Rugby: How they're shaping up for NPC

Sherwin Stowers, Counties Manukau. Photo / Greg Bowker

As New Zealand's domestic rugby competition gets ready for action next week, the Herald's rugby writers check out the prospects for every team and take a look at the rising talent.


* Auckland

Coach: Mark Anscombe

Key gains: Ben Atiga, Matt Berquist (Hawkes Bay), Daniel Braid (Queensland), Toby Morland (Munster), Brent Ward (Racing Metro).

Major losses: Daniel Bowden (London Irish), Taniela Moa (Bay of Plenty), Paul Williams (Sale).

Form guide: 2009 - 5th; 2008 - 11th; 2007 - RR 1st, Champions.

Prospects: On the plus and minus ledger Auckland have done pretty well, though those returning from Europe often take a while to find their New Zealand legs. There's still a big question mark over the direction this team will get at No10.

Ash Moeke has been in good club form, but if there's one thing rugby bosses in Auckland should have learnt in the past two years of ignominy, it's that Auckland club rugby is no longer the production line of talent it once was. Berquist is an interesting prospect, having steered Hawkes Bay around the track well but he can be a turnstile on defence.

Coach Mark Anscombe has indicated that nothing less than a semifinal will be acceptable. On paper and with little prospect of the likes of Isaia Toeava, Ali Williams or their All Blacks playing much part, that would appear to be the limit of their abilities.

He could be an All Black, that boy: Charlie Faumuina. He caused the Maori scrum some gyp when playing for the Barbarians and prop is a good position to play if you want to be an All Black. Campbell Johnstone, anyone?\
What Andy Haden didn't say: "If the rest of you provincials would just look at the way we do things up here this country would be better off. Seen the keys to my Jag, love?"

* Bay of Plenty

Coach: Sean Horan

Key gains: Luke Andrews (Italy), Lelia Masaga (Counties), Daniel Perrin (Tasman), Taniela Moa (Auckland), Grant McQuoid (Japan), Brett Mather (Otago), Daniel Waenga (Hawke's Bay).

Major losses: Junior Poluleuligaga (Exeter), Zach Hohneck (Waikato), Clinton Toopi (Gold Coast Titans).

Form guide: 2009 - 7th; 2008 - RR 4th, QF; 2007 - 13th.

Prospects: Another team that appears to have gained more than they lost. There's a very good reason for that. The Steamers started off with a hiss and a roar last year, but faded badly when injuries and attrition took hold. They decided they needed more depth and went out and sourced some. There will be much interest in the progress of Masaga and Moa, who have slipped miles off the pace after finding themselves on the fringes of national selection.

Their most significant signing might in fact be little-known Waenga, who will likely be charged with holding the fort at No10 until Mike Delany returns, somewhere around week six. By that time the Steamers' slim hopes of a semifinal spot might be gone.

He could be an All Black, that boy: Luke Braid signed on for a further two years while also signing with the Blues, the first in what will be a long and confusing list of cross-pollinated contracts. He's also got the talent to play test rugby, though the role of the No 7 seems to be evolving so fast, who knows whether he'll have the right skill set in a year or two.

What Andy Haden didn't say: "As long as I have known it, the Bay has been good for one thing only - a place for us Auks to build our holiday homes."

* Canterbury

Coach: Rob Penney

Key gains: Robbie Fruean (Wellington), Sonny Bill Williams (Toulon).

Major losses: Tim Bateman (Coca-Cola, Japan), James Broadhurst, Tyson Keats (both Taranaki), Casey Laulala, Michael Paterson (both Cardiff), James Paterson (Southland), Ti'i Paulo (Clermont Auvergne).

Form guide: 2009 - RR 14th; 2008 - RR 2nd, Champions; 2007 - RR 2nd, SF.

Prospects: It is hard to discern whether the bookmakers have been seduced by Canterbury's ability to churn out high-calibre players, whether they know something the rest of us don't or perhaps they've just hit the default setting. Anyways, the red and blacks are restrictive favourites at the TAB ($2.30, next best Wellington at $4), despite losing half a team's worth of quality talent to sides here and overseas. Granted, they've signed a couple of big boys who have the potential to form the scariest centre combination in the ITM Cup, but elsewhere they've replaced from within their fabled 'system'. There's still plenty of experience through this team, though.

He could be an All Black, that boy: Sean Maitland is just about the quickest winger in the country and the strongest. While Hosea Gear stole the headlines during the Maori centenary, Maitland compiled just as impressive a campaign without matching the Wellingtonian's try-scoring exploits.

What Andy Haden didn't say: "They don't sign darkies down there, not many anyway. What's that? Sonny Bill and Robbie Fruean. I meant darkies with, you know, darkie sort of names that end in vowels. Don't try to misinterpret me."

* Counties Manukau

Coach: Milton Haig

Key Gains: Tana Umaga (Toulon), Jono Owen (Brumbies).

Major Losses: Lelia Masaga (Bay of Plenty), Tasesa Lavea (Clermont Auvergne).

Form guide: 2009 - 14th; 2008 - 14th; 2007 - 14th.

Prospects: Some bloke called Tana Umaga pops up in midfield - at the very least, the All Black legend will make his tackles and sprinkle a little of his fabled warrior spirit magic dust. Masterton-born tight-head prop Jono Owen arrives from the Brumbies to bolster the front row. Coach Milton Haig predicts a better finish than last year.

"But that's not a big call: we finished 14th! We need a few things to go our way," he concedes. "But the core of the squad is strong and we have a good group coming through who three years ago had no matches and today have played 25-30 matches. So we know how to mix it at this level." They've had the wooden spoon for three years, but this could be the breakthrough season! Northland for bottom and Counties for 13th - you read it here first.

He could be an All Black, that boy: Simon Lemalu - Waiuku's try-scoring prop dotted down more than any other player in the Counties club competition. He likes to run and wears an encouragingly Hayman-esque beard.

What Andy Haden didn't say: "Spud-turning no-hopers with a penchant for importing Pacific Island schoolkids and exporting ... well, Pacific Island schoolkids."

* Hawkes Bay

Coach: Peter Russell

Key gains: Kahn Fotuali'i (Tasman), Kas Lealamanu'a (Saracens), Daniel Kirkpatrick (Wellington), Luke Rooney (Toulon), Grant Webb (Newport Gwent Dragons).

Major losses: Matt Berquist (Auckland), George Naoupo (Japan, via Connacht), Sona Taumalolo (Waikato), Thomas Waldrom (Leicester).

Form guide: 2009 - RR 4th, SF; 2008 - RR 3rd, SF; 2007 - RR 7th, SF.

Prospects: Hawkes Bay have done no worse than make the semifinals in each of the past three seasons. Problem being, they've done no better than that either. Still, only Canterbury and Wellington can claim a similar consistency. Of most concern will be how to fill the void left by the burgeoning talents of Israel Dagg, who will be on All Blacks duty. Some consolation, then, that former phenom Zac Guildford is on the outer with the national selectors. Russell said how disappointed last year's squad was after last year's semifinal loss to Canterbury and how determined they were to improve. "We've got a good team now ... the plan is to be a great team by the end of the year."

He could be an All Black, that boy: Kahn Fotuali'i. Some judges, in fact, would say he's desperately unlucky not to have won that honour already given the spark he added to the Crusaders' efforts this year.

What Andy Haden didn't say: "A trip to The Bay is a must for any red-blooded young rugby player. Shed 2, the Gin Trap, Speight's Ale House, it's wall-to-wall skirt on a Saturday night."

* Otago

Coach: Phil Mooney

Key gains: Josh Tatupu (Western Force), Joe Hill (Wellington).

Major losses: Karne Hesketh (Japan), Brett Maver (Bay of Plenty), Michael Witt (Super League), Jason Macdonald (injury).

Form guide: 2009 - 10th; 2008 - 10th; 2007 - 7

Prospects: Former Queensland coach Phil Mooney arrives to a chilly forecast, the gloom of the Highlanders' many failed Super rugby campaigns hanging over everything blue and gold. But Mooney is a wiley thinker with sound credentials and has impressed locals by getting around the province and seeing what makes the region and its players tick.

Assistant coach David Latta adds local gravitas. Samoan centre Tatupu experiences radical climate change with a jump from Perth to Dunedin. He runs straight and hits hard and will find himself partnered in midfield with sometime All Blacks winger Ben Smith. Making the sacred top seven could be a bit of a stretch - but if they can nick the Shield in Invercargill on August 7, then 2010 will be a golden year.

He could be an All Black, that boy: Ben Smith ... huh? What's that? He's already been one? ... The All Black bosses wanted to see him in midfield for the Barbarians against the Maori, so his move from the congested race for outside back jerseys could revitalise international hopes - just don't mention Sonny Bill Williams.

What Andy Haden didn't say: "It's a well-known fact that Otago has a policy of only ever fielding three players in their side at one time who are any good."

* Northland

Coach: Bryce Woodward

Key gains: Aaron Bancroft (Otago), Paea Fa'anunu (Auckland), Dean Budd (Auckland), Mark Burman (Waikato).

Major losses: Karl Haitana (Manawatu), Cam Jowitt (New South Wales), Dan Goodwin (Bay of Plenty).

Form guide: 2009 - 13th; 2008 - 9; 2007 - 10

Prospects: Rene Ranger is the big name on the Northland books and access to his talents, when he is not called into the All Black squad, will be critical. Fullback Jared Payne is a key player whose involvement will depend on a thumb injury. The evergreen David Holwell wears Cambridge blue again, Aaron Bancroft has moved from Otago while Joel McKenty and Bronson Murray return to the pack. They should get better support from Paea Fa'anunu, Dean Budd and Mark Burman, who have switched or are on loan to the province.

He could be an All Black, that boy: Bronson Murray. He plays in a good position for nabbing a cheeky All Blacks cap or three and performed well with NZ Maori.

What Andy Haden didn't say: 'Sun-drenched, rastafarian snapper-chasers who erroneously put an "f" in Wongarei."

* North Harbour

Coach: Craig Dowd

Key gains: Alipate Fatafehi (Tonga), Matt Luamanu (Wellington), Jack Tarrant (Japan), Brendon Watt (Taranaki).

Major losses: Viliame Ma'afu, Anthony Tuitavake (both Japan), George Pisi (Taranaki), Rudi Wulf (Toulon).

Form guide: 2009 - 12th; 2008 - 12th; 2007 - 9th.

Prospects: You should be able to get a very quick read on the team from the North Shore. They meet Auckland at North Harbour Stadium in the opening match, a celebration of their 25 years of existence. Auckland don't look too imposing on paper but then it is hard to argue that Harbour are anything but national provincial championship bottom-feeders these days (and their inclusion in the NZRU's ill-fated, 10-team premier competition was one good reason for that concept to be scrapped).

Harbour appear to have lost far more than they have gained this season, though they are likely to have the services of Luke McAlister for the bulk of the season. He has struggled with injury since returning from his Sale sojourn, starting just three games for the Blues this year, but he still has the class to boss the game at this level. Dowd and Jeff Wilson will be relying on him to lift the fog at Harbour.

He could be an All Black, that boy: Ben Afeaki's nickname is "Bigs" and in no way is it ironic. The Tongan-Maori forced his way into the Maori starting XV and with a little bit more refinement in his technique, could go all the way.

What Andy Haden didn't say: "The decline and fall of New Zealand rugby can be traced to the day those ingrates on the Shore formed their own union."

* Tasman

Coach: Kieran Keane

Key gains: Steve Alfeld (Canterbury), Fai Mika (Otago), Jack Umaga (North Otago).

Major losses: Kahn Fotuali'i (Hawkes Bay), Andrew Goodman (Japan), Sakaria Taulafo (Wasps).

Form guide: 2009 - 9th; 2008 - 7th, QF; 2007 - 11th.

Prospects: It's been easy to write off the Top o' the South conglomerate in the past but they can surprise. Internecine bitterness between Marlborough and Nelson Bays flares up occasionally but they always provide a united front on the field.

You have the feeling Keane will have his work cut out, with his best player departed for Hawkes Bay, the cornerstone of their pack, Ben Franks, on All Black duty and the captain eating whales. But, if Tasman have shown us one thing in their short history, don't rush to judgment.

He could be an All Black, that boy: There's high hopes that world champion New Zealand under-20 player Tom Marshall might one day wear the full colours of his country. There are a couple of fellas in the fullback's way, but if you're going to aim, aim high.

What Andy Haden didn't say: "Tasman? Never heard of it."

* Manawatu

Coach: Dave Rennie

Key gains: Craig Clare (Otago), Karl Haitana (Northland), Shannon Paku (Montauban), Hadleigh Parkes (Canterbury), Aseli Tikoirotuma (Wanganui).

Major losses: Kurt Baker, Andre Taylor (Taranaki), Adrian Barone (Wellington).

Form guide: 2009 - 11th; 2008 - 14th; 2007 - 14th.

Prospects: Last year showed that Manawatu, after two years eating off a wooden spoon, were a team headed in the right direction. If Rennie can get an advance on 11th he has performed a minor miracle given the injury list he has already been confronted with.

Brent Thompson has been forced into retirement after a neck injury, Johnny Leota's season is over following a knee injury and halfback Aaron Good has been advised to leave well enough alone after a concussion.

Josh Bradnock (Achilles), Francis Bryant (shoulder) and Nick Crosswell (knee) are either facing time on the sidelines or will be coming in to the season cold.

When you add the fact that Aaron Cruden will be missing most of the season on All Black duty you can see why those who like to wear buckets on their heads might be advised not to cut the eye holes out just yet.

On the plus side, Aaron Smith looked very capable at halfback for the Maori and that should give him the confidence to take a leadership role with this side.

He could be an All Black, that boy: Feilding flanker Nick Crosswell is only 26, even if he seems to have been around forever. There'd be a few people who have to fall over before he got the nod, it's fair to say, but he's the type of guy who would not let the jersey down.

What Andy Haden didn't say: "Ah yes, Manawatu, the showgrounds, an epic battle with Filthy Frank Oliver. Then it was a quick shower, some Old Spice and down to the Fitz to watch students drink themselves senseless. Those were the days."

* Wellington

Coach: Jamie Joseph

Key gains: David Te Moana (France), Adrian Barone (Manawatu).

Major losses: Tamati Ellison (Japan), Robbie Fruean (Canterbury), Daniel Kirkpatrick (Hawkes Bay), Matthew Luamanu (North Harbour), Anthony Perenise (Hawkes Bay), David Smith (Taranaki).

Form guide: 2009 - RR 2nd, finalist; 2008 - RR 1st, finalist; 2007 - RR 3rd, finalist.

Prospects: Coach Jamie Joseph is one foot out the door, unable to resist the opportunity to be part of the Highlanders' stranglehold on Super rugby ordinariness, and a host of regular players have also departed. But the beaten finalists for four years running have sometime All Blacks Rodney So'oialo, Neemia Tialata and Hosea Gear free from national duties. Second Gear scores tries for laughs at provincial and Super rugby level and So'oialo is said to be determined to win back his All Black spot, so they have much to play for.

He could be an All Black, that boy: Julian Savea. The IRB Junior Player of the Year is the latest model in New Zealand's production line of big, fast Pacific Island wingers. Taranaki were sniffing around so you can't blame them for saying "this one's a keeper", while letting Smith head to dairy country.

What Andy Haden didn't say: "A bunch of witless latte-supping civil servants who couldn't handle the pace of the free market and wouldn't have the first idea of how to book Rachel Hunter for a Trumpet ad."

* Taranaki

Coach: Colin Cooper.

Key gains: Kurt Baker, Andre Taylor (both Manawatu), James Broadhurst, Tyson Keats (both Canterbury), George Pisi (North Harbour), David Smith (Wellington).

Major losses: James Hinchco (retired), Paul Perez (Toulon via deportation), Neemia Soqeta (Japan).

Form guide: 2009 - 8th; 2008 - 8th, QF; 2007 - 8th, QF.

Prospects: They're excited under the mountain. So much so that assistant coach Leo Crowley, brought back into the fold after a spectacular falling out with the interloping Adrian Kennedy, reckons they're aiming for first.

The return of Cooper is one reason hopes are high, but add to that an aggressive recruitment policy that has seen them bolster an impressive forward pack while adding much needed flair in the backs and you have the makings of a quality team. They're thinking top four, not top seven. Cooper has said he would make sure no player was comfortable within his squad, because "to get success they have to be uncomfortable". Hairshirts it is then.

He could be an All Black, that boy: Prop Shane Cleaver - we're not quite sure why, but there's something about the name. If not him, then Broadhurst, who at 22 is wise beyond his years and already has the benefit of being indoctrinated into the mystical ways of the Cantab.

What Andy Haden didn't say: "They have a policy down there, it's written in stone: Unless you've slept with your cousin they're not signing you."

* Southland

Coach: Simon Culhane

Key gains: James Paterson (Canterbury).

Major losses: Jason Kauwau (Japan).

Form guide: 2009 - RR 3rd, SF; 2008 - RR 4th, SF; 2007 - 6th.

Prospects: The core of the team that finished third in the past two seasons returns and the season should be considered something of a failure if they do not at least make the semifinals.

They're experienced, tough as nails up front and have spent the past three seasons winning close games under pressure.

The squad is pretty much the same as 2009, although they'll miss midfielder Jason Kauwau, who now plies his trade with Kobe Steel, in Japan. If anything could derail Southland's drive it's the Ranfurly Shield, making its home in the province for the first time in half a century.

Worryingly, there's been talk of the Stags focusing on home matches. Their first serious defence is the derby against Otago in round two, touted as a season-defining game for both teams.

He could be an All Black, that boy: Josh Bekhuis. With the high rotation of the No 4 and 5 jerseys, Southland's strapping "Lurch" might fancy his chances of popping his 2.01m, 114kg frame into a black jersey. He gets around the park and is a key element in one of the country's better forward packs.

What Andy Haden didn't say: "Knee-knocking, kilt-wearers who deal heavily in the letter 'R' and have a hyperactive, concrete-obsessive, jellybean-muncher for a mayor."

* Waikato

Coach: Chris Gibbes.

Key gains: Zac Hohneck (Bay of Plenty), Christian Lealiifano (Brumbies), Chris Middleton (Wellington), Steven Setephano (Otago).

Major losses: Callum Bruce (Japan), Sione Lauaki (Clermont Auvergne).

Form guide: 2009 - 6th; 2008 - 6th, QF; 2007 - 5th, QF.

Prospects: Gibbes is under pressure to turn around Waikato's mediocre recent history that has seen them shut out of the semifinals since winning the championship under Warren Gatland in 2006.

Their big match of the season is first-up, when Bay of Plenty travel to take on their franchise 'big bros'. One name on the roster to keep an eye on is Frank Halai. The big Tongan is another off the Wesley production line and he had the inevitable, yet ludicrous, comparisons with Jonah Lomu to live up to. We'll say it here: he ain't no Jonah, but it might be fun watching him try.

He could be an All Black, that boy: Tawera Kerr-Barlow is not even the Mooloo's first-choice halfback, but Brendon Leonard would be wise to keep looking over his shoulder. When he emerged as a schoolboy star at Hamilton Boys' High it seemed a rapid ascension was fait accompli.

What Andy Haden didn't say: "The scene of New Zealand's greatest disgrace when the mung-bean eating beardos, and we're not just talking about the men here, stopped an honest game of footy against the Boks. Showed them with the Cavaliers, didn't I."