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.

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