Rugby: Auckland ITM Cup squad has young, vibrant look

Simon Hickey. Photo / Richard Robinson.

Auckland's ITM Cup squad looks thin on depth at halfback and in the midfield but there is pleasing reward for those who have performed in club rugby.

The 31-man squad, ahead of the opening pre-season fixture on July 26 against Taranaki, has a young, vibrant look about it, and the forwards, in particular, look strong enough to maintain Auckland's fine recent record.

"When you look at the make-up, there's a lot more out of club rugby than years gone by.
We've rewarded good form," said coach Paul Feeney.

"In the last three years, Auckland and Canterbury are the only sides to have always made the (Premiership) semifinals. It shows that these two provinces are consistently up there. As a coaching staff, we are excited with the side we've got, with a lot of young talent. We'd like to think we can mould them into a very good side. There is no reason why we can't be there or thereabouts again this year."

Feeney will again be assisted by Xavier Rush and Nick White.

Among those who have shone in club rugby are University hooker and skipper Kurt Eklund, who may have played in 2014 were it not for injury. His teammate Sinclair Dominikovich-Murray is an abrasive player who can cover all three loose positions, and win lineout ball. Grammar TEC prop Tom McHugh, grandson of former All Black Morrie McHugh, is a powerful scrummager. Northern Districts rep cricketer Jono Hickey, older brother of Simon, is another to impress out of the Grammar TEC club, at halfback, while first five Calvary Fonoti is one of three out of the Manukau Rovers club, which is on the cusp of the semifinals after years in the doldrums.

Feeney said that Japanese halfback Kaito Shigeno could be ignored after shoulder injuries to Lisati Milo-Harris and Leon Fukofuka, the latter due back mid-competition, meant the No 9 depth was strained.

"His passing and kicking game made us pick him. I don't think Ponsonby have lost when he's played," said Feeney.

Simon Hickey looks set for a big season after his Blues disappointments and Feeney is banking on him emerging strongly out of the 2014 shadow cast by Gareth Anscombe.

There is less certainty outside him, with a shoulder injury to TJ Faiane and the departure of Francis Saili eroding the midfield depth. George Moala, unless he is recalled to the All Blacks, may have to play 12, with Vince Aso, Bryce Heem or Rieko Ioane outside him.

There are no less than seven loosies named, though there is still doubt over Sean Polwart, who has yet to recover from his concussion symptoms. Akira Ioane and Airi Hunt have yet to play for Auckland but have already played for the Blues. Former Counties Manukau and Brumbies tighthead prop Jono Owen arrived this week after a stint for French Top 14 club Grenoble, so he should be tuned into the scrummaging requirements. Hooker Greg Pleasants-Tate has made the shift from North Harbour after his path was blocked in that position by James Parsons.

Auckland kick off the ITM Cup at Southland on August 13.

Auckland ITM Cup squad:
Front-rowers: Jono Owen, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Sam Prattley, Isi Tu'ungafasi, Tom McHugh, Marcel Renata, Greg Pleasants-Tate, Kurt Eklund; Locks: Liaki Moli, Scott Scrafton, William Lloyd, Michael Fatialofa; Loose forwards: Joe Edwards, Blake Gibson, Sinclair Dominikovich-Murray, Mitchell Karpik, Airi Hunt, Sean Polwart, Akira Ioane; Halfbacks: Kaito Shigeno, Jono Hickey, Leon Fukofuka; First fives: Calvary Fonoti, Simon Hickey, Mitchell Hunt; Midfielders: Vince Aso, Rieko Ioane; Outside backs: Ben Lam, Melani Nanai, Bryce Heem, Lolagi Visinia