NZ Wider Training Squads

[TRF Mr Fish]

Announced today...

http://www.chiefs.co.nz/news/investec-super-rugby-wider-training-groups.html

Chiefs:
Mike Kainga
Michael Leitch
Pauliasi Manu
Maritino Nemani
Matt Vant Leven

Blues:
Pita Ahki
Joe Edwards
Albert Nikoro
Sean Polwart
Lolagi Visinia

Hurricanes:
Richard Buckman
Mike Coman
Ash Dixon
Callum Gibbins
Ope Peleseuma

Crusaders:
Kurt Baker
Adrian Barone
Joel Everson
Paea Fa'anunu
Kieron Fonotia

Highlanders:
Hugh Blake
Tony Ensor
Bronson Murray
Doug Tietjens
Frae Wilson

Only real point of interest is Michael Leitch at the Chiefs, who is part of the Japanese set up. Kurt Baker has been picked up by the Crusaders also, and Manu has been grabbed by the Chiefs after failing a fitness test for the Rebels.

 

[nickdnz]

Michael Leitch being signed by the Chiefs is interesting.

Leitch is a New Zealander who moved to Japan aged about 12, and is their best forward by a mile.

He's a big openside and quite a dynamic player, should be a good signing.

From what I've read from Japanese fans a large part of the reason that all of a sudden there are now three Japanese players in Super Rugby, is because of the contacts made with New Zealanders who go and play in Japan.

Tony Brown (a coach in Japan) was behind the moves for Horie and Tanaka to Otago.

I've seen him play a bit in the PN Cup and RWC but not enough to really gauge his ability. Still pleased to have another 'Japanese' player. My only thought is that he's unlikely to get much game time for the Chiefs unless Sam Cane or Tanerau Latimir get injured. Out of interest, what's Japan's policy in selecting overseas based players?

 

[Larksea]

such a waste not to see Matt Vant Leven make a full squad, would have expected him to be snapped up by an Aussie side at least. Would not be surprised if he has turned down offers to stay in NZ.

kurt Baker in the Crusaders group. interesting.

I think these two guys would arguably be the unluckiest players not to be on a full contract.

 

[Kiwiwomble]

i cant help thinking we missed a trick letting baker go...hell, not even really giving him a shot

two years salary and experience with the team gone to the saders

 

[Darwin]

A few thoughts on the WTGs:

Chiefs:
A pretty good selection of players in my opinion. Kainga isn't the biggest TH, but impressed me during the ITM Cup. Vant Leven more than deserves his spot after strong form for Waikato, while Leitch has always impressed me for Japan. Good to see Nemani still in the mix as he has some serious raw talent - I would have picked him in the top squad ahead of Osbourne, but that is another story! With Manu now elevated to the top squad there is a spare space, so it will be interesting to see who they pick up.


Blues:
Piles of talent here - if a little raw. Edwards, Visinia, and Nikoro should all feature (and star) in the Under 20 squad this season, and being involved with Blues will certainly benefit them. Ahki has a very good step and is deceptively powerful, though does need to work on his distribution skills. Polwart was unlucky to miss out on the main squad, after impressing over the later half of the ITM Cup season, though I do wonder whether he just lacks a yard of pace?


Hurricanes:
Not the most inspiring WTG I have ever seen. To me Buckman, Coman, and Dixon are all solid ITM Cup players, but I'm not convinced any are Super Rugby players. Gibbins impressed me for Manawatu, but the Canes aren't exactly short of openside options (with Lowe, Lam, and Savea) so is unlikely to feature. I probably haven't seen enough of Peleseuma to make a fair judgement yet, but he hasn't impressed me thus far - he looks solid in defense, but he seems to have an aversion to passing the ball, which isn't a great quality for a midfield back....

Crusaders:
Kurt Baker is a great pickup (he should have been in one of the main squads to start with) - it was criminal how little he was used for the Highlanders. Not sure about Barone, but Fa'anunu had a pretty good season for Canterbury, though he does need to work on his mobility. Everson is a good young lock, though should consider looking somewhere else (perhaps South ) next season (when he has done some more developing) as he will struggle to break into the Crusaders 22 any time soon (with S Whitelock, Romano, Donnelly, and Bird all around). Not convinced on Fonotia - he is a big guy, but seems to lack the pace and, more importantly, the distribution skills required to be a midfield back at Super Rugby level.

Highlanders:
I'm happy for big Brons Murray (as I know the guy personally), but I'm not really sure he warrants inclusion. He has experience, but I would have thought someone like Nick Barrett should have been included. Barrett has spent two years at the Crusaders learning from the Franks boys, and looked very good for Southland this season so I am very surprised to see he didn't get a look in. I would have liked to see Rob Verbakel included, but perhaps he needs another season of ITM Cup rugby. Happy to see Hugh Blake included - he struggled a bit during the ITM Cup, but he has the talent to go a long way. I would have liked to see Paul Grant included as he was superb for Otago before getting injured - perhaps his injury is worse than first thought. Frae Wilson is an interesting inclusion. He looked out of his depth for the Canes at the end of last season, but looked much more comfortable for Wellington during the ITM Cup. I though Kenatale would have been given another shot (as he was good for Southland this season), but I don't mind Wilson. Ensor's inclusion is unsurprising - hopefully a season learning from the likes of Ben Smith will help round out a few off his rough edges, as he has some phenomenal talent!

 

[Helmy]

Glad to see Baker got picked up, hopefully he forces his way into playing.

 

[Kiwiwomble]

A few thoughts on the WTGs:

Chiefs:
A pretty good selection of players in my opinion. Kainga isn't the biggest TH, but impressed me during the ITM Cup. Vant Leven more than deserves his spot after strong form for Waikato, while Leitch has always impressed me for Japan. Good to see Nemani still in the mix as he has some serious raw talent - I would have picked him in the top squad ahead of Osbourne, but that is another story! With Manu now elevated to the top squad there is a spare space, so it will be interesting to see who they pick up.


Blues:
Piles of talent here - if a little raw. Edwards, Visinia, and Nikoro should all feature (and star) in the Under 20 squad this season, and being involved with Blues will certainly benefit them. Ahki has a very good step and is deceptively powerful, though does need to work on his distribution skills. Polwart was unlucky to miss out on the main squad, after impressing over the later half of the ITM Cup season, though I do wonder whether he just lacks a yard of pace?


Hurricanes:
Not the most inspiring WTG I have ever seen. To me Buckman, Coman, and Dixon are all solid ITM Cup players, but I'm not convinced any are Super Rugby players. Gibbins impressed me for Manawatu, but the Canes aren't exactly short of openside options (with Lowe, Lam, and Savea) so is unlikely to feature. I probably haven't seen enough of Peleseuma to make a fair judgement yet, but he hasn't impressed me thus far - he looks solid in defense, but he seems to have an aversion to passing the ball, which isn't a great quality for a midfield back....

Crusaders:
Kurt Baker is a great pickup (he should have been in one of the main squads to start with) - it was criminal how little he was used for the Highlanders. Not sure about Barone, but Fa'anunu had a pretty good season for Canterbury, though he does need to work on his mobility. Everson is a good young lock, though should consider looking somewhere else (perhaps South ) next season (when he has done some more developing) as he will struggle to break into the Crusaders 22 any time soon (with S Whitelock, Romano, Donnelly, and Bird all around). Not convinced on Fonotia - he is a big guy, but seems to lack the pace and, more importantly, the distribution skills required to be a midfield back at Super Rugby level.

Highlanders:
I'm happy for big Brons Murray (as I know the guy personally), but I'm not really sure he warrants inclusion. He has experience, but I would have thought someone like Nick Barrett should have been included. Barrett has spent two years at the Crusaders learning from the Franks boys, and looked very good for Southland this season so I am very surprised to see he didn't get a look in. I would have liked to see Rob Verbakel included, but perhaps he needs another season of ITM Cup rugby. Happy to see Hugh Blake included - he struggled a bit during the ITM Cup, but he has the talent to go a long way. I would have liked to see Paul Grant included as he was superb for Otago before getting injured - perhaps his injury is worse than first thought. Frae Wilson is an interesting inclusion. He looked out of his depth for the Canes at the end of last season, but looked much more comfortable for Wellington during the ITM Cup. I though Kenatale would have been given another shot (as he was good for Southland this season), but I don't mind Wilson. Ensor's inclusion is unsurprising - hopefully a season learning from the likes of Ben Smith will help round out a few off his rough edges, as he has some phenomenal talent!

que Bronson Murray rant

Verbakel would have been a really good shout

I'm hoping Ensor just gets tasked with following B Smith around with a note pad, possibly the perfect person to learn from as young enough to related to, playing in the same era etc, and a similar style, No point trying to be Gear!

 

[Draggs]

Ensor should just follow Smith around anyways.
Ben Smith can show him how to get all the ladies, as he undoubtedly does.

 

[bobbilycious]

I think the Chiefs should look to pick up Nick Barrett, although Sam Prattley would give them options on either side of the scrum, if their are injuries.

I don't think Nikoro is eligible for the U20s, any more. His Auckland profile lists his birthday as being 1992 (on the same day and year as mine, actually). It should still be a good squad, though.

1.?
2.?
3.Sione Mafileo
4.Jackson Hemopo
5.Sean Brookman
6.Joe Edwards
7.Ardie Savea
8.Sonny Ali'ifa'alogo
9.Tayler Adams
10.Simon Hickey
11.Lolagi Visinia
12.Michael Collins
13.Jason Emery
14.Peni Latu
15.Joe Webber

The whole backline has ITM Cup experience, and so do No. 4, 5, 6 and 7. We also have Patrick Tuipulotu at lock, who is a beast as well as Mitchell Brown at 8 (who was in the Taranaki squad, although, I don't believe he played).


Anyways, I'm getting carried away.
It is a bit strange that the Blues did not bring a prop into their WTG. They only have 5 options and that is if you include McCartney.

Yep, the Hurricanes are looking rather average. The only one that looks like he might have any sort of potential is Peleseuma. Even he needs a lot of work.

I'm pretty happy with the Crusaders squad. I'm not that convinced on the selection of Adrian Barone. Also, Kieran Fonotia is probably the last back I would have taken from Tasman (Malneek has been great, although perhaps he isn't SupeRugby quality. It isn't like Fonotia is, though. Heem is big, fast and has potential - is he injured though? James Lowe is very young and showed quite a few good touches. He impressed me. Peter Betham was great, although he is with the Waratahs. Hayden Cripps was fairly impressive, although I guess we have enough cover at first-five.

I agree the Highlanders should have left Bronson Murray. They have enough experience in the tight 5 already. This would mean the Blues could have then gone for him (as they probably need him). It is good to see Tony Ensor and Hugh Blake in their. Doug Tietjens is a journeyman and Frae Wilson is a decent pickup but nothing special.

 

[Larksea]

McCartney is set to be used as a specialist loosehead prop this season.

 

[bobbilycious]

I know, I'm just not convinced about it

 

[Darwin]

I think the Chiefs should look to pick up Nick Barrett, although Sam Prattley would give them options on either side of the scrum, if their are injuries.

I don't think Nikoro is eligible for the U20s, any more. His Auckland profile lists his birthday as being 1992 (on the same day and year as mine, actually). It should still be a good squad, though.

1.?
2.?
3.Sione Mafileo
4.Jackson Hemopo
5.Sean Brookman
6.Joe Edwards
7.Ardie Savea
8.Sonny Ali'ifa'alogo
9.Tayler Adams
10.Simon Hickey
11.Lolagi Visinia
12.Michael Collins
13.Jason Emery
14.Peni Latu
15.Joe Webber

The whole backline has ITM Cup experience, and so do No. 4, 5, 6 and 7. We also have Patrick Tuipulotu at lock, who is a beast as well as Mitchell Brown at 8 (who was in the Taranaki squad, although, I don't believe he played).


Anyways, I'm getting carried away.
It is a bit strange that the Blues did not bring a prop into their WTG. They only have 5 options and that is if you include McCartney.

Yep, the Hurricanes are looking rather average. The only one that looks like he might have any sort of potential is Peleseuma. Even he needs a lot of work.

I'm pretty happy with the Crusaders squad. I'm not that convinced on the selection of Adrian Barone. Also, Kieran Fonotia is probably the last back I would have taken from Tasman (Malneek has been great, although perhaps he isn't SupeRugby quality. It isn't like Fonotia is, though. Heem is big, fast and has potential - is he injured though? James Lowe is very young and showed quite a few good touches. He impressed me. Peter Betham was great, although he is with the Waratahs. Hayden Cripps was fairly impressive, although I guess we have enough cover at first-five.

I agree the Highlanders should have left Bronson Murray. They have enough experience in the tight 5 already. This would mean the Blues could have then gone for him (as they probably need him). It is good to see Tony Ensor and Hugh Blake in their. Doug Tietjens is a journeyman and Frae Wilson is a decent pickup but nothing special.

Oops, my mistake. It is surprising that he wasn't involved in the squad this year then, as we had some pretty average outside backs (e.g. Ambrose). I assume he must have been injured at the time? I agree that the U20 squad looks good this year (much better than last season), though the likes of Savea and Emery may not get released if the are heavily involved in Super Rugby (Savea in particular).

 

[bobbilycious]

I think a few of the selections were just a bit dodgy, to be honest. I didn't hear anything about him not being available (and I did quite a bit of searching, I believe). There were also players like James Lowe and Malakai Fekitoa left out. Ofa Tu'ungafasi was consistently selected at loosehead prop. Jamison Gibson-Park is another not included.
This year our SupeRugby players were not in the NZ U20 training squad. For 2013s squad, they have been included in the training squad, so I believe that signals the NZRU's intention to make them available.