’s World Cup. There is serious competition around at the moment and NZ will not be able to retain all of these quality half backs. Expect several to leave.
Albie Mathewson
Despite the poor form of the Auckland Blues, halfback Albie Mathewson had a good season.
Understudy to All Black Piri Weepu at the Hurricanes in 2009, Matthewson has taken the initiative with the Blues.
He has looked very good in Wellington’s NPC playing alongside Weepu who has spent time at first five eighth and away with the All Blacks.
Our prediction for his near future
As above for Tyson Keats
Sean Maitland
Sean Maitland, Canterbury & Crusaders
The long-striding winger has pace and strength which he put to good use this season, making line breaks and finishing backline plays for an outfit growing in confidence.
Like the half-back position, New Zealand has a wealth of wings at the moment (Sivivatu, Rokocoko, Masaga, Gear, Guildford, Smith) and players who have played there (Jane, Kahui).
Add to that the players coming through the Sevens system (Sherwin Stowers, Save Takula, Tim Mikklesen, Kurt Baker)
Our prediction for his near future
Maitland will continue his progress with a strong NPC and then have a real opportunity to press for All Black consideration for the world cup. He may miss out to the more experienced stars but if there are departures after the event, he has the ability to rise to prominence very quickly.
Sam Whitelock
Sam Whitelock, Canterbury and Crusaders
The Canterbury beanpole lock is very mobile and gets up very high in the lineout.
He has performed consistently in 2010. Well enough to play a lot in the second half of the season under pressure from the likes of Isaac Boss and Chris Jack.
Next year’s Super 15 will be interesting for the Crusader’s second row.
With All Blacks Isaac Ross, Chris Jack and Brad Thorne vying for 2 locking positions it is hard to see Whitelock and Michael Paterson getting game time amongst that company.
Both have performed well at Super 12 level so it is hard to imagine that they will not get chances in Super rugby in 2011.
Our prediction for his near future
Like Paterson, Whitelock will need to move franchise to secure game-time in the 2011 Super 15.
He will probably not make the All Blacks next year but may get a chance with the international retirements of Brad Thorne and Chris Jack.
Jason Rutledge
Son of an All Black legend, Rutledge has been a consistent performer for Southland in a position he has sometimes been forced to share with David ‘Crazy’ Hall in recent years.
But in 2010 Rutledge has been in devastating form. Extremely mobile, he has often played like an extra loose forward. Frequently stealing the ball on defensive, sharing the workload of Adam Thompson and charging it forward at every opportunity.
The advantage he has over many other New Zealand hookers is his ability to throw the ball into a lineout with reasonable consistency. He may be helped with primary ball winner, Josh Bekhuis.
Our prediction for his near future
- Rutledge will not make inroads towards All Black selection
- The All Blacks will continue to lose key possessions (and big matches) through poor lineout throwing
- Rutledge leave for opportunities in Europe where he will have a long career working hard week-in-week out in more forward-oriented styles that he will enjoy
Colin Slade
The capable Canterbury utility has really found his feet at fullback for the Crusaders this season.
He played several positions in the 2009 NPC and while obviously talented, he did not register consistent quality.
Our prediction for his near future
Slade will make the Al Blacks in the post World Cup 2011 aftermath and become a key member of the backline heading into the 2015 World Cup in England.
Chiefs dismal in 2010
0The Chiefs’ early season form has proven to be all they had to offer the 2010 Super 14 competition.
After making the final last year, the Chiefs started 2010 with a hiss and a roar winning three from three on the road including a victory in Durban over the 2008 runners up.
Things looked very promising at that point with 7 of the next 8 games at home. All Black fullback Mils Muliaina was about to make his return from a prolonged break at the end of the 2009 season and exciting wing Lelia Masaga was also making his first start of the season. With All Black Sitivini Sivivatu on the other wing, the Chiefs’ potent back 3 were re-united.
But a string of injuries and a solitary victory (against the Highlanders) is all they have to show from there.
[I don't think the draw with the Cheetahs is really worth anything]
| Beat the Sharks by 1 point (19-18) |
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| Beat the Lions 72-65 |
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| Comfortable win against the Force 37-19 |
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| Lost to the Reds 18-23 |
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| Lost to the Crusaders 19-26 |
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| Lost to the Brumbies 23-30 |
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| Beat the Highlanders 27-21 |
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| Lost to the Bulls 19-33 |
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| Lost to the Stormers 15-49 |
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| Drew with the Cheetahs |
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| Narrow loss to the Hurricanes |
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| Failed badly against the Warratahs |
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| Finale against the Blues |
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Injuries
Richard Kahui - Disappointing in 2010
The Chiefs’ injury concerns started before play began. Prop Ben May is one of the best scrummagers in New Zealand. At a time when the country’s propping stocks have been brought into question, this could have been Ben May’s year to shine but he didn’t feature at all.
Also failing to appear this to appear this year was the Chiefs’ other prop, James McGoogan. He tweaked his neck early on and it never got to 100%.
Mid season injuries to All Blacks didn’t help either with Masaga, Sivivatu, Muliaina, Donald and Delaney all out for the latter part of the season. Delaney and Donald had only just started what was shaping up to be a highly effective combination in the five eighths.
Form
All Black Richard Kahui had a poor season. His handling let him down on several occasions and in crucial games.
Add the occasional defensive lapse and on form Kahui will be lucky to retain his All Black jersey.
Greame Henry has only used Kahui on the wing where he played well enough but with specialists Hosea Gear and Joe Rokocoko playing well and Corey Jane in good form for the Hurricanes, it will be difficult to see Kahui making the starting lineup.
He may have some respite with injuries to Sitivini Sivivatu and Leilia Masaga, and the departure of Tamati Ellison.
Sione Lauaki - unlikely to be back
Sione Lauaki had a worse season and it’s difficult to see him coming back.
Coach Ian Foster made him captain which was always going to be a make or break move. Off-field incidents caught up with him and inconsistency on the field made him a liability in the end.
The positive
Tim Nanai-Wiliams did very well in Muliaina’s place – one of the few bright lights in a poor season. He consistently made the advantage line and created scoring opportunities. He had good positioning and looked threatening whenever he got the ball.
Jackson-Willison had some early starts and then came into his own towards the end of the season, being one of few potent attacking weapons.
Delaney and Donald looked good when they played together at first and second respectively.
Young Ben Afeaki looked useful around the field when he got on and hopefully his scrummaging improved with the experience.
It was good to see Bendan Leonard back to full fitness. His running game gives the All Black squad another dimension that they may need in 2011.
Looking ahead
Coach Ian Foster is moving on and a fresh approach may be what the Chiefs need.
It would be nice to see a stable backline led by Delaney at first and Donald at second; a rejuvenated Richard Kahui in the middle with the back 3 of Masaga, Sivivatu and Muliana or Nanai-Wiliams. A great lineup playing week in-week out in world cup year.
Then up front, Ben May anchoring the scrum with capable support on the other side and a hooker who can throw the ball in. The loosies are dynamic but without Lauaki will need to generate some go forward – no reason this can’t be a team effort.
Super 14 2010 – The good points
1We’ve been talking about some of the negative aspects of New Zealand rugby this year but it’s not all bad. There have been some excellent performers this season and with 18 months before the world cup, there is enough time for all of them to feature if they can continue their form.
Kahn Fotoualii
Kahn Fotuali’i (Crusaders)
The Tasman Mako’s halfback really hit the ground running in this year’s Super 14. All Balck Andy Ellis started the season with an injury and his loss was Fotuali’i's gain.
He scored 2 tries against the Chiefs in the 4th round and has kept All Black Andy Ellis on the bench ever since.
Fotuali’i is strong, dynamic and has a great clearance pass from the base of the ruck.
On the form of this season, he is an outside chance of an All Black jersey – pushing out teammate Ellis.
Israel Dagg (Highlanders)
Like many of New Zealand’s professional backs and loose forwards, Dagg came to prominence in the 07-08 New Zealand Sevens Team.
He was also in the team int eh 08-09 season experiencing the highs of victory in the World Sevens Series.
His consistent play for Hawkes Bay in the NPC was rewarded with selection in the 2009 Highlanders squad. He has a good kicking game, unlike many of New Zeaand’s fullbacks and he also has a keen attacking nous.
There has been a lot of talk about Dagg making the All Blacks this year and it may yet come true, especially with Mills Muliana suffering a Super 14 ending injury.
Corey Jane would have to be the first choice but after that, Israel Dagg has as good a chance of any.
Tim Nanai-Williams (Chiefs)
Like Israel Dagg (and many others), Tim Nanai-Williams got his first chance through the New Zealand Sevens programme, featuring in last season’s World Series campaign.
The 20 year old had a good season for a struggling Counties side in last year’s NPC competition.
The reward was a place in the Chiefs squad and things went very well right from the start. Williams made the starting lineup in the pre-season and early season matches as Mils Muliana took time off from the busy 2009 international schedule.
Williams scored tries against the Highlanders and the Blues in the pre-season and then got one against the Force in the 3rd match of the hugely successful opening trip.
Then Muliana sustained an injury that will keep him out of the rest of the Super 14. Williams was well-placed to take advantage of the All Black’s misfortune. He has been quite brilliant in the Chiefs back line turning half-chances into line breaks and backing up to great effect.
The Counties full-back consistently makes the advantage line and has a wicked sidestep that often leaves defenders flat-footed.
He was lively against the Reds when he came on, and was one of few effective attacking weapons against the Bulls. He scored a try against the Stormers and he scored a great try against the Hurricanes, first sidestepping forwards and then leaving Corey Jane for dead.
Victor Vito
Victor Vito (Hurricanes)
Vito came into the Wellington NPC side off the back of brilliant performances on the World Sevens Series circuit. Defenders struggled to stop the rampaging Vito.
He did not make the Hurricanes in his first season and was somewhat ineffective last year but he has turned that around in 2010.
Great in open spaces and strong in the tackle, Vito has had a big impact in games this season.
Blindside flank is fiercely competed with Jerome Kaino also playing to his potential and Adam Thompson in brilliant form.
It could mean that Vito will return to the New Zealand Sevens team for the Commonwealth Games in Delhi.
Adam Thompson (Highlanders)
Thompson has been brilliant this season in an average Highlanders team.
Thompson steals a lot of ball at the breakdown, slows down the opposition and has an eye for attacking breaks.
Thompson graduated through Gordon Teitjens’ Sevens team of 2007. His pace and attacking nous made him a very effective sevens player.
He has brought that to the Super 14 where he makes many line breaks with speed and footwork. Like the other ex-Sevens loose forwards (Liam Messam, Victor Vito, Tanerau Latimer) he makes good decisions on attack, passing at the precise moment to take full advantage of the break.
Thompson will surely start for the All Blacks when they play their best team this season. He has serious competition from Jerome Kaino but Kaino also plays number 8 and so the pressure could be on Keiran Reid and Rodney So’oialo.
Josh Bekhuis (Highlanders)
Another player to shine in an average-performing side is young second-rower, Josh Bekhuis.
The Southlander is solid in the lineout and good around the paddock. He is the only New Zealand lock who looks like he might be able to compete at lineout and around the field with the likes of the Stormers’ outstanding Andreas Bekker.
Highlanders teammate Tom Donelley has been out all season with injury, as has Ali Williams. Bekhuis has filled the breach and will be a real chance of making the All Blacks this year.
Chris Jack is likely to regain his starting spot and Bekhuis could provide the second line-out jumping option or come off the bench for Brad Thorne.
Robbie Fruean
Robbie Fruean (Crusaders)
Young Centre Robbie Fruean grew throughout the season, gaining in confidence and impetus.
The improvement in his defense was especially good to see.
Canterbury was definitely the place for him to be for his debut in professional rugby. The structure of the programme, the experience of the team and the opportunty to play alongside the likes of Carter and Crotty provide the best possible learning environment.
It is also the best opportunity for playing in Super 14 finals – not something many New Zealand teams will experience in 2010.
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