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Preview: Air NZ Cup, Part Two

Thursday 21st August 2008

Lions boost: Piri Weepu dives back in from Tri-Nations duty to captain Wellington

Six points separate the top six after three rounds in the Air New Zealand Cup, with two teams undefeated and another two still searching for that elusive win.

Wellington and Bay of Plenty top the table having won their last three encounters, with the Lions edging the Steamers by a solitary point after notching up another bonus point last weekend (their third in as many games).

Waikato and North Harbour are still winless so far in the tournament, though the Mooloos avoided three straight defeats after settling for a draw against the recharged Turbos last week.

Despite a hat-trick of defeats, Harbour have avoided last place by either bagging a losing bonus point or scoring four tries in each of their losses.

One of these two sides will finally have a chance to get off the mark with a win - unless we see another draw - on Sunday, in a match that will feature five All Blacks returning from Tri-Nations duty.

Adding spice to the weekend's action will be the Ranfurly Shield which is up for grabs when defending Air New Zealand Cup champions and Shield holders, Auckland take on Manawatu.

With Otago already seeing off the Steelers 22-8 in a dire performance on Thursday, Friday will see Northland host Bay of Plenty and Southland up against the table-topping Wellington Lions.

Saturday's action starts with the Log o' Wood challenge between Auckland and Manawatu, followed by Tasman against Hawke's Bay and Taranaki versus Canterbury.

Sunday's North Harbour versus Waikato encounter completes the weekend's action.

Friday, August 22

Northland v Bay of Plenty

Bay of Plenty will be seeking to keep their unbeaten record in this year's tournament intact when they come up against Northland in Whangarei on Friday.

Thousands of the Bay of Plenty supporters will be tuned into their television sets when their team takes on the Taniwha away from home.

Only the most fervent Steamers followers could have imagined the start that the men from Mount Maunganui have made to this year's Air New Zealand Cup.

After three rounds of the tournament, the Steamers' unbeaten start to the season has put them in second place - just one point
behind leaders Wellington.

Steamers Head Coach Kevin Schuler has made just one change to the starting line-up that saw off North Harbour 38-31.

Hooker John Pareanga, who sat on the sideline with injury last weekend, returns to the team. The Steamers rake was in dynamic form in the first two games, scoring the only try against Tasman, and the first touchdown of the match against Counties Manukau.

There is a small injury doubt concerning Solomon King, who grabbed a double against North Harbour. If King doesn't start the match, the Steamers will lose nothing with his replacement. New Zealand U20 representative Luke Braid will move from the bench to run onto Okara Park with the starting XV.

The success of the Steamers is reflected in the Air New Zealand Cup point-scoring statistics. Kicking machine Mike Delany sits in fifth position with 24 points courtesy of four penalty goals and six conversions.

Last weekend against North Harbour, Delany was on fire, slotting all six kicks at the goal.

Dynamic number eight Colin Bourke can make explosive breaks from anywhere on the paddock. He sits equal with Wellington's Hosea Gear in the try-scoring stakes with four touchdowns.

The Steamers will expect nothing less than a determined challenge from Northland, who are another side with a long and proud tradition in the top echelon of New Zealand provincial rugby.

In front of their home supporters at Okara Park, Northland are a team that make their home ground a fortress for visiting teams.

The two sides have met on fifty previous occasions, the team from the far north winning 30 encounters, Bay of Plenty 19 with one match drawn between them. Last year Northland prevailed 24-17.

Prediction: Tough call. Will home ground advantage work in Northland's favour? Or will the Steamers continue their impressive unbeaten run in this year's competition? We think the latter. Bay of Plenty to win by three points.

Northland:15 Jared Payne, 14 Rene Ranger, 13 Aiden Dewes, 12 Leo Taliu, 11 Fetu'u Vainikolo, 10 David Holwell, 9 James Rodley, 8 Blair Urlich, 7 Hamish Patterson, 6 Justin Collins (captain), 5 Marty Veale, 4 Dan Goodwin, 3 Bronson Murray, 2 Tyler Ashworth, 1 Tony Coughlan.
Replacements: 16 Francis Smith, 17 Justin Davies, 18 Roy Griffin, 19 Joel McKenty, 20 Kaino Kaino, 21 Derek Carpenter, 22 Damien Fakafanua.

Bay of Plenty: 15 Zar Lawrence, 14 Lance MacDonald, 13 Cory Aporo, 12 Nigel Hunt, 11 Jason Hona, 10 Mike Delany, 9 Jamie Nutbrown, 8 Colin Bourke, 7 Tanerau Latimer (c), 6 Solomon King, 5 Culum Rettalick, 4 John Moore, 3 James McGougan, 2 John Pareanga, 1 Joe Savage.
Replacements: 16 Dean Elmiger, 17 Arden David-Perrot, 18 Aiden Kuka, 19 Luke Braid, 20 Josh Hall, 21 Pauli Asaeli, 22 Teu Nafe.

Venue: Okara Park, Whangarei
Kick-off: 19:35 (07:35 GMT)
Referee: Chris Pollock
TMO: Ben Skeen

Southland v Wellington

Championship leaders Wellington face Southland on Friday for what should be a testing trip to Invercargill.

Southland, after losing a match with Otago that was there for the taking, have not made the same mistake again and now sit fourth on the ladder.

The set pieces are going well, the loose forwards are developing into an excellent combination, Blair Stewart is kicking his goals and the back-line is growing in confidence with every outing.

Wellington were handed a dream draw in 2008 but have made it pay, with three consecutive five-pointers.

While Counties Manukau may not have provided much stern resistance last week, Wellington found all sorts of ways to collect tries and would have cleaned up much stronger sides than the Steelers.

Dane Shelford will return to the role of scrum-half in the only change to the Southland line-up.

Shelford started in Southland's opening Air New Zealand Cup game against Otago but made way for Scott Cowan in the next two fixtures after Cowan impressed while coming off the bench.

The two players have different strengths, but it is Shelford who Stags co-coach Simon Culhane has chosen to take on the Lions.

Other than at number nine, co-coaches Culhane and David Henderson have been able to be consistent in their selections as a result of some good form and a short injury list.

All Blacks half-back Jimmy Cowan will not be available to Southland until next week's round.

Meanwhile, All Black half-back Piri Weepu has been named by Wellington to start at fly-half. Weepu, who returned this week from South Africa, will also assume the captaincy.

All Black prop Neemia Tialata also returns to the Wellington squad but will not start - he will be introduced to the game from the bench.

John Shwalger will start at loosehead prop for the Lions, replacing Jacob Ellison who suffered an elbow injury in Wellington's thumping 64-7 win over Counties.

Hurricanes player Tamati Ellison comes back after an injury lay-off and will start at centre, moving Tane Tui'ipulotu to centre and dropping Michael Hobbs to the bench.

Tu Umaga-Marshall comes into the starting line-up replacing Joe Hill on the right wing.

Umaga-Marshall is a nephew of former All Black captain Tana Umaga and has previously played NBL basketball for the Waikato Pistons and the Nelson Giants.

The last time these two teams was in the 2007 quarter-final where Wellington ran riot in a one-sided match that was easily won by the Lions 45-3.

Prediction: Invercargill has long been a difficult venue for Wellington teams and the Lions often battle to win there, regardless of previous form. Friday's match gives every indication that it will be another stern contest with little between the teams.

Southland: 15 Mark Wells, 14 Matt Saunders, 13 Kendrick Lynn, 12 Jason Kawau (c), 11 Pehi Te Whare, 10 Blair Stewart, 9 Dane Shelford, 8 Hua Tamariki, 7 Tim Boys, 6 Dion Bates, 5 Hoani Macdonald, 4 Josh Bekhuis, 3 Chris King, 2 David Hall, 1 Jamie Mackintosh.
Replacements: 16 Jason Rutledge, 17 Fai Mika, 18 Daniel Ramsay, 19 John Hardie, 20 Scott Cowan, 21 Willie Rickards, 22 Robbie Robinson.

Wellington Lions: 15 Cory Jane, 14 Tu Umaga-Marshall, 13 Tamati Ellison, 12 Tane Tu'ipulotu, 11 Hosea Gear, 10 Piri Weepu (c), 9 Alby Mathewson, 8 Thomas Waldrom, 7 Serge Lilo, 6 Victor Vito, 5 Api Naikatini, 4 Jeremy Thrush, 3 Tim Fairbrother, 2 Ged Robinson, 1 John Schwalger.
Replacements: 16 Eugene Smith, 17 Neemia Tialata, 18 Scott Fuglistaller, 19 Chris Masoe, 20 Fa'atonu Fili, 21 Michael Hobbs, 22 Buxton Popoalii.

Venue: Rugby Park, Invercargill

Kick-off: 19:35 (07:35 GMT)
Referee: Steve Walsh
TMO: Brent Murray

Saturday, August 23

Auckland v Manawatu

It's been 14 years since Manawatu challenged for rugby's Ranfurly Shield, and 30 years since they last held it, so it's no surprise Saturday's showdown with Auckland at Eden Park is a special occasion.

But from Manawatu rugby supporters' perspective, the release of the All Blacks back into Air New Zealand Cup action could not have come at a worse time as they weigh up their chances for the Ranfurly Shield challenge against Auckland.

Auckland, coming off a 3-34 defeat by Canterbury last weekend, certainly look vulnerable as they face Manawatu in a Cup match that doubles as their fourth shield defence this season.

Manawatu coach Dave Rennie says Shield games are different, with the holders traditionally strong in defence, but his side are excited to have the opportunity of playing for the Shield.

"Manawatu have not had a challenge since 1991 so we just want to go out and enjoy the moment. We'll certainly have a crack," he said.

Manawatu's first and only Shield reign began in 1976 when they beat Auckland 12-10 in 1976 with Doug Rollerson potting the winning drop goal.

They went on to defend it 13 times before the glory days were ended by North Auckland who snatched it off them in a controversially extended match in 1978.

In Manawatu's favour is that the defending Air New Zealand Cup champions are in disarray and unconvincing. They are currently second from bottom in the standings with just four points from one win and two losses.

They come into the match after a stinging 3-34 defeat by Canterbury last weekend.

However, their shaky front row will be shored up with the return of All Blacks hooker Keven Mealamu and prop John Afoa.

Isaia Toeava also returns with the All Blacks free of Tri-Nations commitments for the next couple of rounds. As well as the return of Benson Stanley, this Auckland side is by far the best Pat Lam has run out in 2008.

Manawatu, who beat Canterbury in the first round, are coming off a 38-38 draw with Waikato last weekend.

But they will be without influential pivot Matty James, who injured a right knee during the Waikato match and is out of action for up to four weeks.

Aaron Cruden, 19, who replaced James and played a starring role in Manawatu's fightback from 16-38 down, will start the match.

With an exciting back three in full-back Francisco Bosh, Andre Taylor and Lote Raikabula and a solid tight five, Manawatu will pose problems for Auckland but it will take an 80-minute effort.

"We started poorly against Waikato and gave away too many easy points which put us under pressure," said Rennie.

"We showed a lot of character coming back for the draw but we can't afford a similar start against Auckland.

"But there's a lot of belief within the squad (after beating Canterbury) - we know if we front we can be competitive but we've got to front up for the entire game."

Prediction: With the shield on the line Auckland will be a different prospect than the team which lost to Counties Manukau in Round One and was thrashed 34-3 by Canterbury last week. And with All Blacks John Afoa, Keven Mealamu and Isaia Toeava back in blue and white, we thinking Manawatu may have to wait a another year for the Log o' Wood. Auckland to win by ten points.

Auckland: 15 Lachie Munro, 14 Watisoni Lotawa, 13 Ben Atiga, 12 Benson Stanley, 11 David Smith, 10 Isaia Toeava, 9 Taniela Moa, 8 Peter Saili, 7 Daniel Braid, 6 Kurtis Haiu, 5 Jay Williams, 4 Chris Lowrey, 3 John Afoa, 2 Keven Mealamu, 1 Paea Fa'anunu.
Replacements: 16 Tom McCartney, 17 Tevita Mailau, 18 Dean Budd, 19 Onosa'i Auva'a, 20 Grayson Hart, 21 Jamie Helleur, 22 Winston Stanley.

Manawatu: 15 Francisco Bosch, 14 Lote Raikabula, 13 Johnny Leota, 12 Francis Bryant, 11 Andre Taylor, 10 Aaron Cruden, 9 Aaron Good, 8 Nick Crosswell, 7 Josh Bradnock (captain), 6 Hamish Gosling/Doug Tietjens, 5 Paul Rodgers, 4 Hayden Triggs, 3 David Te Moana, 2 Rob Foreman, 1 Grant Polson.
Replacements: 16 Sean O'Connor, 17 Talau Hala, 18 James Goode, 19 Doug Tietjens/Adaam Ross, 20 Aaron Smith, 21 Aaron James, 22 Kurt Baker.

Venue: Eden Park, Auckland
Kick-off: 14:35 (02:35 GMT)
Referee: Keith Brown
Touch judges: Chris Pollock, Josh Noonan
TMO: Ben Skeen

Tasman v Hawke's Bay

Tasman will be full of confidence heading into this Round Four encounter against the Magpies after picking themselves off the floor to secure a rousing win over Taranaki in Nelson last Sunday.

For Tasman, it was the perfect response to the New Zealand Rugby Union's (NZRU) decision to cull them from next year's Air New Zealand Cup.

The NZRU last week shoulder-tapped Tasman and Northland for exclusion from next year's revamped competition, giving the Tasman side plenty of motivation heading into last week's match.

It was a special win for Tasman on so many levels.

Not only did it fly in the face of the NZRU's decision to cut Tasman from next year's competition, but it was also Tasman's first official game in Nelson and the first time they had beaten Taranaki in four attempts.

It probably won't make a difference, but Tasman will be out again to prove their doubters up at New Zealand's rugby headquarters wrong when they host an out-of-sorts Hawke's Bay, who never really fired against a feisty Southland outfit last week.

The teams have played just once, Tasman winning 23-17 last year.

Prediction: How can we rule out Tasman, who have faught on gallantly against all odds and have also become a Planet Rugby favourite under their circumstances. Hawke's Bay was our team of the tournament last year, but sorry chaps, we're backing the Makos this time out. Tasman to win by six points.

Tasman: 15 Robbie Malneek, 14 Blair Cook, 13 Andrew Goodman (c), 12 Joel Iggo, 11 Kade Poki, 10 Miah Nikora, 9 Kahn Fotuali'i, 8 Mark Bright, 7 Jack Lam, 6 Jonathan Poff, 5 Alex Ainley, 4 Will Crutchley, 3 Ben Franks, 2 Dan Perrin, 1 Ben May.
Replacements: 16 Quentin MacDonald, 17 Tristan Moran, 18 Joe Wheeler, 19 Glen Gregory, 20 Lua Vailoaloa, 21 Mike Pehi, 22 James Marshall.

Hawke's Bay: 15 Israel Dagg 14 Jason Kupa, 13 Jason Shoemark, 12 Daniel Waenga, 11 Zac Guildford, 10 Matt Berquist, 9 Danny Lee (c), 8 George Naoupu, 7 Karl Lowe, 6 Michael Johnson, 5 Bryn Evans, 4 Matt Egan, 3 Anthony Perenise, 2 Hikawera Elliot, 1 Faka'anaua Taumalolo.
Replacements: 16 Ash Dixon, 17 Josh Keys, 18 Johan Snyman, 19 Adam Bradey, 20 Chris Eaton, 21 Sam Giddens, 22 Mark Jackman.

Venue: Lansdowne Park, Blenheim
Kick-off: 17:30 (05:30 GMT)
Referee: Kelvin Deaker
TMO: Steve Walsh

Taranaki v Canterbury

Canterbury will be looking to continue their winning ways following last week's annihilation of Auckland, when they take on Taranaki at Yarrow Stadium.

Playing against Taranaki in New Plymouth is never easy for any Canterbury team and the Amber-and-Blacks have always been difficult to play at home.

Yet it was a different story last week with the side going down 33-23 to Tasman. It was a disappointing and ill-disciplined loss that has left Taranaki's 2008 campaign in tatters.

What appeared to be a promising start to the competition - a win over North Harbour - has been put in context, with Harbour at the foot of the points table, having lost all three of their games.

But rugby remains part of Taranaki and their history, much the same way that rugby remains part of Canterbury. It's in the blood.

As a result, beating one of the big unions always remains possible for Taranaki. They have an ability to collectively rise when the more fancied provinces come to New Plymouth.

Coming off the back of a very impressive win against Auckland, Rob Penney and his team will know that the challenge is to now maintain the same high standards that were set at AMI Stadium last Saturday.

While Canterbury will show Taranaki plenty of respect, they will enter the match with plenty of confidence themselves. Their performance against the defending champions was one of the best in recent seasons and they did everything asked.

They were hungry and they showed urgency and accuracy in all that they did. Individually and collectively they looked like a team on a mission and they were truly outstanding with the ball in hand close to the line.

Yet, they will need to put back-to-back quality performances together to be regarded as being Air New Zealand Cup contenders, and this weekend will be a real test.

Canterbury fans will certainly be watching with interest. Everyone knows they can play outstandingly, the challenge is to now do it regularly.

As a result, expect plenty of intensity from both sides in New Plymouth this weekend. It promises to be an exciting match between two provinces with so much to prove.

Prediction: Based on last week's results alone, Canterbury should have little trouble dispatching the home side. Expect the Amber-and-Blacks stadium to be painted red and black. Canterbury to win by ten points or more.

Taranaki: 15 Asalemo Malo, 14 Paul Perez, 13 Jonathan Spratt, 12 Jayden Hayward, 11 Shayne Austin, 10 Willie Ripia, 9 Brett Goodin, 8 Taiasina Tuifua, 7 Scott Waldrom, 6 Nemia Soqeta, 5 Craig Clarke, 4 Jason Eaton, 3 Shane Cleaver, 2 Laurence Corlett, 1 Tony Penn (c).
Replacements: 16 James Annabell, 17 Carl Carmichael, 18 Leon Power, 19 Alex Tulou, 20 Brendan Haami, 21 Corey Niwa, 22 Jack Cameron.

Canterbury: 15 Paul Williams, 14 Scott Hamilton, 13 Adam Whitelock, 12 Tim Bateman, 11 James Paterson, 10 Colin Slade, 9 Tyson Keats, 8 Mose Tuiali'i, 7 George Whitelock, 6 Kieran Read (c), 5 Isaac Ross, 4 Michael Paterson, 3 Campbell Johnstone, 2 Steve Fualau, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Replacements: 16 Richard Wheeler, 17 Peter Borlase, 18 Nasi Manu, 19 Hayden Hopgood, 20 Steve Alfeld, 21 Ryan Crotty, 22 Endo Kosuke.

Venue: Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth
Kick-off: 19:35 (07:35 GMT)
Referee: Jonathon White
TMO: Brent Murray

Sunday, August 24

North Harbour v Waikato

Waikato is becoming desperate in their search for a win in the Air New Zealand Cup and this weekend could be the perfect opportunity as they takes on a winless North Harbour outfit they thrashed 52-7 last year.

After losing to Northland and Tasman in the opening weeks of the competition and drawing with Manawatu last week, to say that Waikato's season got off to a shaky start would be a major understatement.

Fly-half Stephen Donald and bustling number eight Sione Lauaki will likely don their red, yellow and black jerseys after being released by the All Blacks to play for their province this weekend.

It could be this type of boost that Waikato need to get their campaign on a successful track after the early performances have them sitting near the bottom of the points table.

The 38-all draw with Manawatu last week really hurt Waikato as they watched the massive lead they had created dwindle into nothing.

North Harbour will be boosted by the return of All Blacks midfielder Anthony Tuitavake, wing Rudi Wulf and lock Anthony Boric.

Prediction: Both sides will be desperate to get a number in the win column of the standings. The question is, who wants it more? We've predicted a Waikato win the last three weeks, only to get it wrong each time. But we have a feeling the Mooloos won't leave us red in the face again this week... we hope! Waikato to finally win by five points or less.

The teams:

North Harbour: 15 Hayden Abercrombie, 14 Viliame Waqaseduadua, 13 Nafi Tuitavake, 12 Mike Harris, 11 Josh York, 10 Jimmy Gopperth, 9 Chris Smylie, 8 Viliame Maafu, 7 Robbie Colhoun, 6 Tom Chamberlain, 5 Martin Purdy, 4 Chris Smith, 3 Michael Reid, 2 James Hinchco, 1 James Afoa.
Replacements: 16 James Parsons, 17 Sam Biddles, 18 Richard Mayhew, 19 Malakai Ravulo, 20 Matt France, 21 Jon Elrick, 22 Jerome Smith.

Waikato: 15 Sosene Anesi, 14 Tim Mikkelson, 13 Jackson Willison, 12 Callum Bruce, 11 Henry Speight, 10 Stephen Donald, 9 Malcolm Barnes, 8 Sione Lauaki, 7 Liam Messam (c), 6 Faifili Levave, 5 Kevin O'Neill, 4 Toby Lynn, 3 Toby Smith, 2 Vern Kamo, 1 Hikairo Forbes.
Replacements: 16 Ole Avei, 17 Josh Hohneck, 18 Kent Fife, 19 Matt Blain, 20 Josh Sutherland, 21 Roimata Hansell-Pune, 22 Dwayne Sweeney.

Venue: North Harbour Stadium, Albany
Kick-off: 14:35 (02:35 GMT)
Referee: Matt Stanish
TMO: Ben Skeen