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NZ Super 15 Teams 2013

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en_force_er

en_force_er

Geoff Shaw (53)
NZ Super Rugby seems to except polynesian players as there own without beating an eyelid.

I mean, when Haskell played for the Highlanders everyone raged about him taking up a spot that could be used for local talent but nobody complains about the 10-15 PI capped players in their stables.

It's odd.
 
Ghibli

Ghibli

Ted Thorn (20)
Antony said:
Cheers guys, look forward to seeing him in action. Shit the highlanders have a squad this year.
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All the best to the Highlanders.
A collection of great players, however, does not necessarily equate to a winning team.
Look at the Real Madrid of rugby two years back.
A lot will depend on how the coach manages the playing group, strategy and injuries.
 
ACR

ACR

Bob Davidson (42)
en_force_er said:
NZ Super Rugby seems to except polynesian players as there own without beating an eyelid.

I mean, when Haskell played for the Highlanders everyone raged about him taking up a spot that could be used for local talent but nobody complains about the 10-15 PI capped players in their stables.

It's odd.
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Probably because New Zealand and the Islands have a much closer relationship than others give them credit for. There are many, many polynesian players that are born and bred in New Zealand that go on to play for one of the island nations, due to their heritage. Fifteen NZ born in the Samoan RWC '11 squad alone (see link). As for polynesians born in the islands, where else can they go to develop a professional rugby career? New Zealand has the system and is the closest available one at that. No one particularly begrudges anyone from the islands taking a spot because they are so ingrained in the NZ culture. Also, theoretically, they don't really hinder potential AB's. If a kiwi has the potential to go that far, they are getting a spot.

There is a difference and a bit of a disconnect when 'harbouring' a foreign international player from an established rugby power (England). I don't think anyone is going to complain that Tanaka (Japan) is not worthy of a spot, because Japan could use the help. Personally, I have absolutely no problem whatsoever with choosing players from any nationality or eligibility. If they're good enough for a spot they deserve it. S15 rugby is a professional sport, as is Test Rugby. I don't care that Mike Harris is playing for Australia or that "Aussie half back" (LOL Foxsports) Kerr-Barlow was born in Australia. We live in the 21st century and it's a small world, and shock and horror, people immigrate from one country to another for a multitude of reasons.

http://www.3news.co.nz/Born-here-to...iwis/tabid/1534/articleID/224687/Default.aspx

HIGHLANDERS SQUAD
Josh Bekhuis, Tim Boys, Phil Burleigh, Liam Coltman, Elliot Dixon, Tamati Ellison, Jason Emery, Ma'afu Fia, Hosea Gear, John Hardie, Jarrad Hoeata, Andrew Hore, Chris King, Jamie Mackintosh, Nasi Manu, Brayden Mitchell, Ma'a Nonu, Declan O'Donnell, Jake Paringatai, Kade Poki, Hayden Parker, Buxton Popoalii, Colin Slade, Aaron Smith, Ben Smith, Lima Sopoaga, Fumiaki Tanaka, Brad Thorn, Shaun Treeby, Joe Wheeler, Tony Woodcock

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/7887763/All-Black-laden-Highlanders-squad-named
 
en_force_er

en_force_er

Geoff Shaw (53)
ACR I presumed that was the reason but at a base level it's blocking NZ from developing players that will represent their own nation, so from that perspective it's odd.

Still, it's awesome to see Tanaka getting a crack. It's a shame that the Japanese hooker couldn't get a crack too, he's pretty handy but didn't get the ITM Cup time Tanaka did because Otago was blessed with better depth at 2 than at 9.
 
SaderCheif

SaderCheif

Jimmy Flynn (14)
Blues: Backs: Charles Piutau, Marty McKenzie, George Moala, Waisake Naholo, Frank Halai, Rene Ranger, Malakai Fekitoa, Jackson Willison, Francis Saili, Chris Noakes, Baden Kerr, Piri Weepu, Jamison Gibson-Park, Bryn Hall. Forwards: Peter Saili, Luke Braid, Brendon O'Connor, Kane Barrett, Steven Luatua, Ronald Raaymakers, Ali Williams, Liaki Moli, Anthony Boric, Culum Retallick, Charlie Faumuina, Angus Ta'avao, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Tim Perry, Tom McCartney, Keven Mealamu, Quentin MacDonald, James Parsons.

Chiefs: Backs: Robbie Robinson, Tim Nanai-Williams, Lelia Masaga, Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Patrick Osborne, Andrew Horrell, Richard Kahui, Charlie Ngatai, Bundee Aki, Aaron Cruden, Gareth Anscombe, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Brendon Leonard, Augustine Pulu. Forwards: Fritz Lee, Tanerau Latimer, Sam Cane, Liam Messam, Nick Crosswell, Brodie Retallick, Craig Clarke, Romana Graham, Mike Fitzgerald, Ross Filipo, Ben Afeaki, Toby Smith, Ben Tameifuna, Josh Hohneck, Solomona Sakalia, Mahonri Schwalger, Hika Elliot, Rhys Marshall.

Crusaders: Backs: Israel Dagg, Tom Marshall, Johnny McNicholl, Zac Guildford, Adam Whitelock, Robbie Fruean, Ryan Crotty, Tom Taylor, Tyler Bleyendaal, Dan Carter, Andy Ellis, Willi Heinz, Jeremy Sua. Forwards: Kieran Read, Jordan Taufua, Richie McCaw, Matt Todd, Shane Christie, George Whitelock, Luke Whitelock, Jimmy Tupou, Sam Whitelock, Luke Romano, Tom Donnelly, Dominic Bird, Owen Franks, Nepo Laulala, Wyatt Crockett, Joe Moody, Corey Flynn, Ben Funnell, Codie Taylor.

Highlanders: Backs: Ben Smith, Hosea Gear, Buxton Popoali'i, Kade Poki, Declan O'Donnell, Jason Emery, Ma'a Nonu, Tamati Ellison, Shaun Treeby, Phil Burleigh, Colin Slade, Lima Sopoaga, Hayden Parker, Aaron Smith, Fumiaki Tanaka. Forwards: Nasi Manu, Jake Paringatai, Elliot Dixon, John Hardie, Tim Boys, Joe Wheeler, Jarrad Hoeata, Brad Thorn, Josh Bekhuis, Tony Woodcock, Jamie Mackintosh, Chris King, Maafu Fia, Andrew Hore, Liam Coltman, Braydon Mitchell.


Hurricanes: Backs: Andre Taylor, Cory Jane, Julian Savea, Matt Proctor, Alapati Leuia, Conrad Smith, Rey Lee-Lo, Tim Bateman, James Marshall, Beauden Barrett, Tusi Pisi, TJ Perenara, Chris Smylie, Samisoni Fisilau. Forwards: Victor Vito, Brad Shields, Ardie Savea, Jack Lam, Karl Lowe, Faifili Levave, Blade Thomson, Mark Reddish, Jeremy Thrush, James Broadhurst, Jason Eaton, Ben Franks, Ben May, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Reggie Goodes, Eric Sione, Dane Coles, Motu Matu'u.




Read more: http://www.foxsports.com.au/rugby/the-new-zealand-franchises-have-announced-their-squads-for-the-2013-super-rugby-season/story-e6frf4pu-1226507574934#ixzz2AqdHfLWk
 
Bullrush

Bullrush

John Hipwell (52)
en_force_er said:
ACR I presumed that was the reason but at a base level it's blocking NZ from developing players that will represent their own nation, so from that perspective it's odd.

Still, it's awesome to see Tanaka getting a crack. It's a shame that the Japanese hooker couldn't get a crack too, he's pretty handy but didn't get the ITM Cup time Tanaka did because Otago was blessed with better depth at 2 than at 9.
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Not really. As ARC said, a lot of the PI's are born and bred in NZ so they aren't blocking anyone.....they just have more options if they aren't good enough to play for the ABs.

There are a few that are born back in the islands but they usually come to NZ at a fairly young age (high school age at the most) and so their talent and skill is developed in NZ. Very few would choose their island nation to represent over NZ for the obvious reason. The ABs get paid A LOT more.

Not to mention the other obvious benefits of playing for the All Blacks over team like Manu Samoa eg. future playing opportunities, continued development etc.

If you look at the the 3 AB centurions, 2 are Samoan (and I think both are actually Samoan-born.)
 
en_force_er

en_force_er

Geoff Shaw (53)
Bullrush said:
Not really. As ARC said, a lot of the PI's are born and bred in NZ so they aren't blocking anyone...they just have more options if they aren't good enough to play for the ABs.

There are a few that are born back in the islands but they usually come to NZ at a fairly young age (high school age at the most) and so their talent and skill is developed in NZ. Very few would choose their island nation to represent over NZ for the obvious reason. The ABs get paid A LOT more.

Not to mention the other obvious benefits of playing for the All Blacks over team like Manu Samoa eg. future playing opportunities, continued development etc.

If you look at the the 3 AB centurions, 2 are Samoan (and I think both are actually Samoan-born.)
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I think you missed my point, I'm not arguing these guys aren't Kiwis at heart but if they're capped for another Pacific nation already then they aren't eligible for NZ and are blocking the development of a player who could play for NZ.

Some of these players (like Su'a discussed a page over) even get contracted to an NZ super rugby team after they are capped for a different country.

Obviously any human can feel two nations are their home, but the IRB doesn't see it that way.
 
Bullrush

Bullrush

John Hipwell (52)
Yes...sorry, I did miss your point.

Yes, Su'a may be blocking NZ players but that's why the Super squads are limited to only 2 players who they can contract who aren't eligible to play for NZ.

At least that's how it used to be anyway....
 
Bairdy

Bairdy

Peter Fenwicke (45)
SaderCheif said:
Crusaders: Backs: Israel Dagg, Tom Marshall, Johnny McNicholl, Zac Guildford, Adam Whitelock, Robbie Fruean, Ryan Crotty, Tom Taylor, Tyler Bleyendaal, Dan Carter, Andy Ellis, Willi Heinz, Jeremy Sua. Forwards: Kieran Read, Jordan Taufua, Richie McCaw, Matt Todd, Shane Christie, George Whitelock, Luke Whitelock, Jimmy Tupou, Sam Whitelock, Luke Romano, Tom Donnelly, Dominic Bird, Owen Franks, Nepo Laulala, Wyatt Crockett, Joe Moody, Corey Flynn, Ben Funnell, Codie Taylor.


Read more: http://www.foxsports.com.au/rugby/the-new-zealand-franchises-have-announced-their-squads-for-the-2013-super-rugby-season/story-e6frf4pu-1226507574934#ixzz2AqdHfLWk
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Unbelievable coverage in the backrow for Canterbury. So... very... envious ;)
 
SuperGrover

SuperGrover

Darby Loudon (17)
Bairdy said:
Unbelievable coverage in the backrow for Canterbury. So. very. envious ;)
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Except the great Richie McCaw won't play in next years Super Rugby tournament. He's on sabbatical.

Aside from that I agree. They seem to have an endless supply of talent.
 
Inside Shoulder

Inside Shoulder

Nathan Sharpe (72)
Antony said:
Bugger. I've always had a soft spot for Guildford after what happened with his dad. I really hope this turns out to be nothing.

Maybe he should switch franchises. Clearly he has an unhelpful group of mates In Christchurch.
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what happened to his father?
I too have had a soft spot for him from the time I saw his first game - I thought he could have been very very good at test level and, though he is still young (v. young by AB standards) I think that ship is pulling away from the dock.
 
en_force_er

en_force_er

Geoff Shaw (53)
Inside Shoulder said:
what happened to his father?
I too have had a soft spot for him from the time I saw his first game - I thought he could have been very very good at test level and, though he is still young (v. young by AB standards) I think that ship is pulling away from the dock.
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He could easily pop up in France ripping stuff up in a couple of years time I think.

The massive change of scene would make or break him.
 
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