Rugby 2023

INSIDE

ALL BLACKS PLAYER PROFILES

RUGBY WORLD CUP DRAW AND TEAM PROFILES

BUNNINGS WAREHOUSE NPC, HEARTLAND CHAMPIONSHIP AND FARAH PALMER CUP DRAWS

NPC TEAM PROFILES

MANAGING EDITOR:

Oliver Lee

EDITOR: Peter White

SUB-EDITOR:

Elise McDowell

COVER DESIGN:

Ontime Associates Limited

DESIGN & LAYOUT:

Mervyn Hurley

PHOTOGRAPHY:

photosport.nz

Getty Images

Iconic Visuals

PRINTING:

Webstar Auckland

PUBLISHER:

Box 331-667, Takapuna, Auckland 0740, New Zealand

T: 09 486 6966

E: oliver@oliverlee.co.nz

W: oliverlee.co.nz

RUGBY2023 CONTENTS

4 NPC SEASON AND RUGBY WORLD CUP PREVIEW

We preview the men’s NPC and Rugby World Cup to be played in France in September and October.

7 ALL BLACKS PLAYERS PROFILES

The 36 All Blacks selected to contest the Bledisloe Cup and Rugby Championship are profiled.

NPC TEAM PREVIEWS

We preview all 20 teams, their hopes and aspirations ahead of the new season.

12 AUCKLAND, NORTH HARBOUR

14 NORTHLAND BAY OF PLENTY

16 COUNTIES MANUKAU

17 WAIKATO

18 HAWKE’S BAY, MANAWATŪ

26 FARAH PALMER CUP

Here is the draw of all the games in this year’s Farah Palmer Cup, which is expected to be another thrilling competition.

28 HEARTLAND CHAMPIONSHIP

Twelve teams will kick-off the Heartland Championship in the hope of becoming the next Meads Cup or Lochore Cup champions.

RUGBY WORLD CUP TEAM PREVIEWS

We preview all 20 teams, their prospects and recent developments ahead of the tournament.

32 NEW ZEALAND

33 FRANCE, ITALY

34 URUGUAY, NAMIBIA

37 IRELAND, SOUTH AFRICA

38 SCOTLAND, TONGA

41 ROMANIA, AUSTRALIA

42 WALES, GEORGIA

43 FIJI, PORTUGAL

44 ENGLAND

31 RUGBY WORLD CUP DRAW

Four pools of five teams will contest the 10th version of the men’s Rugby World Cup to be held in France.

24 NPC FIXTURES

This year’s NPC will have all 14-teams represented in a single points table, with the top eight teams progressing to the play-offs.

ISSN 2463-7041 (Print)

ISSN 2463-705X (Online)

45 ARGENTINA, JAPAN

46 SAMOA, CHILE

COVER IMAGES: As pictured, clockwise: All Blacks Sam Cane and Sam Whitelock after beating South Africa at Ellis Park, Johannesburg, last August; champion Wellington team captain Du’Plessis Kirifi in action; Paula Fifita takes the ball up for South Canterbury in last year’s Meads Cup final win over Whanganui; Rosie Kelly scores a try for Canterbury in the Farah Palmer Cup match against Otago; centre, the Webb Ellis Cup is up for grabs at the Rugby World Cup to be played in France.

NOTE: The TAB odds quoted throughout the magazine and the team World Rankings were correct on 24 July 2023. For the latest odds visit tab.co.nz COPYRIGHT: Reproduction in whole or in part by any means is prohibited. DISCLAIMER: The opinions expressed in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Although all material is checked for accuracy, no liability is assumed by the publisher for any loss due to use of material in this magazine.

ALL BLACKS CHASING WORLD CUP GLORY AND PROVINCIAL PRIDE ON THE LINE IN 2023

by PETER WHITE

It is my pleasure to welcome you to our latest rugby season preview magazine. RUGBY 2023 is the one-stop information site for rugby fans.

This year we will focus on the Bunnings Warehouse NPC that begins on Friday, August 4 and the men’s Rugby World Cup, which kicks off with a hugely anticipated clash between France and the All Blacks in Paris on September 9. We preview each of the 14 teams contesting the NPC, with the draw on pages 24–25. After years of tinkering with the format, this year’s NPC will finally have all 14 teams represented in one points table, with the top-eight teams progressing to the play-offs.

This change is bound to be warmly received by rugby fans the length and breadth of Aotearoa who have been frustrated by the changes over the years.

A return to popular family friendly kick-off times is another positive change. This season will see 46 of the 77 games being played at afternoon and early evening times. The opening match is Tasman hosting Otago in Nelson on Friday, August 4. The NPC final is scheduled for the weekend of October 20.

The women’s Bunnings Warehouse Farah Palmer Cup competition began earlier this month and is already several rounds in. The popular competition features New Zealand’s top 13 provincial sides, and the finals will be played on September 10.

Last year, Canterbury beat Auckland 41–14 in the Premiership final and Hawke's Bay won their first Championship title after beating Otago 24–20. Find the full draw on page 26.

The men’s Bunnings Warehouse Heartland Championship kicks off on August 12 and concludes on the weekend of October 14–15. South Canterbury will be after its third consecutive Meads Cup title, while Ngāti Porou East Coast triumphed in the Lochore Cup last season. The draw is on page 28.

But undoubtedly, the Rugby World Cup is the major event of the year. The Rugby World Cup final is on October 28 in Paris. Will the All Blacks be able to add to their four titles or will their hope for glory end early?

The All Blacks have started the Rugby Championship in outstanding form, beating Argentina in Mendoza by 41–12, and South Africa in Auckland by 35–20.

Hopefully there was another victory in the clash with Australia in Melbourne, the first of two Bledisloe Cup tests, which was played after publication deadline.

There has been plenty of consternation about the Rugby World Cup seedings. The draw took place in December 2020 and due to the COVID-19 pandemic, no Test matches after the 2019 Rugby World Cup were considered.

The set-up of the 2023 pools means that only two of Ireland, France, New Zealand and South Africa can reach the semi-finals. So, two of the big guns will be knocked out in the quarter-finals.

On the other side of the draw, England and Australia will be licking their lips in anticipation of an easier path to the semi-finals.

International rugby has never been more even. The gap between the top-tier nations and those bubbling just below has closed dramatically. The days of 100-point blow-outs are surely over in World Cups, with the sport developing quickly in areas like South America, which has three teams qualified for the first time.

The new eligibility laws that came into effect in 2021 will have a major impact in France for the tier-two nations.

A player who previously represented a tier-one nation can now represent another team if they can prove they, their parents or grandparents were born in the new country, and have observed a three-year stand-down period.

Tonga are the most fortunate recipients of the change with five former All Blacks and two former Wallabies greatly strengthening their squad. Keep your copy of Rugby 2023 close by for all the information you need. It is going to be a memorable rugby year.

WELLINGTON celebrate winning the 2022 NPC Premiership final over Canterbury.

SOUTH AFRICA won the 2019 Rugby World Cup after defeating England in the final.

Altrad is proud to be the Major Global Partner to New Zealand Rugby (NZR).

The values that sit at the heart of rugby are shared by Altrad and are the foundations of a business that continues to write a legacy across the globe.

Helping Kiwi kids get one step ahead for over 100 years. ASB Kids Banking

ALL BLACKS PLAYER PROFILES

We profile the 36 All Blacks selected to play in the 2023 Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship and Bledisloe Cup. All statistics were correct on 20 July 2023. For all up-to-date information on the All Blacks, visit www.allblacks.com

SAM CANE CAPTAIN #1113

PLACE OF BIRTH: ROTORUA

DATE OF BIRTH: 13 JANUARY 1992 AGE: 31

HEIGHT: 1.89m WEIGHT: 103kg

POSITION: LOOSE FORWARD

PROVINCIAL TEAM: BAY OF PLENTY

SUPER RUGBY TEAM: CHIEFS

TEST DEBUT: v IRELAND IN CHRISTCHURCH, 16 JUNE 2012

ALL BLACK TESTS: 88

ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 80

FINLAY CHRISTIE #1196

PLACE OF BIRTH: PEEBLES, SCOTLAND

DATE OF BIRTH: 19 SEPTEMBER 1995 AGE: 27

HEIGHT: 1.77m WEIGHT: 82kg

POSITION: HALFBACK

PROVINCIAL TEAM: TASMAN

SUPER RUGBY TEAM: BLUES

TEST DEBUT: v TONGA IN AUCKLAND, 3 JULY 2021

ALL BLACK TESTS: 16

ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 5

BEAUDEN BARRETT #1115

PLACE OF BIRTH: NEW PLYMOUTH

DATE OF BIRTH: 27 MAY 1991 AGE: 32

HEIGHT: 1.87m WEIGHT: 91kg

POSITION: FIRST FIVE-EIGHTH

PROVINCIAL TEAM: TARANAKI

SUPER RUGBY TEAM: HURRICANES

TEST DEBUT: v IRELAND IN HAMILTON, 23 JUNE 2012

ALL BLACK TESTS: 114

ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 725

ANTON LIENERT-BROWN #1153

PLACE OF BIRTH: CHRISTCHURCH

DATE OF BIRTH: 15 APRIL 1995 AGE: 28

HEIGHT: 1.85m WEIGHT: 96kg

POSITION: CENTRE

PROVINCIAL

TEAM: WAIKATO

SUPER RUGBY TEAM: CHIEFS

TEST DEBUT: v AUSTRALIA IN WELLINGTON, 27 AUGUST 2016

ALL BLACK TESTS: 60

ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 60

RIEKO IOANE #1156

PLACE OF BIRTH: AUCKLAND

DATE OF BIRTH: 18 MARCH 1997 AGE: 26

HEIGHT: 1.89m WEIGHT: 103kg

POSITION: WING

PROVINCIAL TEAM: AUCKLAND

SUPER RUGBY TEAM: BLUES

TEST DEBUT: v ITALY IN ROME, 12 NOVEMBER 2016

ALL BLACK TESTS: 61

ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 170

CALEB CLARKE #1187

PLACE OF BIRTH: AUCKLAND

DATE OF BIRTH: 29 MARCH 1999 AGE: 24

HEIGHT: 1.84m

POSITION: WING

PROVINCIAL

AARON SMITH #1112

PLACE OF BIRTH: PALMERSTON NORTH

DATE OF BIRTH: 21 NOVEMBER 1988 AGE: 34

BACKS

HEIGHT: 1.73m WEIGHT: 83kg

POSITION: HALFBACK

PROVINCIAL TEAM: MANAWATŪ

SUPER RUGBY TEAM: HIGHLANDERS

TEST DEBUT: v IRELAND IN AUCKLAND, 9 JUNE 2012

ALL BLACK TESTS: 116

ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 122

CAM ROIGARD #0000

PLACE OF BIRTH: HAMILTON

DATE OF BIRTH: 16 NOVEMBER 2000 AGE: 22

HEIGHT: 1.83m WEIGHT: 88kg

POSITION: HALFBACK

PROVINCIAL TEAM: COUNTIES MANUKAU

SUPER RUGBY TEAM: HURRICANES

TEST DEBUT: YET TO PLAY FOR THE ALL BLACKS

ALL BLACK TESTS: 0

ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 0

RICHARD MO’UNGA #1167

PLACE OF BIRTH: CHRISTCHURCH

DATE OF BIRTH: 25 MAY 1994 AGE: 29

HEIGHT: 1.76m WEIGHT: 83kg

POSITION: FIRST FIVE-EIGHTH

PROVINCIAL TEAM: CANTERBURY

SUPER RUGBY TEAM: CRUSADERS

TEST DEBUT: v FRANCE XV IN LYON, 14 NOVEMBER 2017

ALL BLACK TESTS: 46

ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 390

BRAYDON ENNOR #1184

PLACE OF BIRTH: AUCKLAND

DATE OF BIRTH: 16 JULY 1997 AGE: 26

HEIGHT: 1.87m

WEIGHT: 94kg

POSITION: CENTRE

PROVINCIAL TEAM: CANTERBURY

SUPER RUGBY TEAM: CRUSADERS

TEST DEBUT: v ARGENTINA IN BUENOS AIRES, 20 JULY 2019

ALL BLACK TESTS: 8

ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 5

DALLAS McLEOD #0000

PLACE OF BIRTH: METHVEN

DATE OF BIRTH: 30 APRIL 1999 AGE: 24

HEIGHT: 1.88m WEIGHT: 101kg

POSITION: SECOND FIVE-EIGHTH

PROVINCIAL TEAM: CANTERBURY

SUPER RUGBY TEAM: CRUSADERS

TEST DEBUT: YET TO PLAY FOR THE ALL BLACKS

ALL BLACK TESTS: 0

ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 0

EMONI NARAWA #1208

PLACE OF BIRTH: SUVA, FIJI

DATE OF BIRTH: 13 JULY 1999 AGE: 24

WEIGHT: 107kg

TEAM: AUCKLAND

SUPER RUGBY TEAM: BLUES

TEST DEBUT: v AUSTRALIA IN WELLINGTON, 11 OCTOBER 2020

ALL BLACK TESTS: 17

ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 20

HEIGHT: 1.84m

POSITION: WING

WEIGHT: 98kg

PROVINCIAL TEAM: BAY OF PLENTY

SUPER RUGBY TEAM: CHIEFS

TEST DEBUT: v ARGENTINA IN MENDOZA, 8 JULY 2023

ALL BLACK TESTS: 1

ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 5

JORDIE BARRETT #1159

PLACE OF BIRTH: NEW PLYMOUTH

DATE OF BIRTH: 17 FEBRUARY 1997 AGE: 26

HEIGHT: 1.96m WEIGHT: 95kg

POSITION: OUTSIDE BACK

PROVINCIAL TEAM: TARANAKI

SUPER RUGBY TEAM: HURRICANES

TEST DEBUT: v SAMOA IN AUCKLAND, 16 JUNE 2017

ALL BLACK TESTS: 50

ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 279

WILL JORDAN #1191

PLACE OF BIRTH: CHRISTCHURCH

DATE OF BIRTH: 24 FEBRUARY 1998 AGE: 25

HEIGHT: 1.88m WEIGHT: 94kg

POSITION: FULLBACK

PROVINCIAL TEAM: TASMAN

SUPER RUGBY TEAM: CRUSADERS

TEST DEBUT: v AUSTRALIA IN BRISBANE, 7 NOVEMBER 2020

ALL BLACK TESTS: 22

ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 110

MARK TELEA #1207

PLACE OF BIRTH: AUCKLAND

DATE OF BIRTH: 6 DECEMBER 1996 AGE: 26

HEIGHT: 1.86m WEIGHT: 94kg

POSITION: WING

PROVINCIAL TEAM: NORTH HARBOUR

SUPER RUGBY TEAM: BLUES

TEST DEBUT: v SCOTLAND IN EDINBURGH, 13 NOVEMBER 2022

ALL BLACK TESTS: 3

ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 10

DANE COLES #1117

PLACE OF BIRTH: PARAPARAUMU

DATE OF BIRTH: 10 DECEMBER 1986 AGE: 36

HEIGHT: 1.84m WEIGHT: 110kg

POSITION: HOOKER

PROVINCIAL TEAM: WELLINGTON

SUPER RUGBY TEAM: HURRICANES

TEST DEBUT: v SCOTLAND IN EDINBURGH, 11 NOVEMBER 2012

ALL BLACK TESTS: 85

ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 105

NEPO LAULALA #1139

PLACE OF BIRTH: MOTO’OTUA, SAMOA

DATE OF BIRTH: 6 NOVEMBER 1991 AGE: 31

HEIGHT: 1.84m WEIGHT: 116kg

POSITION: PROP

PROVINCIAL TEAM: CANTERBURY

SUPER RUGBY TEAM: CRUSADERS

TEST DEBUT: v SAMOA IN APIA, 8 JULY 2015

ALL BLACK TESTS: 47

ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 0

FLETCHER NEWELL #1205

PLACE OF BIRTH: RANGIORA

DATE OF BIRTH: 1 MARCH 2000 AGE: 23

HEIGHT: 1.86m WEIGHT: 121kg

Position: PROP

PROVINCIAL TEAM: CANTERBURY

SUPER RUGBY TEAM: CRUSADERS

TEST DEBUT: v SOUTH AFRICA IN JOHANNESBURG, 13 AUGUST 2022

ALL BLACK TESTS: 6

ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 0

DAMIAN McKENZIE #1154

PLACE OF BIRTH: INVERCARGILL

DATE OF BIRTH: 20 APRIL 1995 AGE: 28

HEIGHT: 1.77m WEIGHT: 78kg

POSITION: FIRST FIVE-EIGHTH

PROVINCIAL TEAM: WAIKATO

SUPER RUGBY TEAM: CHIEFS

TEST DEBUT: v ARGENTINA IN BUENOS AIRES, 1 OCTOBER 2016

ALL BLACK TESTS: 41

ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 110

LEICESTER FAINGA’ANUKU #1200

PLACE OF BIRTH: NUKU’ALOFA, TONGA

DATE OF BIRTH: 11 OCTOBER 1999 AGE: 23

HEIGHT: 1.88m WEIGHT: 109kg

POSITION: WING

PROVINCIAL TEAM: TASMAN

SUPER RUGBY TEAM: CRUSADERS

TEST DEBUT: v IRELAND IN AUCKLAND, 2 JULY 2022

ALL BLACK TESTS: 2

ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 0

SAMISONI TAUKEI’AHO #1198

PLACE OF BIRTH: TONGATAPU, TONGA

DATE OF BIRTH: 8 AUGUST 1997 AGE: 25

HEIGHT: 1.83m WEIGHT: 115kg

POSITION: HOOKER

PROVINCIAL TEAM: WAIKATO

SUPER RUGBY TEAM: CHIEFS

TEST DEBUT: v FIJI IN HAMILTON, 17 JULY 2021

ALL BLACK TESTS: 22

ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 50

CODIE TAYLOR #1143

PLACE OF BIRTH: LEVIN

DATE OF BIRTH: 31 MARCH 1991 AGE: 32

HEIGHT: 1.83m WEIGHT: 108kg

POSITION: HOOKER

PROVINCIAL TEAM: CANTERBURY

SUPER RUGBY TEAM: CRUSADERS

TEST DEBUT: v ARGENTINA IN CHRISTCHURCH, 17 JULY 2015

ALL BLACK TESTS: 78

ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 95

TYREL LOMAX #1180

PLACE OF BIRTH: CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA

DATE OF BIRTH: 16 MARCH 1996 AGE: 27

HEIGHT: 1.92m WEIGHT: 127kg

POSITION: PROP

PROVINCIAL TEAM: TASMAN

SUPER RUGBY TEAM: HIGHLANDERS

TEST DEBUT: v JAPAN IN TOKYO, 3 NOVEMBER 2018

ALL BLACK TESTS: 25

ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 0

TAMAITI WILLIAMS #1209

PLACE OF BIRTH: WHANGAREI

DATE OF BIRTH: 10 AUGUST 2000 AGE: 22

HEIGHT: 1.96m WEIGHT: 140kg

POSITION: PROP

PROVINCIAL TEAM: CANTERBURY

SUPER RUGBY TEAM: CRUSADERS

TEST DEBUT: v SOUTH AFRICA IN AUCKLAND, 15 JULY 2023

ALL BLACK TESTS: 1

ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 0

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ETHAN DE GROOT #1197

PLACE OF BIRTH: SOUTHPORT, AUSTRALIA

DATE OF BIRTH: 22 JULY 1998 AGE: 24

HEIGHT: 1.90m WEIGHT: 122kg

POSITION: PROP

PROVINCIAL TEAM: SOUTHLAND

SUPER RUGBY TEAM: HIGHLANDERS

TEST DEBUT: v FIJI IN DUNEDIN, 10JULY 2021

ALL BLACK TESTS: 15 ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 10

SCOTT BARRETT #1155

PLACE OF BIRTH: NEW PLYMOUTH

DATE OF BIRTH: 20 NOVEMBER 1993 AGE: 29

HEIGHT: 1.97m WEIGHT: 111kg

POSITION: LOCK

TEAM: CANTERBURY

PROVINCIAL

SUPER RUGBY TEAM: CRUSADERS

TEST DEBUT: v IRELAND IN CHICAGO, 5 NOVEMBER 2016

ALL BLACK TESTS: 60

ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 35

BRODIE RETALLICK #1110

PLACE OF BIRTH: RANGIORA, NEW ZEALAND

DATE OF BIRTH: 31 MAY 1991 AGE: 32

HEIGHT: 2.04m WEIGHT: 123kg

POSITION: LOCK

PROVINCIAL TEAM: HAWKE’S BAY

SUPER RUGBY TEAM: CHIEFS

TEST DEBUT: v IRELAND IN AUCKLAND, 9 JUNE 2012

ALL BLACK TESTS: 101

ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 40

JOSH LORD #1199

PLACE OF BIRTH: AUCKLAND

DATE OF BIRTH: 17 JANUARY 2001 AGE: 22

HEIGHT: 2.03m WEIGHT: 112kg

POSITION: LOCK

PROVINCIAL TEAM: TARANAKI

SUPER RUGBY TEAM: CHIEFS

TEST DEBUT: v USA IN WASHINGTON DC, 23 OCTOBER 2021

ALL BLACK TESTS: 3

ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 0

SAMIPENI FINAU #0000

PLACE OF BIRTH: TONGA

DATE OF BIRTH: 10 MAY 1999 AGE: 24

HEIGHT: 1.93m WEIGHT: 112kg

POSITION: FLANKER

PROVINCIAL TEAM: WAIKATO

SUPER RUGBY TEAM: CHIEFS

TEST DEBUT: YET TO PLAY FOR THE ALL BLACKS

ALL BLACK TESTS: 0

ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 0

DALTON PAPALII #1176

PLACE OF BIRTH: AUCKLAND

DATE OF BIRTH: 11 OCTOBER 1997 AGE: 25

HEIGHT: 1.93m WEIGHT: 113kg

POSITION: FLANKER

PROVINCIAL TEAM: COUNTIES MANUKAU

SUPER RUGBY TEAM: BLUES

TEST DEBUT: v JAPAN IN TOKYO, 3 NOVEMBER 2018

ALL BLACK TESTS: 24

ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 30

OFA TU’UNGAFASI #1150

PLACE OF BIRTH: NUKU’ALOFA, TONGA

DATE OF BIRTH: 19 APRIL 1992 AGE: 31

HEIGHT: 1.95m WEIGHT: 122kg

POSITION: PROP

PROVINCIAL TEAM: AUCKLAND

SUPER RUGBY TEAM: BLUES

TEST DEBUT: v WALES IN DUNEDIN, 25 JUNE 2016

ALL BLACK TESTS: 51

ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 5

SAM WHITELOCK #1104

PLACE OF BIRTH: PALMERSTON NORTH

DATE OF BIRTH: 12 OCTOBER 1988 AGE: 34

HEIGHT: 2.02m WEIGHT: 115kg

POSITION: LOCK

PROVINCIAL TEAM: CANTERBURY

SUPER RUGBY TEAM: CRUSADERS

TEST DEBUT: v IRELAND IN NEW PLYMOUTH, 12 JUNE 2010

ALL BLACK TESTS: 143

ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 35

TUPOU VAA’I #1188

PLACE OF BIRTH: AUCKLAND

DATE OF BIRTH: 27 JANUARY 2000 AGE: 23

HEIGHT: 1.98m WEIGHT: 118kg

POSITION: LOCK

PROVINCIAL TEAM: TARANAKI

SUPER RUGBY TEAM: CHIEFS

TEST DEBUT: v AUSTRALIA IN WELLINGTON, 11 OCTOBER 2020

ALL BLACK TESTS: 20

ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 15

LUKE JACOBSON #1183

PLACE OF BIRTH: CAMBRIDGE

DATE OF BIRTH: 20 APRIL 1997 AGE: 26

HEIGHT: 1.91m WEIGHT: 107kg

POSITION: FLANKER

PROVINCIAL TEAM: WAIKATO

SUPER RUGBY TEAM: CHIEFS

TEST DEBUT: v ARGENTINA IN BUENOS AIRES, 20 JULY 2019

ALL BLACK TESTS: 12

ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 25

SHANNON FRIZELL #1172

PLACE OF BIRTH: TONGATAPU, TONGA

DATE OF BIRTH: 11 FEBRUARY 1994 AGE: 29

HEIGHT: 1.95m WEIGHT: 108kg

POSITION: FLANKER

PROVINCIAL TEAM: TASMAN

SUPER RUGBY TEAM: HIGHLANDERS

TEST DEBUT: v FRANCE IN DUNEDIN, 23 JUNE 2018

ALL BLACK TESTS: 27

ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 20

ARDIE SAVEA #1147

PLACE OF BIRTH: WELLINGTON

DATE OF BIRTH: 14 OCTOBER 1993 AGE: 29

HEIGHT: 1.90m WEIGHT: 99kg

POSITION: LOOSE FORWARD

PROVINCIAL TEAM: WELLINGTON

SUPER RUGBY TEAM: HURRICANES

TEST DEBUT: v WALES IN AUCKLAND, 11 JUNE 2016

ALL BLACK TESTS: 72

ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 105

BUNNINGS WAREHOUSE NPC TEAM PREVIEWS

AUCKLAND

SEMI-FINALIST IN 2022: It was a mixed bag for Auckland last season with the team showing glimpses of its potential. In round-robin play, Auckland finished fourth in the Evens Conference with six wins and four losses. Then in the quarter-final, they sneaked past North Harbour 21–18 before getting a 54–19 hiding from eventual champions Wellington in the semi-final.

COACH:

CRAIG McGRATH

CAPTAIN:

HARRY PLUMMER

WEBSITE:

aucklandrugby.co.nz

TICKETS:

ticketmaster.co.nz

PHONE: 09 815 4850

TAB ODDS: $6.50

KEY PLAYERS: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck will want to finish on a high before he returns to rugby league with the New Zealand Warriors. He is part of a talented backline alongside Harry Plummer, AJ Lam and Zarn Sullivan. The forwards have plenty of quality, including hookers Soane Vikena and Leni Apisai, prop Marcel Renata, tough flanker Adrian Choat, plus former All Blacks Patrick Tuipulotu and Akira Ioane who will have higher honours in mind.

YOUNG GUNS: All Blacks Sevens flyer Caleb Tangitau will have learned plenty as part of the Blues squad this year, as well as setting alight the world sevens stage. He has superior speed to most outside backs and could be a sensation at NPC level. Halfback Manu Paea stepped up well when given the chance with Moana Pasifika.

SEASON PROSPECTS: After five seasons in charge, Alama Ieremia has moved on. He has been replaced as head coach by Craig McGrath, assistant for the past three seasons. Auckland’s last title was won back in 2018. Nothing less than finals footy will appease the

NORTH HARBOUR

QUARTER-FINALIST IN 2022: North Harbour finished second in the Evens Conference with six wins and four losses, which set up an intriguing Battle of the Bridge clash with Auckland in the quarter-final. Harbour jumped out to a 15–6 lead but suffered the heartbreak of conceding an injury time penalty to lose to their great rivals.

COACH:

DANIEL HALANGAHU

CAPTAIN:

BRYN GATLAND

WEBSITE:

harbourrugby.co.nz

TICKETS:

harbourrugby. flicket.co.nz

PHONE: 09 447 2100

TAB ODDS: $13.00

KEY PLAYERS: First-five Bryn Gatland will be keen to guide Harbour to a finals berth before he leaves for a new start in Japan. He suffered an injury during Super Rugby Pacific but will be back for the NPC. Harbour’s forwards have been strengthened by Hurricanes prop Tevita Mafileo, while New Zealand XV loose forward Cameron Suafoa is set for a big season.

YOUNG GUNS: First-five Oscar Koller is a points-scoring machine and if he gets some game time for Harbour, should be able to replicate his form at NPC level.

Fullback/winger Kade Banks has already proved himself for Harbour with some highly promising performances and this coming campaign could be his opportunity to grab a starting position. Fullback Danyon Morgan-Puterangi is another talent to come through the Westlake Boys’ pathway.

SEASON PROSPECTS: The brilliant back-three from last season, Shaun Stevenson, Tevita Li and Mark Telea, will be sorely missed. It will be a case of back-to-the-future for Harbour, as they return to their spiritual home of Onewa Domain for the first two home games due to

Auckland fan base and with the abundance of talent within the squad, 2023 could be a memorable season.

ROGER TUIVASA-SHECK will want to finish with Auckland on a high.

CAMERON SUAFOA on the charge for North Harbour

This year’s competition format sees all 14 teams represented in a single points table, with the top eight teams progressing to the play-offs — by PETER WHITE.

North Harbour Stadium being used as a warm-up venue for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

NPC TEAM PREVIEWS

NORTHLAND

from page 12

QUARTER-FINALIST IN 2022: It was a special season for the Northland Taniwha. Memorable wins over Taranaki, Wellington, Southland, Auckland and Manawatū led to a quarter-final in Christchurch against Canterbury. Against the odds, Northland pushed the red-and-blacks all the way before losing 23–16. It was an impressive performance that they can build upon for the 2023 campaign.

COACH: JOHN LESLIE

CAPTAIN: TOM ROBINSON

WEBSITE: northlandrugby.co.nz

PHONE: 09 438 4743

TICKETS: www.eventfinda.co.nz

TAB ODDS: $41.00

KEY PLAYERS: The Taniwha will again field a strong front-row with the likes of props Chris Apoua and Jarrod Adams, plus hooker Bruce Kauika-Peterson. The loose forward mix is equally powerful, led by inspirational Blues player Tom Robinson, and features Rob Rush, Jonah Mau’u and Matt Matich. Halfback pairing Sam Nock and Rivez Reihana are quality players and All Blacks midfielder Jack Goodhue is a class act.

YOUNG GUNS: Former New Zealand Schools lock Allan Craig stands at 1.95m tall, so given game time will ensure plenty of lineout ball. Terepai King is another big unit with good ball skills. Halfbacks Trent Hape and Lisati Milo-Harris, and former New Zealand Schools Sevens winger Tama Anderson, will have learned plenty as part of last year’s squad.

SEASON PROSPECTS: There is plenty of optimism circulating around the vast Northland catchment area after the Taniwha showed plenty of spirit in reaching the quarter-finals last season. Former Otago and Scotland rep John Leslie brings a wealth of provincial and international

BAY OF PLENTY

SEMI-FINALIST IN 2022: There were plenty of positives to take from the campaign. The Steamers made it all the way through to a semi-final showdown with Canterbury in Christchurch, after defeating local rivals Waikato in the quarter-final. The Steamers lost key playmaker Kaleb Trask and powerful second-five Inga Finau ahead of the Canterbury clash and that proved decisive in the defeat.

COACH:

RICHARD WATT

CAPTAIN:

KURT EKLUND

WEBSITE: www.boprugby.co.nz

PHONE: 07 574 2037

TICKETS:

boprugby.flicket.co.nz

TAB ODDS: $13.00

KEY PLAYERS: The forward pack is undoubtedly the Bay’s strength. Veteran John Afoa, Kurt Eklund, Aidan Ross, Manaaki Selby-Rickit, Justin Sangster, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Nikora Broughton, Jacob Norris, Etonia Waqa, Pasilio Tosi and Penitoa Finau form a powerful unit. Standout backs include midfielder Lalomilo Lalomilo, winger Melani Nanai, plus Leroy Carter, Fehi Fineanganofo and Cody Vai from the All Blacks Sevens programme.

YOUNG GUNS: The opportunity to shine again in the 10 jersey falls to Lucas Cashmore, with first-choice Kaleb Trask not available through injury as the season kicks-off. Cashmore has impressed when given start time with his sharp kicking game. Benet Kumeroa and Josh Bartlett are two young forwards who have come through the Baywide club system after starring at age-group level.

SEASON PROSPECTS: Last season, the Bay won a rare game against Auckland on Eden Park and defeated a strong Waikato outfit in a pulsating quarter-final held in Hamilton. The Steamers will field a powerful pack unlikely to yield to any other in the competition, so expect plenty

experience to his new role as head coach. Northland begin with two home games against Canterbury and Taranaki, which are sure to attract big crowds.

of quick, front-foot ball for the backs to enjoy. The first choice of attacking talent in the backline will certainly entertain. Definite play-off contenders.

Northland player RIVEZ REIHANA is set for a big season

MANAAKI SELBY-RICKIT wins lineout ball for the Steamers against Auckland.

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NPC TEAM PREVIEWS

…continued from page 14

COUNTIES MANUKAU

SIXTH IN ODDS CONFERENCE IN 2022: The Counties Manukau Steelers had a disappointing campaign, with just three wins from 10 games. Things may have been so different after game two if they had managed to turn the Ranfurly Shield challenge against Hawke’s Bay into a famous victory and not a one-point loss. A later win over Bay of Plenty showed what they were capable of.

KEY PLAYERS: Chiefs and New Zealand XV winger Etene Nanai-Seturo is one of the best finishers in the game. First-five Riley Hohepa continues to impress while hooker Zuriel Togiatama proved his capabilities with Fijian Drua. His dynamic ball-running makes him a real asset for the Steelers. All Blacks No 8 Hoskins Sotutu and halfback Cam Roigard may be available for some of the NPC programme.

YOUNG GUNS: Lock or loose forward Alex McRobbie has Counties Manukau rugby royalty in his blood and showed his ability in last year’s NPC. The 23-year-old has the power (110kg) and height (1.97m) to be a real force in the Steelers pack. He should kick on this season after his Super Rugby Pacific taster with Moana Pasifika. Liam Daniela is an excellent running halfback.

SEASON PROSPECTS: The Steelers have a squad full of experienced campaigners, with many having played at Super Rugby Pacific level. Coach Reon Graham coached rep rugby through the grades and led Counties Manukau to national sevens titles in 2016 and 2017, as well as a runner-up finish in 2018. His policy of picking local club players first proved hugely popular last year and should pay dividends in 2023.

ETENE NANAI-SETURO takes a high ball for Counties Manukau.

WAIKATO

QUARTER-FINALISTS IN 2022: It was their Chiefs’ partners Bay of Plenty who put an end to Waikato’s title aspirations. Just a week after beating the Steamers by a single point in Hamilton, Waikato again hosted their local rivals from over the Kaimai Range in the quarter-finals. This time the visitors won a thriller by 34 –27.

KEY PLAYERS: Halfback Cortez Ratima got better with every game for the Chiefs, so expect him to be a dominant force in the NPC. Ollie Norris is one of the best loosehead props in the country and pushing hard for national honours. Centre/winger Bailyn Sullivan is a powerful ball carrier while loose forward Mitch Jacobson is a strong defender.

YOUNG GUNS: First-five Taha Kemara showed his class in the NPC last season with his speed, kicking game and tactical skills outstanding. He also made his debut for the Crusaders this year, so will be set to run the backline with Damian McKenzie on All Blacks duty. Daniel Sinkinson is one of the quickest wingers in the NPC.

SEASON PROSPECTS: Waikato start the season with three away games as FMG Stadium Waikato in Hamilton is unavailable due to FIFA Women’s World Cup matches being played there. Southland, Bay of Plenty and Hawke’s Bay on the road will test the Mooloos before their first home game against Taranaki. The Waikato squad is well-balanced, with good depth in all positions, so despite the tough start expect to see the team still around at play-offs time.

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COACH: ROSS FILIPO

CO-CAPTAINS: MITCH JACOBSON AYDEN JOHNSTONE

WEBSITE: www.mooloo.co.nz

PHONE: 07 839 5675

TICKETS: mooloo.flicket.co.nz

TAB ODDS: $6.50

Halfback CORTEZ RATIMA is a key player for Waikato.

NPC TEAM PREVIEWS

HAWKE’S BAY

COACH: BROCK JAMES

CAPTAIN:

BRAD WEBER

WEBSITE: hbmagpies.co.nz

TICKETS:

hbmagpies.flicket

PHONE: 06 835 7617

TAB ODDS: $13.00

QUARTER-FINALIST IN 2022: Hawke’s Bay Magpies received a double blow at the hands of Wellington to put an end to their hopes last season. Wellington travelled to Napier and returned home with the Ranfurly Shield to end Hawke's Bay's third-longest Shield reign (14 defences), before beating Hawke’s Bay again in a thrilling NPC quarter-final in the capital.

KEY PLAYERS: There will be no shortage of motivation for halfbacks Brad Weber and Folau Fakatava after they both missed selection in the first All Blacks squad of the season. Pouri Rakete Stones, Isi Tu’ungafasi, Tom Allen, Marino Mikaele-Tu’u, Devan Flanders and Josh Gimblett are part of a strong forward pack. Lincoln McClutchie, Caleb Makene, Ollie Sapsford, Chase Tiatia, Jonah Lowe, Neria Fomai and Paula Balekana form a dangerous backline.

YOUNG GUNS: The team’s remarkable riches at halfback have increased further with the signing of Auckland and Moana Pasifika player Sam Wye. The province had strong representation in the New Zealand Under-20 World Cup team in South Africa with Cooper Flanders, Harry Godfrey, Hunter Morrison and Tom Allen selected in the touring squad.

SEASON PROSPECTS: The Magpies no longer have the Ranfurly Shield as the new season kicks-off and that will enable the players to focus solely on the NPC. This may well enhance the team’s chances of going further than last year’s quarter-final finish. Head coach Josh Syms resigned a mere 12 weeks before the start of the NPC

MANAWATŪ

SEVENTH IN EVENS CONFERENCE 2022: It was a difficult season to deal with. Manawatū played 10 matches and lost the lot. It was also a sad way for highly regarded coach Peter Russell to finish up. Despite the best intentions, team results can just tank like the Turbos did. There was no lack of effort and some near misses, but it was definitely a season to forget.

COACH:

MIKE ROGERS

CAPTAINS:

JASON EMERY, BRAYDON IOSE

WEBSITE: turbosrugby.co.nz

TICKETS: ticketek.co.nz

PHONE: 06 357 2633

TAB ODDS: $101.00

KEY PLAYERS: Powerful lock Micaiah Torrance-Read has played 29 games for the province and should lead by example this season. Experienced centre Jason Emery first played for the Turbos in 2012 while Brayden Iose made a big impression for the Hurricanes earlier this year, so expect a top campaign from the athletic loosie.

YOUNG GUNS: Manawatū has a vibrant academy and fine talent moving through to the Turbos. Winger Epeli Waqa-Nalaga was the Under-20s Player of the Year for the Hurricanes and halfback Jordi Viljoen is also with the Hurricanes and one of only 20 players on a national development contract. Centre Kyle Brown is another academy graduate stepping up to NPC this year.

SEASON PROSPECTS: The only way is up. New head coach Mike Rogers is well aware of the daunting task ahead of him. The former Bay of Plenty assistant coach wants to build a strong culture within the team and the wider community. He is fresh from an assistant coaching role with the New England Free Jacks, who triumphed in the USA’s Major League Rugby. Former All Blacks winger Nehe Milner-Skudder will work with Manawatū’s highperformance players.

to take up a coaching position in Italy. Australian Brock James was promoted from assistant coach to keep the continuity within the playing group.

Manawatū halfback LOGAN HENRY sends a pass flying.

STACEY ILI makes a strong break for Hawke’s Bay.

TARANAKI

SIXTH IN EVENS CONFERENCE IN 2022: The unbeaten 2021 season was a hard act to follow for the Taranaki Bulls last year, but it was still surprising they missed out on a quarter-final place. Just three wins from 10 games was not enough to get through. Injuries to key players certainly did not help but overall, it was a disappointing campaign.

KEY PLAYERS: Discarded All Blacks first-five Stephen Perofeta and dynamic loose forward Pita Gus Sowakula have plenty of extra motivation in this year’s NPC. Jesse Parete can play equally well at blindside and lock, while former captain Teihorangi Walden is back from playing in the USA’s Major League Rugby. Kaylum Boshier benefited from another season with the Chiefs.

YOUNG GUNS: New signing Fiti Sa is a big unit, standing 2.03m tall. The mobile lock is two years out of Christ’s College in Canterbury and currently with the Chiefs on a national development contract. Scott Jury is another promising lock who has tasted NPC action, as has flanker Hemopo Cunningham. First-five Josh Jacomb has all the skills needed to succeed.

SEASON PROSPECTS: The squad has a familiar look again in 2023 and has remained relatively consistent over the past two seasons. Just three new players are included: wing Willem Ratu, former Hurricanes loose forward Heiden Bedwell-Curtis and Fiti Sa. There is the usual tough edge to the forward pack and in Neil Barnes they have one of the best coaches in the country. A return to play-off footy is expected.

WELLINGTON

CHAMPIONS IN 2022: Wellington’s 2022 season will go down as one of the finest in the union’s history. The Lions played some superb attacking rugby on the back of a powerful forward pack to finish top of the Evens Conference before beating Hawke’s Bay, Auckland and finally Canterbury in the grand final. To add the biggest cherry on top, Wellington also won the Ranfurly Shield off Hawke’s Bay.

KEY PLAYERS: Former Hurricanes captain and centurion Brad Shields is the big signing. He returns to New Zealand after five years playing overseas, including winning nine caps for England. The powerful loose forward will add to an already strong forward pack that includes giant lock Dominic Bird. Midfielder Peter Umaga-Jensen and first-five Aiden Morgan will bring their excellent form with the Hurricanes to guide a youthful Lions backline.

YOUNG GUNS: No 8 Peter Lakai is one of the rising stars of New Zealand rugby. The 20-year-old made his NPC debut last season, scored a hat trick of tries in his fourth game, and then produced outstanding form for the Hurricanes in Super Rugby Pacific. Midfielder Riley Higgins is another player to watch for the Lions.

SEASON PROSPECTS: Wellington’s new coaching group is led by promoted head coach Tamati Ellison. The coaches face the dual challenge of having an NPC title and Ranfurly Shield to defend but will have a strong playing roster to work with. There are some fine young players looking to make their mark, including local boys Hugo Plummer, Bradley Crichton and Dominic Ropeti.

COACH: NEIL BARNES

CO-CAPTAINS: KAYLUM BOSHIER, LOGAN CROWLEY

WEBSITE: www.trfu.co.nz

PHONE: 06 759 0167

TICKETS: www.iticket.co.nz

TAB ODDS: $18.00

COACH: TAMATI ELLISON

CAPTAIN: DU’PLESSIS KIRIFI

WEBSITE: wellingtonlions.co.nz

PHONE: 04 389 0020

TICKETS: www.flicket.co.nz

TAB ODDS: $4.00

Influential first-five STEPHEN PEROFETA in action for Taranaki.

PETER LAKAI makes a typical charging run for Wellington.

NPC TEAM PREVIEWS …continued from previous page 19

TASMAN

CO-COACHES: GRAY CORNELIUS, DAN PERRIN

CO-CAPTAINS: MITCH HUNT, QUINTEN STRANGE

WEBSITE:

tasmanrugby.co.nz

PHONE: 03 548 7030

TICKETS: mako.flicket.co.nz

TAB ODDS: $8.00

FIFTH IN EVENS CONFERENCE 2022: Tasman Mako have enjoyed a wonderful run in the NPC, winning titles in 2019, 2020 and finishing runners-up in 2021. But last year, they surprisingly missed the top-four play-offs, despite playing some sparkling rugby, which has become the Mako style over the years.

KEY PLAYERS: Very few unions have produced more All Blacks in recent times than Tasman. The ability to generate homegrown talent will be tested in 2023 with injuries and All Black selections depleting the squad. But there are still top-quality players like outstanding young Blues loose forward Anton Segner, locks Quinten Strange and Pari Pari Parkinson, first-fives Mitch Hunt and William Havili, and centre Levi Aumua. Flanker Ethan Blackadder could possibly be back from injury.

YOUNG GUNS: Winger Macca Springer and halfback Noah Hotham starred for the New Zealand Under-20s at the recent World Championships. Springer made his Mako debut last season and then played well when given game time with the Crusaders. Hotham also looks destined for higher honours after also stepping up for the Crusaders and showing he belongs at Super Rugby Pacific level.

SEASON PROSPECTS: Tasman Mako again look strong across the park and have good squad depth to cover the inevitable injuries. The Mako kick-off their 2023 campaign with two home games against Otago and Auckland. August 23 is a date to pencil in as the Mako travel to Wellington to challenge for the Ranfurly Shield, which the Tasman union has never won.

SOUTHLAND

SEVENTH IN ODDS CONFERENCE 2022: Any season with just one win recorded from 10 matches must be regarded as well below par. But the reality was that the Stags were highly competitive in most of their games, with narrow losses to Auckland (one point), Tasman and Otago that could easily have swung the way of the Southlanders.

COACH:

DALE MacLEOD

CAPTAIN:

JOSH BEKHUIS

WEBSITE: rugbysouthland.co.nz

PHONE: 03 216 8694

TICKETS: www.ticketek.co.nz

TAB ODDS: $101.00

KEY PLAYERS: Lock and captain Josh Bekhuis, midfielder Matt Whaanga and utility back Scott Gregory are three prominent players for the Stags. Bekhuis has played 125 games for Southland and looks likely to surpass Tim Boys’ 128 caps during the 2023 season. Two other quality players have been signed from overseas in former Bay of Plenty first-five Dan Hollinshead (France) and former Canterbury and Otago loose forward Dylan Nel (Japan). Popular first-five Marty Banks returns to the team after a long injury lay-off.

YOUNG GUNS: Hooker Jack Taylor was just 19 when he made his NPC debut for the Stags last season. This year, he was in the Highlanders High Performance Programme and the New Zealand Under-20 squad that competed at the World Rugby Championships in South Africa. Winger Michael Manson is probably the quickest player in the NPC with a 100m personal best of 10.8 seconds.

SEASON PROSPECTS: Former Highlanders lock Bekhuis captains the side which will play Hawke’s Bay, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Northland and Auckland at Rugby Park in Invercargill. There is a good mix of youth and experience in the squad so expect better things from the Stags this season.

PARI PARI PARKINSON wins another lineout for Tasman Mako.

Utility back SCOTT GREGORY in action for the Stags.

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NPC TEAM PREVIEWS

CANTERBURY

COACH: MARTY BOURKE

CAPTAIN: BILLY HARMON

WEBSITE: canterburyrugby.co.nz

PHONE: 03 379 8300

TICKETS: www.ticket.co.nz

TAB ODDS: $4.00

from page 20

RUNNERS-UP IN 2022: Canterbury lost just one of 10 round-robin games and went into the play-offs red-hot favourites to win another NPC title. Wins over Northland and Bay of Plenty set-up a showdown with Wellington in the final in Christchurch. Against the odds, Wellington won 26–18 to claim the trophy.

KEY PLAYERS: Fergus Burke has made every post a winner since arriving in Christchurch from Hamilton. In 2019, he represented New Zealand Under-20s, made his debut for Canterbury and then the Crusaders. Burke has all the skills needed to be a top-notch first-five in the modern game. Flanker Tom Christie is an outstanding defender who dominates the tackle area.

YOUNG GUNS: Hooker George Bell proved himself at NPC level last year and is set to be one of the top-ranked rakes this season. Halfback Joel Lam had to be patient last year but if given the opportunity he looks a capable player. First-five Alex Harford is regarded as a future star and looked composed on debut last season.

SEASON PROSPECTS: It may surprise rugby fans to know Canterbury have not won the NPC since 2017. Their dominance of the trophy leading up to that season has not been repeated in recent campaigns. This is something head coach Marty Bourke will be desperate to change in 2023. With a squad packed full of Crusaders and New Zealand Under-20 talent, there is every chance the red-and-blacks will add to their NPC titles.

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FERGUS BURKE makes a break for Canterbury in last year’s NPC.

OTAGO

FIFTH IN ODDS CONFERENCE IN 2022: Otago can rightly claim to be unlucky to miss out on a quarter-final place. They won five and lost five of their round-robin games but suffered defeats to Canterbury, Wellington, Bay of Plenty and Counties Manukau by only six points or less. They had winning positions in all those games.

KEY PLAYERS: Waisake Naholo makes a popular return to where he triumphed for the Highlanders. Utility back Sam Gilbert had his best Super Rugby campaign for the Highlanders and should again be a key player for Otago alongside talented midfielder Thomas Umaga-Jensen and winger Jona Nareki. Lock Josh Dickson will be at the heart of the forward pack with loose forward Christian Lio-Willie another top-quality player.

YOUNG GUNS: First-five Ajay Faleafaga and loose forward Will Stodart performed well for the New Zealand Under-20s. Loose forward Harry Taylor breaks his way into this year’s team after three years in the Otago Rugby Academy. Midfielder Jack Leslie is well-regarded, while five-eight Nathan Hastie has missed the last two NPC seasons with injury but made his debut for the Highlanders this year.

SEASON PROSPECTS: The squad remains relatively settled from 2022 with most players returning and nine new players named by head coach Tom Donnelly. There are high hopes for the local talent coming through the region – 18 squad players attended secondary school within the Otago region and 19 are graduating through the Otago Rugby Academy. In total, 21 players were involved in Super Rugby Pacific this year.

COACH: TOM DONNELLY

CAPTAIN: JAMES LENTJES

WEBSITE: www.orfu.co.nz

PHONE: 03 477 0928

TICKETS: orfu.flicket.co.nz

TAB ODDS: $18.00

SAM GILBERT can cover most of the backline positions for Otago.

BUNNINGS WAREHOUSE NPC EXPLAINED 2023 NATIONAL PROVINCIAL CHAMPIONSHIP

This year’s competition format sees all 14 teams represented in a single points table, with the top-eight teams progressing to the play-offs.

The quarter-finals see the topranked team hosting (1 v 8, 2 v 7, 3 v 6, 4 v 5). The following weekend’s semi-finals will see teams play-off for a spot in the finals (1 v 4, 2 v 3).

Quarter-finals will be played over the weekend of October 6–8, semi-finals the following weekend October 13–14 with the NPC final currently scheduled for Friday October 20, but the exact date and kick-off time is to be confirmed.

The Ranfurly Shield will run concurrently within the NPC match schedule, with the holders putting the Shield up for challengers at every home game during the round-robin stage of the NPC.

Wellington are the defending NPC champions and Ranfurly Shield holders. Wellington play Southland in their third Ranfurly Shield challenge of the season on August 10 at Sky Stadium, kicking off at 2.05pm. Wellington defeated Horowhenua Kapiti (68–7) and South Canterbury (67–21) in pre-season challenges.

FOR UP-TO-DATE

INFORMATION GO TO www.provincial.rugby

2023 GAME SCHEDULE

NOTE: [RS] = RANFURLY SHIELD CHALLENGE

The 14 teams involved will play 70 matches before the play-offs in just nine weeks. For all up-to-date information on the BUNNINGS WAREHOUSE NPC and any changes to kick-off times, visit www.provincial.rugby

FARAH PALMER CUP DRAW

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HEARTLAND CHAMPIONSHIP DRAW

All details are subject to change, home team listed first. Bill Osborne Taonga challenge match (BOT)

KODY EDWARDS breaks a tackle for Horowhenua Kapiti.

Valley’s HARRY LEFITUANAI looks for a teammate to pass to.

RWC 2023 MATCH SCHEDULE

All match times are in New Zealand local time and were correct at time of going to press. Note that Daylight Saving Time begins on September 24. For up-to-date information on the Rugby World Cup 2023, visit www.rugbyworldcup.com/2023

All 48 Rugby World Cup matches will be broadcast live on Sky Sport and 12 matches will be broadcast on free-to-air channel Prime (six of them live). For more information, visit www.skysport.co.nz

POOL A

POOL B

POOL C

POOL D

THE DRAW FOR ALL MATCHES

SATURDAY 9 SEPTEMBER

7:15AM

FRANCE v NEW ZEALAND

POOL A Stade de France, Saint-Denis

11:00PM

ITALY v NAMIBIA

POOL A Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, Saint-Étienne

SUNDAY 10 SEPTEMBER

1:30AM

IRELAND v ROMANIA

POOL B Stade de Bordeaux, Bordeaux

4:00AM

AUSTRALIA v GEORGIA

POOL C Stade de France, Saint-Denis

7:00AM

ENGLAND v ARGENTINA

POOL D Stade de Marseille, Marseille

11:00PM

JAPAN v CHILE

POOL D Stadium de Toulouse, Toulouse

MONDAY 11 SEPTEMBER

3:45AM

SOUTH AFRICA v SCOTLAND

POOL B Stade de Marseille, Marseille

7:00AM

WALES v FIJI

POOL C Stade de Bordeaux, Bordeaux

FRIDAY 15 SEPTEMBER

7:00AM

FRANCE v URUGUAY

POOL A Stade Pierre-Mauroy, Lille

SATURDAY 16 SEPTEMBER

7:00AM

NEW ZEALAND v NAMIBIA

POOL A Stadium de Toulouse, Toulouse

SUNDAY 17 SEPTEMBER

1:00AM

SAMOA v CHILE

POOL D Stade de Bordeaux, Bordeaux

3:45AM

WALES v PORTUGAL

POOL C Stade de Nice, Nice

7:00AM

IRELAND v TONGA

MONDAY 18 SEPTEMBER

1:00AM

SOUTH AFRICA v ROMANIA

POOL B Stade de Bordeaux, Bordeaux

3:45AM

AUSTRALIA v FIJI

POOL C Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, Saint-Étienne

ENGLAND v JAPAN

SAMOA

IRELAND

TONGA

POOL D Stade de Nice, Nice SCORE

THURSDAY 21 SEPTEMBER

3:45AM

ITALY v URUGUAY

POOL A Stade de Nice, Nice

FRIDAY 22 SEPTEMBER

7:00AM

FRANCE v NAMIBIA

POOL A Stade de Marseille, Marseille

SATURDAY 23 SEPTEMBER

3:45AM ARGENTINA v SAMOA

POOL D Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, Saint-Étienne

SUNDAY 24 SEPTEMBER

12:00AM GEORGIA v PORTUGAL

POOL C Stadium de Toulouse, Toulouse

4:45AM ENGLAND v CHILE

POOL D Stade Pierre-Mauroy, Lille

8:00AM SOUTH AFRICA v IRELAND

POOL B Stade de France, Saint-Denis

MONDAY 25 SEPTEMBER

4:45AM SCOTLAND v TONGA

POOL B Stade de Nice, Nice

8:00AM WALES v AUSTRALIA

POOL C OL Stadium, Lyon

THURSDAY 28 SEPTEMBER

4:45AM URUGUAY v NAMIBIA

POOL A OL Stadium, Lyon

FRIDAY 29 SEPTEMBER

8:00AM JAPAN v SAMOA

POOL D Stadium de Toulouse, Toulouse

SATURDAY 30 SEPTEMBER

8:00AM NEW ZEALAND v ITALY

POOL A OL Stadium, Lyon

SUNDAY 1 OCTOBER

2:00AM ARGENTINA v CHILE

POOL D Stade de la Beaujoire, Nantes

4:45AM FIJI v GEORGIA

POOL C Stade de Bordeaux, Bordeaux

8:00AM SCOTLAND v ROMANIA

POOL B Stade Pierre-Mauroy, Lille

MONDAY 2 OCTOBER

4:45AM AUSTRALIA v PORTUGAL

POOL C Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, Saint-Étienne

FRIDAY 11 OCTOBER 8:00AM SOUTH AFRICA v TONGA

POOL B Stade de Marseille, Marseille

FRIDAY 6 OCTOBER

8:00AM NEW ZEALAND v URUGUAY

POOL A OL Stadium, Lyon

SATURDAY 7 OCTOBER

8:00AM FRANCE v ITALY

POOL A OL Stadium, Lyon

SUNDAY 8 OCTOBER

2:00AM WALES v GEORGIA

POOL C Stade de la Beaujoire, Nantes

4:45AM

ENGLAND v SAMOA

POOL D Stade Pierre-Mauroy, Lille

8:00AM IRELAND v SCOTLAND

POOL B Stade de France, Saint-Denis

MONDAY 9 OCTOBER

12:00AM JAPAN v ARGENTINA

POOL D Stade de la Beaujoire, Nantes

4:45AM TONGA v ROMANIA

POOL B Stade Pierre-Mauroy, Lille

8:00AM FIJI v PORTUGAL

POOL C Stadium de Toulouse, Toulouse

QUARTER-FINALS

SUNDAY 15 OCTOBER

4:00AM QUARTER-FINAL 1

WINNER POOL C v RUNNER-UP POOL D

Stade de Marseille, Marseille

8:00AM QUARTER-FINAL 2

WINNER POOL B v RUNNER-UP POOL A

Stade de France, Saint-Denis

MONDAY 16 OCTOBER

4:00AM QUARTER-FINAL 3

WINNER POOL D v RUNNER-UP POOL C

Stade de Marseille, Marseille

8:00AM QUARTER-FINAL 4

WINNER POOL A v RUNNER-UP POOL B

Stade de France, Saint-Denis

SEMI-FINALS

SATURDAY 21 OCTOBER

8:00AM SEMI-FINAL 1

WINNER QUARTER-FINAL 1 v QUARTER-FINAL 2

Stade de France, Saint-Denis

SUNDAY 22 OCTOBER

8:00AM SEMI-FINAL 2

WINNER QUARTER-FINAL 3 v QUARTER-FINAL 4

Stade de France, Saint-Denis

FINALS

SATURDAY 28 OCTOBER

8:00AM BRONZE FINAL

RUNNER-UP SEMI-FINAL 1 v

RUNNER-UP SEMI-FINAL 2 Stade de France, Saint-Denis

SUNDAY 29 OCTOBER

8:00AM RUGBY WORLD CUP FINAL

WINNER SEMI-FINAL 1 v WINNER SEMI-FINAL 2

Stade de France, Saint-Denis

POOL A

RUGBY WORLD CUP TEAM PREVIEWS

The best 20 teams will contest the tenth Rugby World Cup tournament in France. South Africa are defending champions from Japan in 2019, with France, Ireland and New Zealand also leading favourites. Who do you think will win? PETER WHITE rates the chances of all the teams.

NEW ZEALAND

2019 WORLD CUP PLACING: THIRD COACH: IAN FOSTER CAPTAIN: SAM CANE WEBSITE: www.allblacks.com

WORLD RANKING: 3RD TAB ODDS: $2.25

The All Blacks have triumphed three times at Rugby World Cups – in 1987, 2011 and 2015 – but of more significance are the six other tournaments when the men in black have returned home vanquished.

In almost every instance, the All Blacks have been favourites to at least make the final but for a myriad of reasons that has not always happened. There have been issues with coaches, playing key players out of position, and perhaps an aura of over-confidence that has seen the demise of many All Blacks teams over the years on rugby’s biggest stage.

Undoubtedly, some of those core issues plagued the 2022 version of the All Blacks, with head coach Ian Foster struggling to keep his job last year after a first home series loss to Ireland and first home defeat to Argentina. Scott Robertson will replace Foster after the Rugby World Cup ends.

If the All Blacks are to succeed in France, they will need to get through an arduous draw that will likely see them pitted against either Ireland or South Africa in the quarter-finals. The bonus of course is if they win that match, then they have eliminated either the number-one ranked team or the defending champions.

Captain Sam Cane will lead a forward pack that should bend to no-one. Locks Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick and Scott Barrett are the powerhouses of the pack and all three may play together. Halfback Aaron Smith will need to get fast ball out to either first-five Richie Mo’unga or Damian McKenzie to give the brilliant attacking weapons out wide, like Rieko Ioane, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Mark Telea, Emoni Narawa and Will Jordan, the space to work their magic.

RICHIE MO’UNGA will be a key player for the All Blacks in France.

FRANCE

2019 WORLD CUP PLACING: QUARTER-FINALIST COACH: FABIAN GALTHIÉ CAPTAIN: ANTOINE DUPONT

WEBSITE: www.ffr.fr

WORLD RANKING: 2ND TAB ODDS: $3.50

The question on many rugby fans’ lips ahead of Rugby World Cup 2023 is whether home advantage will help France win their first title or will the pressure from French supporters and media be too much for the players?

Only time will tell but unquestionably Les Blues start as favourites on most betting sites. France have yet to lift the Webb Ellis Cup despite playing in every tournament and reaching three finals. The shock quarter-final loss to Wales in the 2019 tournament struck a blow to French expectations but may well have done more good than harm. Since that defeat, France have returned to a fast-paced game – with scoring tries and entertaining being the core philosophy.

Much of that has been driven by exceptional coach Fabien Galthié, who took over after the 2019 tournament. He has established an outstanding core group of players, led by halfback and captain Antoine Dupont, who have shown they are not scared of any team. The 40–25 victory over the All Blacks in Paris in 2021 was as near perfect a performance as is possible in rugby.

Dupont is the spark in a superb backline. His dynamic running ability, kicking skills and ability to read the game better than anyone, makes him a standout player.

First-five Romain Ntamack has become a superb broken-play runner as well as having pin-point accuracy with his boot, winger Damian Penaud has speed to burn, while flanker Charles Ollivon leads by example. No 8 Grégory Alldritt is another superb athlete with

If France can perform to their best and hold their nerve, it could finally be their turn to France

ITALY

2019 WORLD CUP PLACING: POOLS

COACH: KIERAN CROWLEY CAPTAIN: MICHELE LAMARO

WEBSITE: www.coni.it

WORLD RANKING: 14TH TAB ODDS: $251.00

The Italian Rugby Federation has decided not to renew Kiwi head coach Kieran Crowley’s contract after Rugby World Cup. In the same situation as All Blacks coach Ian Foster, Crowley will be replaced no matter how well his team does in France.

It seems hard on the 61-year-old former All Black fullback who has transformed Italy’s reputation since he became head coach in 2021 – ending a 36-game losing streak in the Six Nations with a 22–21 victory over Wales in Cardiff in 2022 and beating Australia for the first time.

There is no doubt the Azzurri are much more competitive and harder to beat under Crowley’s watch. But getting out of Pool A at Rugby World Cup will take a rugby miracle, as Italy are up against the All Blacks, France, Namibia and Uruguay. Two wins may not be enough to progress to the quarter-finals.

Italy’s squad includes two excellent players, centre/winger Paolo Odogwu and lock/ blindside flanker Dino Lamb, who are eligible for England but have chosen the Azzurri instead. Captain Michele Lamaro will lead from the front; his defensive and leadership skills have been key to Italy’s improvement.

Brilliant young No 8 Lorenzo Cannone made a massive impact this year and quickly became a fan favourite. Winger/fullback Ange Capuozzo has searing pace and the confidence to try anything when in the mood.

There is also a recall for Melbourne Rebels winger Monty Ioane who missed the Six Nations Championship playing in Super Rugby Pacific. One player missing from Crowley’s squad is outstanding flanker Jake Polledri, who required shoulder surgery after picking up an injury in the Six Nations.

captain ANTOINE DUPONT in vintage form.

EDOARDO PADOVANI scores a try for Italy.

POOL A

URUGUAY

2019 WORLD CUP PLACING: POOLS

COACH: PABLO LEMOINE CAPTAIN: ANDRÉS VILASECA

WEBSITE: www.uru.org.uy

WORLD RANKING: 17TH TAB ODDS: $2501.00

Uruguay made history by qualifying for Rugby World Cup 2023 top of the Americas region following their home-and-away series victory against USA.

Uruguay, nicknamed Los Teros, overturned a three-point deficit from the first leg to defeat the highly fancied USA team 34–15 and go through 50–34 on aggregate. They are in Pool A alongside New Zealand, France, Namibia and Italy.

This will be Uruguay’s fifth appearance at a Rugby World Cup after competing previously in 1999, 2003, 2015 and 2019. On three of those four occasions, Los Teros managed to win at least one game so they will not be daunted by the task ahead of them. In Japan at the last tournament, they scored a memorable 30–27 victory over Fiji.

To play against heavyweights of the rugby world in the form of the All Blacks and France will only lift their performances higher. Their major goal will be to target a first-ever third-place pool finish to gain automatic qualification for Rugby World Cup 2027.

Uruguay’s no-nonsense pack of forwards love set pieces and physically imposing themselves on opposition packs. The halfback pairing of Agustin Ormaechea and Felipe Berchesi will be key. They are two of a small handful of players in the squad who play rugby outside of Uruguay, both playing in France. Most of the team are amateur players.

“I have dreamt about this for ages,” says Ormaechea. “To be heading to the greatest tournament in the world is an unbelievable feeling.” In a great family history moment, Andrés Vilaseca will captain Los Teros during the World Cup campaign, following in the footsteps of his brother, Santiago, who also captained Uruguay – at the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

NAMIBIA

2019 WORLD CUP PLACING: POOLS COACH: ALLISTER COETZEE CAPTAIN: JOHAN DEYSEL

WEBSITE: www.namibianrugby.com

WORLD RANKING: 21ST TAB ODDS: $5001.00

Richard Hardwick impressed during this year’s Super Rugby Pacific competition, with the hard-working loose forward one of the best performing players for the Melbourne Rebels.

That form has seen Hardwick rewarded with a trip to France to compete at Rugby World Cup, but it will not be in the colours of Australia, who he gained two caps for in 2017. No, the former Wallaby will turn out for his country of birth, Namibia. Hardwick says his move to play for Namibia meant a lot to his family, as his father Michael represented the nation at cricket, golf and squash. “I think I can do a lot of good in Namibian rugby, not only representing them, but in developing and bring my experience from Australian rugby and at an international level as well.”

Winger Byron McGuigan, who played 10 tests for Scotland, will also turn out for the country of his birth.

Namibia, nicknamed the Welwitschias, qualified for their seventh successive Rugby World Cup by comprehensively beating Kenya 36–0 in Aix-en-Provence, France to win the Rugby Africa Cup in July last year. Flanker Wian Conradie, who scored a hat-trick of tries, five-eighth Cliven Loubser and captain Johan Deysel were three standout players in the impressive win over Kenya.

Namibia’s reward is a place in Pool A with host-country France, New Zealand, Italy and Uruguay. The team from South–West Africa has qualified for every World Cup since the 1999 tournament but have lost all 22 matches they have played.

This time they will be hopeful of notching up that first victory against Uruguay, but the South Americans showed they will be formidable foes by defeating the USA to qualify.

Namibia halfback DAMIAN STEVENS clears the ball at the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

Uruguay’s NICOLAS FREITAS makes a strong charge ahead.

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POOL B

IRELAND

2019 WORLD CUP PLACING: QUARTER-FINALIST

COACH: ANDY FARRELL CAPTAIN: JOHNNY SEXTON

WEBSITE: www.irishrugby.ie

WORLD RANKING: 1ST TAB ODDS: $4.50

The world’s number-one ranked team Ireland has never had much joy at Rugby World Cups but surely 2023 is their time to shine. Certainly, the team’s form over the last few seasons has been hugely encouraging, with the 2023 Six Nations title and an historic first away-series victory over the All Blacks being the obvious highlights. But Ireland will be without their talisman leader and backline lynchpin Johnny Sexton ahead of the Rugby World Cup. The 37-yearold first-five was accused of three counts of misconduct after he confronted the match officials following Leinster’s 27–26 defeat to La Rochelle in the Champions Cup final played in May. Sexton copped a three-match ban that covers the Rugby World Cup warm-up matches. He has not played since March after suffering a groin injury in Ireland’s Grand Slam triumph over England so will be well-rested for a starring role in France.

Coach Andy Farrell has an experienced and talented squad with plenty of game breakers. The back three of Hugo Keenan, Mack Hansen and James Lowe are world class, with quality midfielders to pick from in Bundee Aki, Robbie Henshaw, Stuart McCloskey and Garry Ringrose. Ross Byrne is a capable No 10 if Sexton is out, while halfbacks Jamison Gibson-Park and Conor Murray are top quality.

In the forward pack, Caelan Doris, Jack Conan, Josh van der Flier and Peter O’Mahony are strong performing loose forwards, with locks James Ryan, Tadhg Beirne and Iain Henderson the heart of the set-piece. There is ample front-row strength with hookers Dan Sheehan and Ronan Kelleher, plus props Andrew Porter, Cian Healy and Dave Kilcoyne.

Ireland is in Pool B with Romania, Tonga, South Africa and Scotland.

SOUTH AFRICA

2019 WORLD CUP PLACING: CHAMPIONS

COACH: JACQUES NIENABER CAPTAIN: SIYA KOLISI

WEBSITE: www.sarugby.co.za

WORLD RANKING: 4TH TAB ODDS: $6.50

France and Ireland have received most of the pre-Rugby World Cup plaudits, with the All Blacks regarded as next in line for the title, but what of the defending champions?

With South African clubs competing in Europe rather than in Super Rugby Pacific, it is easy to forget just how many world-class players the Springboks have and how formidable they are. The key advantage South Africa has over their rivals is their massive, well-drilled forward pack. The front-row depth is beyond equal with a likely starting front row of Frans Malherbe, Mbongeni Mbonambi and Retshegofaditswe Nche able to give everything for 60 minutes before the equally impressive trio of Steven Kitshoff, Malcolm Marx and Vincent Koch finish the game off.

There is no doubt that the Springboks will target their main Pool B rivals Ireland and Scotland up front. If they get the dominant scrum and win the breakdown, they will be hard to beat.

Inspirational captain Siya Kolisi forms a dynamic loose forward trio with Pieter-Steph du Toit and Jasper Wiese, with veteran Duane Vermeulen a handy replacement. Lock Eben Etzebeth is a huge influence on the pack.

Halfback Faf de Klerk is a standout player for more than his trademark long blonde hair and forms an excellent partnership with the immensely talented first-five Handre Pollard.

Fullback/winger Cheslin Kolbe and winger Kurt-Lee Arendse may be short in stature but are lightning quick, while Damian Willemse is another player who provides versatility in the backline.

The Springboks are renowned for flying under the radar ahead of major tournaments. Any team that takes them lightly in France will do so at their peril.

CHESLIN KOLBE is a try-scoring machine for the Springboks.

JAMISON GIBSON-PARK is a key part of Ireland’s game plan.

SCOTLAND

2019 WORLD CUP PLACING: POOLS

COACH: GREGOR TOWNSEND CAPTAIN: JAMIE RITCHIE

WEBSITE: www.scottishrugby.org

WORLD RANKING: 5TH TAB ODDS: $61.00

Scotland’s form over the last 18 months has been very encouraging. Victories over Fiji and Argentina were followed by narrow defeats to New Zealand and Australia. Six Nations wins over England, Wales and Italy this year have home fans quietly confident their team will do well in France. But the draw has not been so kind. Coach Gregor Townsend’s men are part of a tough Pool B that features Ireland, defending world champions South Africa, Romania and Tonga. So, Scotland will need to finish above one of the pre-tournament favourites to proceed through to the quarter-finals. There will be no shortage of motivation for the Scots after their 2019 Rugby World Cup campaign saw the team sent home early after losses to Ireland and Japan.

Scotland’s backs have oodles of class and the ability to score tries from anywhere. Burly winger Duhan van der Merwe’s match-winner against England at Twickenham in this year’s Six Nations was arguably the try of the tournament and an example of what Scotland are capable of. The backline director is the brilliant Finn Russell, who has not always seen eye-to-eye with coach Townsend. He is capable of cutting apart any defensive line and is highly unpredictable. Midfielders Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones are a handful for any opposition. Mercurial fullback Stuart Hogg has retired ahead of the tournament so will be sorely missed.

The forwards are not the biggest but have plenty of skilful ball players and that renowned Scottish determination. Flanker Rory Darge and winger Darcy Graham return to the squad after injury, while impressive loose forward Jamie Ritchie captains the team. Hooker Stuart McInally, set to retire after the tournament, is another with plenty of motivation to perform.

TONGA

2019 WORLD CUP PLACING: POOLS

COACH: TOUTAI KEFU CAPTAIN: SOLOMONE FUNAKI

WEBSITE: www.facebook.com/tongarugbyofficial WORLD RANKING: 15TH TAB ODDS: $1001.00

Tonga is one of the teams competing in France to benefit from a change in World Rugby’s eligibility regulations. Former All Blacks George Moala, Malakai Fekitoa, Augustine Pulu, Vaea Fifita and Charles Piutau will add international experience and class, alongside former Wallaby reps Israel Folau and Adam Coleman, plus former All Blacks Sevens star Pita Ahki.

Head coach Toutai Kefu is encouraged by the depth of talent at his disposal and the number of Moana Pasifika players who have benefited greatly from playing in Super Rugby Pacific.

“We are going to take a good portion of those Tongan players from Moana to the World Cup and those players we’ve watched closely over the last two years have improved significantly,” he said.

“We’re going to have a really good team, probably the best ever. We have got some X-factors and I think we just need to come up with a really good game plan and a blueprint to win.”

Moana Pasifika’s 2023 captain Solomone Funaki is a tough loose forward and one of the best defenders in the game. Other Moana Pasifika players to watch out for in France are props Abraham Pole and Sosefo Apikotoa, wingers Tima Fainga’anuku and Fine Inisi, flanker Penitoa Finau and fullback William Havili.

Tonga, known as Ikale Tahi (Sea Eagles), will take part in their ninth tournament in France after beating Hong Kong during the Asia/Pacific 1 qualifying play-off. They are in Pool B, alongside defending champions South Africa along with Ireland, Scotland and Romania. A famous victory over France in 2011 is Tonga’s Rugby World Cup highlight to date, having yet to get past pool play.

FINN RUSSELL scores another try for Scotland

Tonga’s HOSEA SAUMAKI kicks ahead against Samoa.

ROMANIA

2019 WORLD CUP PLACING: DID NOT COMPETE AT RWC 2019 IN JAPAN

COACH: EUGEN APJOK CAPTAIN: MIHAI MACOVEI

WEBSITE: https://rugbyromania.ro

WORLD RANKING: 19TH TAB ODDS: $5001.00

Many rugby fans will be pleased to see the return of Romania to the Rugby World Cup finals in France. The Oaks, who had contested every tournament until missing Japan 2019, won their first-ever Rugby World Cup game in May 1987 against Zimbabwe 21–20. Since 1987, Romania has managed five more victories across seven tournament appearances against Fiji, USA, Namibia, Portugal and Canada..

While Romania has never made it beyond the pool stages, on only two occasions have they left Rugby World Cup for home without a win to their name – 1995 and 2011.

New coach Eugen Apjok replaced Englishman Andy Robinson this year. Apjok played three tests for Romania and made his name coaching Baia Mare to eight Romanian Premiership titles in 15 seasons.

He has prior experience with the Romanian national side. In 2011 he was an assistant coach, helping them qualify for the 2015 Rugby World Cup. He coached Romanian A from 2016–2019 before moving back to the national team as one of Robinson’s assistant coaches.

Romania was confident of doing well in this year’s Rugby Europe Championship after finishing second last year. They enjoyed wins over Belgium and Poland but lost to Portugal and had a crucial semi-final defeat to eventual champions, Georgia. Romania then clinched third place with a win over Spain.

Players to watch in France include captain Mihai Macovei, who became Romania’s fifth test centurion last year and will play at his third World Cup. No 8 Andre Gorin and fellow loose forward Cristian Chirica are powerful athletes, while halfback Gabriel Rapanu is a nippy runner from broken play. First-five Gabriel Pop is a class act with top kicking skills.

AUSTRALIA

2019 WORLD CUP PLACING: QUARTER-FINALIST COACH: EDDIE JONES CO-CAPTAINS: JAMES SLIPPER, MICHAEL HOOPER

WEBSITE: www.rugby.com.au

WORLD RANKING: 8TH TAB ODDS: $11.00

Eddie Jones has previously been head coach of Australia, Japan and England at Rugby World Cups and was an advisor with the champion Springboks in 2007. Now the 63-year-old returns to take charge of the Wallabies in France in a move of great significance. Last year, the Wallabies suffered narrow losses to Ireland, France and the All Blacks, all games that they could have won with better luck or judgement, but they did record memorable wins over South Africa and England. The gap between wins and losses can be minuscule at this level.

The draw has given the Aussies the best possible news. They are in the weaker Pool C against Wales, Fiji, Georgia and Portugal and should get through. If they do, they will not face any of the top-four ranked teams until at least the semi-finals.

Expect to see Jones get the very best out of some dynamic ball runners like Rob Leota and Pete Samu. Add in the power of France-based locks Will Skelton and Rory Arnold and the Wallabies will field a strong pack.

Front row is one potential area of concern for the Wallabies as the depth of talent is not as great as the loose forwards and backline. Prop James Slipper, named co-captain alongside legendary flanker Michael Hooper, will likely share loosehead duties with Allan Alaalatoa. Tighthead prop Taniela Tupou is highly rated by Jones.

Halfback is a position of real strength with Nic White and Tate McDermott contesting the No 9 jersey. The return of the experienced Quade Cooper strengthens the first-five area, while world-class centre Samu Kerevi is back from long-term injury and has the try-scoring abilities of Marika Koroibete and Mark Nawaqanitawase outside him.

VALENTIN CALAFETEANU of Romania clears the ball at the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

Wallabies halfback TATE McDERMOTT in action against the All Blacks.

POOL C

WALES

2019 WORLD CUP PLACING: FOURTH COACH: WARREN GATLAND CAPTAIN: KEN OWENS

WEBSITE: www.wru.wales

WORLD RANKING: 9TH TAB ODDS: $41.00

In just four years, the rugby fortunes of Wales have taken a nosedive. The team nearly made the final of Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan, but has struggled to get near that standard since.

In 2019, coached by Kiwi Warren Gatland, Wales topped their pool after four wins, including a 29–25 victory over the Wallabies. In the quarter-final, Wales beat France in a thriller to move into a showdown with South Africa in the semi-final. Sadly, for Wales, the magnificent run to World Cup glory came to an end with a heart-breaking 19–16 defeat in Yokohama. The All Blacks then rolled them 40–17 in the play-off for third place.

That outstanding result in Japan means Wales has been seeded top of Pool C due to the seedings determined by the 2019 Rugby World Cup performances, rather than form leading up to this year’s tournament.

Gatland is back in charge after three years away from the role and certainly has his work cut-out for him. Wales barely fired a shot in the most recent Six Nations Championship, with just one unconvincing win over Italy, and are clearly going through a major rebuilding phase.

But Gatland has proved himself to be a master motivator of players in the past and he will have Wales fired up for their opening game against Fiji.

Players to watch include halfback Tomos Williams, midfielders Joe Roberts, Mason Grady and Max Llewellyn, winger Rio Dyer, lock Adam Beard and props Corey Domachowski and Keiron Assiratti.

The squad may lack some of the experienced players who have retired in the last 18 months but will play with youthful enthusiasm and energy. Wales may just surprise in France.

GEORGIA

2019 WORLD CUP PLACING: POOLS COACH: LEVAN MAISASHVILI CAPTAIN: MERAB SHARIKADZE

WEBSITE: www.rugby.ge

WORLD RANKING: 11TH TAB ODDS: $501.00

Georgia has plenty to prove at this year’s Rugby World Cup. In April this year they defeated Portugal to win the Rugby Europe Championship. Georgia has now won 11 out of the past 12 Championships, which adds weight to the strengthening argument that they deserve to be involved in the Six Nations or at least to get far more test matches against the top tier-one nations. That win in the final against Portugal made it 29 matches unbeaten for Georgia and follows historic victories over Wales in Cardiff and Italy at home in 2022. Outstanding performances by their Under-20 side at the recent World Rugby Under-20 Championship played in South Africa shows good depth coming through the ranks. The latest Rugby Europe Championship title has also propelled Georgia to their joint highest ever World Rugby ranking of 11th.

The Lelos have come a long way since making their Rugby World Cup debut in Australia in 2003. The draw for Rugby World Cup 2023 has been kind and Georgia are in Pool C alongside Australia, Portugal, Fiji and Wales. If they play to their potential, then Georgia has every chance of continuing in the tournament past pool play.

Georgia have a powerful squad, with just one uncapped player in outside back Luka Khorbaladze proof of the experience that coach Levan Maisashvili has at his disposal. Most of his squad ply their trade with the top clubs in Europe. They will field a powerful pack, featuring No 8 Beka Gorgadze, flanker Beka Saghinadze, and props Guram Gogichashvili, Guram Papidze and Nika Abuladze. In the backs, influential halfback Vasil Lobzhanidze is a key player while centre and captain Merab Sharikadzem, fullback Davit Niniashvili and winger Akaki Tabutsadze are players to watch.

BEKA SAGHINADZE in action for Georgia.

TOMOS WILLIAMS passes against the Springboks in 2022.

FIJI

2019 WORLD CUP PLACING: POOLS

COACH: SIMON RAIWALUI CAPTAIN: WAISEA NAYACALEVU

WEBSITE: www.fijirugby.com

WORLD RANKING: 13TH TAB ODDS: $151.00

The Flying Fijians are hugely popular worldwide for their ability to score tries from anywhere on the field.

Coach Simon Raiwalui has a squad stacked with experienced campaigners playing in England and Europe, plus some newer faces who benefited from two years of Super Rugby Pacific exposure with Fijian Drua.

”I think it’s a great balance of players in the team. We know the different systems they play in, especially the Fijian Drua judging from the results that they have produced this year,” says Raiwalui.

“Making the quarter-finals in their second year only makes my selection of the team a daunting exercise. All those selected, from overseas or locally, deserve to be in the Flying Fijians squad.”

Utility back Semi Radradra, second-five Josua Tuisova and loose forward Levani Botia are three players Fiji can build their team around. Other players likely to push for starting positions at Rugby World Cup include hooker Tevita Ikanivere, loosehead prop Peni Ravai, loose forwards Peceli Yato, Levani Botia, Viliame Mata, halfbacks Frank Lomani and Peni Matawalu, first-fives Ben Volavola and Teti Tela, centres Iosefo Masi, former All Black Seta Tamanivalu and Waisea Nayacalevu, plus wingers Vinaya Habosi and Jiuta Wainiqolo.

Fiji has high hopes of getting through pool play. They are drawn in Pool C alongside Australia, Wales, Georgia and Portugal. The Fijians will be looking to replicate their 2007 World Cup campaign when they were also drawn alongside Australia and Wales.

Fiji recorded a famous 38–34 win over Wales to progress to the quarter-finals. With the depth of talent right across this year’s squad, and the recent decline of Wales, there is a real sense that qualification for the knockout stages could happen for Fiji.

PORTUGAL

2019 WORLD CUP: DID NOT COMPETE AT RWC 2019 IN JAPAN COACH: PATRICE LAGISQUET CAPTAIN: TOMÁS APPLETON

WEBSITE: www.fpr.pt

WORLD RANKING: 16TH TAB ODDS: $501.00

Portugal became the 20th and final team to qualify for Rugby World Cup 2023. They secured a 16–16 draw in a nail-biting deciding match of the final qualification tournament against USA, who had only failed to qualify for one previous Rugby World Cup – South Africa in 1995.

Thanks to their superior points difference, Os Lobos only needed a draw at the Sevens Stadium in Dubai to advance to a second Rugby World Cup, and halfback Samuel Marques secured it with the last kick of the match.

Portugal return to the Rugby World Cup back in France, where their one and only appearance to date came in 2007. They will take their place in Pool C alongside Wales, Australia, Fiji and Georgia.

“It’s hard to explain, it’s one of the best feelings in the world,” says Portugal captain Tomás Appleton. "For the rugby community this is amazing, we’ve been missing from Rugby World Cup for quite some time and we need a new generation to inspire the kids."

Wins over Spain, the Netherlands and Russia, and a bonus-point defeat to Romania in 2021, set Portugal up nicely for a tilt at the top two regional qualification spots.

Coach Patrice Lagisquet, who played 46 times for France, has outstanding attacking players in wingers Rodrigo Marta and Raffaelle Storti, plus centre and captain Appleton, to light up his backline. But the improvement in the forwards has been a major feature of his tenure as head coach, which began in 2019.

“The best job we have done with this team is to build up a strong scrum, have the capacity to play the mauls, to defend them well,” says Lagisquet.

JOSE PINTO of Portugal releases the ball at the 2007 Rugby World Cup.

WAISEA NAYACALEVU scores a spectacular try for the Flying Fijians.

ENGLAND

2019 WORLD CUP PLACING: RUNNERS-UP COACH: STEVE BORTHWICK CAPTAIN: OWEN FARRELL WEBSITE: www.englandrugby.com/home WORLD RANKING: 6TH TAB ODDS: $10.00

The media attention has died down since Eddie Jones left as England’s head coach late last year and ended up in charge of the Wallabies – and that is just the way Steve Borthwick likes it.

The new England head coach is a different character to Jones – as befits a man who made his name as a tough international lock who left the flash one-liners to others.

Borthwick was forwards coach under Jones and guided the powerful England pack to the 2019 Rugby World Cup final in Japan where South Africa proved too strong. So, England have a point to prove and a score to settle in France, but doubts remain whether they quite have the team to do it.

Borthwick’s men face Wales twice, Ireland and Fiji in August before launching their World Cup campaign against Argentina in Marseille on September 9.

England have some good depth across the squad. The backline has the aggressive Owen Farrell, likely to play second-five outside the brilliant talent of Marcus Smith, and George Ford is also top class. Halfback Ben Youngs is experienced and has a big-match temperament, while there is quality in the midfield with Manu Tuilagi and Ollie Lawrence.

There is ample strength across the loose forward mix among Jack Willis, Tom Curry, George Martin and Lewis Ludlam. Locks Courtney Lawes, Maro Itoje, David Ribbans and Joe Launchbury are strong lineout men, while hooker Jamie George will provide accurate service.

England’s props are typically strong with loose heads Joe Marler and Mako Vunipola battling it out for a start.

England are in Pool D, up against Japan, Argentina, Samoa and Chile, so should progress through to the quarter-finals.

England’s MARCUS SMITH at full speed ahead.

ARGENTINA

2019 WORLD CUP PLACING: POOLS

COACH: MICHAEL CHEIKA CAPTAIN: JULIÁN MONTOYA

WEBSITE: www.uar.com.ar

WORLD RANKING: 7TH TAB ODDS: $31.00

Former Wallabies head coach Michael Cheika will lead Argentina to France with plenty of confidence that his team can improve on their best-ever Rugby World Cup performance last time the tournament was held there in 2007.

Argentina won the bronze medal that year after famously beating France 34–10 in the playoff for third place. This time, Argentina will face England, Japan, Samoa and Chile in Pool D, which they are favoured to progress out of to the knockout stages.

Los Pumas will be heading to the World Cup for the 10th time. South America’s top-ranked rugby nation has never failed to qualify for the tournament. Last year was a vintage season for Argentina. They enjoyed their first ever win over the All Blacks in New Zealand and victory over the Wallabies in the 2022 Rugby Championship, plus an historic victory over England at Twickenham.

That success will give Cheika’s players the self-belief they need to consistently perform well against the best teams in the world. There is no shortage of talent in the squad with a good balance of experience and youthful drive.

Outstanding captain and hooker Julián Montoya, first-five Santiago Carreras, centres/wingers Matias Moroni and Matias Orlando, winger Mateo Carreras, plus loose forwards Marcos Kremer and Facundo Isa have all performed outstandingly for their clubs at the top level in Europe.

Sevens stars Santiago Chocobares and Juan Cruz Mallía will push for starting places in the midfield or on the wing. Former captain and Crusaders loose forward Pablo Matera and the ageless Agustín Creevy will add huge influence to the leadership group. Halfback Gonzalo Bertranou is recovering from injury but has proven himself at international level.

JAPAN

2019 WORLD CUP PLACING: QUARTER-FINALIST

COACH: JAMIE JOSEPH CAPTAIN: MICHAEL LEITCH

WEBSITE: http://en.rugby-japan.jp

WORLD RANKING: 10TH TAB ODDS: $201.00

Japan hosted the 2019 Rugby World Cup superbly, with the on-field performances of the Brave Blossoms matching the off-field hospitality. They created a sensation in their group by going through unbeaten after defeating Russia, Ireland, Samoa and Scotland.

The glorious run saw Japan become the first Asian team to get through to the knockout stages, but it came to an end against a ruthless South African side who won 26–3 in the quarter-final on their way to winning the tournament.

This year Japan face England, Argentina, Samoa and Chile in Pool D. The clash between Japan and England is being touted as one of the games to watch in pool play, especially as Japan’s distinctive attacking style proved too good for England’s close rivals Ireland and Scotland four years ago.

Japan is coached by former All Blacks Jamie Joseph and his assistant Tony Brown, who together masterminded the team’s performances in 2019. Joseph has made Japan competitive in the forward exchanges and the natural flair the players have is fully encouraged by Brown.

There is a solid group of experience in the squad with prop Keita Inagaki (45 caps), hooker Shota Horie (68), Australian-born lock James Moore (13), powerful flanker Kazuki Himeno (25) and talismanic loose forward and captain Michael Leitch (78) leading the forwards. Fullback Ryohei Yamanaka (27), winger Kotaro Matsushima (47), centre Ryoto Nakamura (33), first-five Rikiya Matsuda (29) and halfback Yutaka Nagare (30) are quality players. In preparation for the Rugby World Cup, the Brave Blossoms played the All Blacks XV on 15 July in Kumamoto (losing 41–27) and now have Pacific Nation matches against Samoa, Tonga and Fiji in July and August. That is followed by an away game against Italy, before settling into their Rugby World Cup camp.

Argentina captain JULIÁN MONTOYA

Inspirational Japanese captain MICHAEL LEITCH.

SAMOA

2019 WORLD CUP PLACING: POOLS COACH: SEILALA MAPUSUA CAPTAIN: MIKE ALAALATOA

WEBSITE: www.facebook.com/manusamoa

WORLD RANKING: 12TH TAB ODDS: $501.00

Manu Samoa has produced two of the greatest performances in Rugby World Cup history when making the quarter-final stages of the 1991 and 1995 tournaments.

Since those heady days though there has not been a great deal for fans to cheer about at recent tournaments. This year’s squad, coached by Seilala Mapusua, is arguably the strongest assembled by Samoa since the 1990s, which is bad news for Pool D opponents England, Argentina, Japan and Chile.

There are plenty of big-name stars including former All Blacks Lima Sopoaga, Charlie Faumuina and Steven Luatua, ex-Wallabies playmaker Christian Leali’ifano and USA Eagles prop Titi Lamositele, who all benefit from the change to World Rugby’s eligibility rules.

Chris Vui, Jeff Toomaga-Allen, Tim Nanai-Williams, Jordan Taufua, Michael Alaalatoa, Jack Lam and So’otala Fa’aso’o will add experience to a squad that also includes a strong contingent from Moana Pasifika.

Former basketball star Theo McFarland has been a star for Saracens in England and should be fully fit after recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

“I want us to become a dangerous team and I was hoping to fly under the radar, but they may be paying more attention to us after our selections. When you look back to the 1991 Samoa team, they are the guys who put us on the rugby map and we aim to take the best prepared team ever to a World Cup and we will be trying to emulate the ‘91 team,” says coach Mapusua.

“Our game management is something I have really tried to target and having Lima and Christian in the squad to be able to handle those pressure moments has lifted the rugby IQ of the team.”

CHILE

2019 WORLD CUP: DID NOT COMPETE AT RWC 2019 IN JAPAN COACH: PABLO LEMOINE CAPTAIN: MARTIN SIGREN

WEBSITE: www.chilerugby.org

WORLD RANKING: 22ND TAB ODDS: $5001.00

The growth of rugby in South America over the last decade can be characterised as an upward surge. The appearance of three teams for the first time at Rugby World Cup 2023 is evidence that the game is booming in South America.

Chile, known as Los Cóndores, will make their debut at the finals in France. To get there, they defeated Canada and USA. First up were Canada, the losers of the Americas 1 play-off. Canada won the first leg 22–21 but Chile triumphed 34–15 a week later, thanks to 23 points by Santiago Videla that ended Canada’s ever-present record at the Rugby World Cup.

In the Americas 2 play-off against USA, Chile lost the first game 22–21 at home in Santiago before coming from a 20-point deficit to defeat the USA 31–29 in Colorado and qualify with a narrow 52–51 aggregate.

Chile faces tough competition from England, Japan, Samoa and Argentina in Pool D. Emerging from the tournament with a victory will be an impressive achievement. Having the chance to test themselves against South American neighbours Argentina is another bonus.

The rise of Chilean rugby really began in 2016 when they were inducted into the Americas Rugby Championship – an international competition that included Argentina, Brazil, Canada, USA and Uruguay. Then in April 2019, South America’s first professional league was launched, including the Chilean team Selknam that reached the 2022 grand final.

Pablo Lemoine has been Chile’s head coach since 2012 and played for Uruguay at the 1999 and 2003 tournaments, while captain Martin Sigren is a highly respected loose forward who has proven himself in England.

Their expertise will be vital in guiding the inexperienced Chile side through unchartered territory.

STACEY ILI takes on the Tongan defence.

Chile captain MARTIN SIGREN is a quality loose forward.

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