Smith: To play for Otago
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All Blacks utility back Ben Smith, centre Tamati Ellison and flanker Sam Cane have been released to play in ITM Cup matches this week.
Smith will start at full-back and Ellison in the midfield for Otago's hit-out against North Harbour in Dunedin on Tuesday, while loose forward Cane should feature when Bay of Plenty take on Hawke's Bay in Napier on Friday.
The All Blacks, unbeaten in their Rugby Championship campaign to date, leave on Saturday for their final two matches against Argentina in La Plata on September 30 and South Africa in Pretoria on October 7.
Comments
Ramage says...
Hey Ferdie tell me talking about vengance did the Canterbury Lambs management go ahead with their citing after losing what they thought was their God Given right to win the shield. Id like to hear if they lived up to their usual whining and whinging. They have a real inferiority problem down in that province still they are mere lambs.
Posted 13:59 19th September 2012
porridge_time says...
In my opinion NZ have kicked on from the World Cup and raised the bar... schools rugby competition is fantastic, where the cream follow on through to the ITM Cup and in to Super Rugby.
The quality and level of talent in New Zealand is stronger than ever in my opinion.
Posted 10:31 18th September 2012
Ferdie says...
ramage - was surprised to read hansen refused b barrett's request to play for taranaki v auckland tomorrow; he's not been off the bench lately, i'd have liked to see him get game-time
but on te other hand marshall and cameron have been doing ok at 10 for taranaki
as for sam cane, when will he get time in the black jersey?
Posted 23:46 17th September 2012
Ramage says...
What about young Barrett for Taranaki or is the Canterbury head coach being vengeful for the Naki win over Canterbury Lambs. Or has the woeful Foster got anything to do with it . Surely Barrett could do with some game time.
Posted 13:03 17th September 2012
melkdave says...
Carnt blame the AB management for wating to keep players match fit ,and have to say atm this competion is setting the standard for enjoyable games to watch .Better than S15 and atm the NH league games imo.But then i think that hopefully the S15 and league players are better drilled in defence ??Which does cut down on the line breaks ect in thier games .If not then NZ have raised the bar in world rugby once again .
Posted 12:48 17th September 2012