CANTERBURY

Last year was one to remember for all the wrong reasons for Canterbury fans as they suffered the rare feat of missing out on the play-offs.

Between 2008 and 2017, Canterbury won nine out of 10 Premiership titles – so to miss the semi-finals all together in 2020 was a surprise. Head coaches Reuben Thorne and Mark Brown had a new squad of players to work with, plus a run of close losses that saw Canterbury lose three games by a single point. Thorne says COVID-19 was a factor in evening out the teams across the board and it also coincided with a year of change in playing personnel in his team. “We had a big cohort of young players that came into the group and a lot of those guys were only playing their first season of club rugby, let alone provincial rugby.” Looking ahead to this campaign, Thorne says most of the young players who came in last year have had time in a Super Rugby professional programme. “Guys like Tamaiti Williams, Chay Fihaki and Fletcher Newell have had opportunities, so they will be better for that. They certainly got a taste of it last year and will have a better understanding of what’s required. “We are looking forward to seeing their development and I am sure we will see that in their performances this year.” Another young player to watch is midfielder Rameka Poihipi, who slotted in well for the Chiefs at Super Rugby level. The new signings are headed by former All Blacks winger Waisake Naholo. The 30-year-old Fijian-born winger played the last of his 27 tests in 2018, before leaving New Zealand for London Irish at the end of 2019. Australian first-five Jack Debreczeni and Samoan No 8 Henry Stowers have also joined up with Canterbury. Highly regarded attack coach Marty Bourke is a new addition to the coaching group. He masterminded the attacking might of the Bay of Plenty Steamers, who beat Canterbury 44–8 last season. “We talked to a few people who had worked with him and he came highly recommended. We were really impressed with him as a person and his thoughts around attack and how the game should be played,” says Thorne. “We just think he is going to be a good fit and challenge our boys. Hopefully, he can take our young group to another level in their attack.” One player who will be missed by Canterbury is lock Mitchell Dunshea. The All Blacks squad member will miss the entire season after neck surgery but there is still good depth there with veteran Luke Romano and New Zealand Under-20s representative Zack Gallagher in the mix, plus Cullen Grace and captain Reed Prinsep have played lock in the past.

Canterbury’s No 8, CULLEN GRACE, in possession.

JOSH McKAY on the break for Canterbury.

CO-COACHES: REUBEN THORNE,

MARK BROWN

CAPTAIN: REED PRINSEP HOME GROUND: ORANGETHEORY

STADIUM, CHRISTCHURCH

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