INVESTEC SUPER RUGBY OFFICIAL MATCH PROGRAMME | FRIDAY 20 APRIL 2018
BLUES VS highlanders
JHB 62068/OJ
The Goose Step instead of a pass
Good players take opportunities, great players make them. Investec supports the entrepreneurial spirit. It’s the spirit that draws in the tackle and then changes momentum with a goose step instead of the pass. The one that delivers the unexpected. It’s the same spirit that doesn’t wait for opportunities, it goes out to make them.
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JHB 62132/OJ
Welcome Investec Super Rugby | Top 15 It’s time for another round of top quality rugby as we look forward to the 2018 season of Investec Super Rugby. The Crusaders will be defending their title of champions against some of the fiercest competition in the code. For the eighth consecutive year, Investec is the title sponsor of all games played in New Zealand. As enablers of international rugby, we are thrilled to continue our association with this prestigious competition. We look forward to the contests among the best of the southern hemisphere’s clubs, and wish all players and supporters well. Regards Malcolm Fried
About Investec Investec is an international specialist bank and asset manager that provides a diverse range of financial products and services to a select client base in three principal markets – the UK and Europe, South Africa and Asia/Australia as well as certain other countries. The group was established in 1974 and currently has approximately 9 900 employees. Investec focuses on delivering distinctive profitable solutions for its clients in three core areas of activity namely: Asset Management, Wealth & Investment and Specialist Banking. In July 2002 the Investec group implemented a dual listed company structure with listings on the London and Johannesburg Stock Exchanges. The combined group’s current market capitalisation is approximately GBP 5.89 billion.
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MATCH PREVIEW:
blues vs highlanders HEAD TO HEAD 2018 STATS
28.0
POINTS PER GAME
29.3
81%
GOAL KICKING %
81%
492.3
METRES MADE
431.8
12.6
CLEAN BREAKS
11.7
30.6
DEFENDERS BEATEN
22.7
14.4
OFFLOADS
10.3
7.3
TURNOVERS WON
7.3
OVERALL HEAD TO HEAD RESULTS
16 WINS
14 WINS BLUES VS HIGHL ANDDERS | 20 APRIL 20 18 5
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BLUES TO
honour patrick The Blues fans and family will honour Patrick Tuipulotu for his 50th game for the club, which he achieved last week in the win over the Sunwolves in Japan. The quietly spoken 25-year-old will chalk up his 51st game for the Blues against the Highlanders at Eden Park on Friday, 20 April – to mirror his first Super game for the club also against the Highlanders in Auckland in 2014. Born in Christchurch, Patrick has spent most of his life in Auckland with the Ponsonby club, making the New Zealand Under-20s team in 2013, before he became the first from that Junior World Cup winning side to progress to the All Blacks.
He made his All Blacks debut after an outstanding initial year for the Blues in Super Rugby in 2014, when he came on as a substitute in the 28-27 win over England. He was thwarted by a hip injury in 2015 which kept him out of 2015 Rugby World Cup. The powerful and athletic 120kg lock has been in sublime form this season for the Blues, taking over as the lineout caller, and playing in every game so far.
BLUES VS HIGHL ANDDERS | 20 APRIL 20 18 7
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perserverance pays off
FOR JORDAN Perseverance and resilience are oft-used phrases in rugby teams, but few can match those attributes better than big Blues winger Jordan Hyland.
The 108kg block-buster was not part of the initial Blues squad, but grabbed his chance to score two tries on debut in the 24-10 win over the Sunwolves in Tokyo. It belies his long journey where he could have easily given the game away. Jordan, born on the North Shore, was part of the Auckland Academy as a teenager before progressing to premier club rugby with Auckland Marist. He moved to Canterbury to join their Academy (alongside Alex Hodgman) and the wider training group for the ITM Cup in 2013. He played for Canterbury B but ruptured his ACL in a seasonender, and then re-ruptured the same knee the following year. Worse still, the wound became infected and ultimately required a third surgery. “I basically missed three seasons. But I didn’t want to give up. I had come so close to making the team and I always wanted to reach that level.” He returned home and after his third rehab, he was picked up by Northland, and moved to the Wellsford club. A solid first year led to a further two years and after their splendid 2017 season he has already signed again for the Taniwhas.
Jordan scores one of his tries against the Sunwolves on his debut
“Northland had a good run in the Mitre 10 Cup and I got a bit of ball and some opportunities out on the edge. I was lucky enough to get included in the Blues pre-season and the Development side and after a few injuries I got my chance. “To tell the truth to be included in the Captain’s Run the previous week was a buzz. Then to go to Japan and make the starting team was incredible. On top of that the team played well and gave me some opportunities outside one-on-one and I was fortunate to get two tries. “I am so thankful and I guess it is ironic that after so many injuries myself, that I get my chance after injuries to others. “The Blues are a fantastic bunch who welcomed me so well. There is a lot of belief and a lot know that the team can succeed. We have got so close in some games and everyone in the group knows how good the team can be. It’s a privilege to be part of it.”
BLUES VS HIGHL ANDDERS | 20 APRIL 20 18 9
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PLAYER STATS Pauliasi Manu James Parsons
1.84 M | 115 KG | 30 YR | 24 CAPS
1.85 M | 106 KG | 31 YR | 84 CAPS
Ofa Tuungafasi
Patrick Tuipulotu
1.95 M | 129 KG | 25 YR | 61 CAPS
1.98 M | 120 KG | 25 YR | 50 CAPS
Jimmy Tupou
Dalton Papalii
1.96 M | 109 KG | 25 YR | 14 CAPS
1.91 M | 95 KG | 20 YR | 2 CAPS
Kara Pryor
Akira Ioane
1.89 M | 104 KG | 26 YR | 20 CAPS
1.94 M | 113 KG | 23 YR | 39 CAPS
Jonathan Ruru
Bryn Gatland
1.83 M | 94 KG | 25 YR | 6 CAPS
1.78 M | 90 KG | 22 YR | 11 CAPS
Rieko Ioane
TJ Faiane
1.88 M | 103 KG | 20 YR | 26 CAPS
1.75 M | 92 KG | 22 YR | 11 CAPS
Orbyn Leger
Jordan Hyland
1.83 M | 89 KG | 21 YR | 1 CAP
1.88 M | 104 KG | 28 YR | 1 CAP
Stephen Perofeta
Matt Moulds
1.80 M | 85 KG | 21 YR | 6 CAPS
1.88 M | 108 KG | 26 YR | 16 CAPS
Ross Wright
Mike Tamoaieta
1.8 M | 116 KG | 31 YR | 5 CAPS
1.76 M | 118 KG | 22 YR | 7 CAPS
Ben Nee-Nee
Murphy Taramai
2.00 M | 115 KG | 24 YR | 1 CAP
1.87 M | 98 KG | 25 YR | 13 CAPS
Sam Nock
Tumua Manu
1.78 M | 85 KG | 21 YR | 12 CAPS
1.83 M | 97 KG | 25 YR
Matt Duffie 1.92 M | 92 KG | 27 YR | 26 CAPS
BLUES VS HIGHL ANDDERS | 20 APRIL 20 18 1 1
COACH
BLUE highla
ASSISTANT COACHES
Tana Umaga
Alistair Rogers Steve Jackson Dave Ellis
MANAGER Richard Fry
15
Stephen Perofeta
14
Jordan Hyland
13
7.35pm FRIDAY EDEN
Orbyn Leger
12
TJ Faiane
11
Rieko Ioane
10
Bryn Gatland
9
Jonathan Ruru
8
Akira Ioane
7
Kara Pryor
6 RESERVES 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23
Matt Moulds Ross Wright Mike Tamoaieta Ben Nee-Nee Murphy Taramai Sam Nock Tumua Manu Matt Duffie
Dalton Papalii
5
Jimmy Tupou
4
Patrick Tuipulotu
3
Ofa Tuungafasi
2
James Parsons
1
Pauliasi Manu
REFE
Marius van de
ASSISTANT
Angus Mike
TM
Ben S
ES VS anders
ASSISTANT COACHES
COACH Aaron Mauger
Mark Hammett Glenn Delaney Clarke Dermody
MANAGER Paul McLaughlan
14
Waisake Naholo
20 APRIL 2018 PARK
13
Rob Thompson
12
Teihorangi Walden
11
Tevita Li
10
Lima Sopoaga
9
Kayne Hammington
8
Luke Whitelock
7
Dillon Hunt
6
Shannon Frizell
5
Tom Franklin
EREE
er Westhuizen
T REFEREES
Mabey Lash
MO
Skeen
15
Ben Smith
4
Jackson Hemopo
3
Siate Tokolahi
2
Ash Dixon Daniel Lienert-Brown
1
RESERVES
Liam Coltman Aki Seiuli Tyrel Lomax Alex Ainley Elliot Dixon Aaron Smith Fletcher Smith Matt Faddes
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23
PLAYER STATS Daniel Lienert-Brown 1.84 M | 112 KG | 25 YR
Ash Dixon
Siate Tokolahi
1.80 M | 103 KG | 29 YR
1.84 M | 119 KG | 26 YR
Jackson Hemopo
Tom Franklin
1.94 M | 113 KG | 24 YR
2.00 M | 114 KG | 27 YR
Shannon Frizell
Dillon Hunt
1.95 M | 108 KG | 24 YR
1.89 M | 103 KG | 23 YR
Luke Whitelock
Kayne Hammington
1.90 M | 116 KG | 27 YR
1.70 M | 75 KG | 27 YR
Lima Sopoaga
Tevita Li
1.75 M | 91 KG | 27 YR
1.82 M | 95 KG | 23 YR
Teihorangi Walden
Rob Thompson
1.82 M | 94 KG | 24 YR
1.86 M | 103 KG | 26 YR
Waisake Naholo
Ben Smith
1.86 M | 102 KG | 26 YR
1.86 M | 94 KG | 31 YR
Liam Coltman
Aki Seiuli
1.85 KG | 112 KG | 28 YR
1.84 M | 116 KG | 25 YR
Tyrel Lomax
Alex Ainley
1.92 M | 127 KG | 21 YR
1.97 M | 108 KG | 36 YR
Elliot Dixon
Aaron Smith
1.92 M | 108 KG | 28 YR
1.69 M | 83 KG | 29 YR
Fletcher Smith
Matt Faddes
1.80 M | 88 KG | 23 YR
1.85 M | 94 KG | 26 YR
1 4 BLUES VS HIGHL ANDERS | 20 APRIL 20 18
*than the average carb content of leading NZ beer.
NEW
FORMER BLUES ENJOYS
life in the front office
Former Blues back Chris Noakes has returned to the club, mixing his background on the field with his qualifications in commerce and law off it. Chris is in his second year with the Blues as the Partnerships and Hospitality Manager, having played for the club at first-five in 2013 and 2014. Originally from Auckland, Chris moved to Otago University where he graduated with degrees in law and commerce. While studying he made the Highlanders’ wider training group. “I kept getting injuries near the end of the ITM Cup and never got my chance. I was 25 and thought it was time to start a career.”
He moved to Tauranga where he was able to mix life as a lawyer while playing for Bay of Plenty, before ironically getting the call that the Highlanders wanted to sign him. “I took the chance and moved back. With injuries to Lima and Slade, I ended up playing the full season. Then I got a call from JK (Sir John Kirwan) who asked me if I wanted to come home.” Chris jumped at the chance to play at home for two years and at that stage he sought opportunities to play overseas. He and his wife moved to UK to play for London Irish which proved an outstanding experience both on and off the field. “In a perfect world we would have stayed longer but I blew my shoulder. I had an operation basically every year. I had a good run and there were other things to do in our lives.” After coming home in late 2016 he considered life in law and as a player agent, but always had an interest in business. After a look through the new Blues base, Noakes applied for his current role, and enjoys being back at the club in its new facility at Alexandra Park. “This is up with the new facility at London Irish. It is impressive. It demands that level of professionalism and accountability as opposed to the old set-up.
“I am able to see both sides of the game now and I am really enjoying it. My role is about building and maintaining our partnerships and I find it helps as a former player as I can offer a different insight. “And I find it easier to work with players as I understand their demands and how it can fit into our needs as a business.”
BLUES VS HIGHL ANDDERS | 20 APRIL 20 18 1 7
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PRINCIPAL PARTNER
MAJOR PARTNERS
OFFICIAL PARTNERS
PLAY ON
2018 STANDINGS NEW ZEALAND CONFERENCE
P
W
D
L
F
A
DIF
BP
PTS
HURRICANES CRUSADERS CHIEFS HIGHLANDERS BLUES
7 7 7 6 7
6 5 5 4 2
0 0 0 0 0
1 2 2 2 5
224 213 213 176 196
130 141 170 139 234
94 72 43 37 -38
3 4 1 3 4
27 24 21 19 12
AUSTRALIAN CONFERENCE
P
W
D
L
F
A
DIF
BP
PTS
WARATAHS REBELS BRUMBIES REDS SUNWOLVES
7 7 7 7 7
5 4 3 3 0
1 0 0 0 0
1 3 4 4 7
248 229 155 131 151
178 186 181 183 294
70 43 -26 -52 -143
2 5 2 1 2
24 21 14 13 2
SOUTH AFRICAN CONFERENCE
P
W
D
L
F
A
DIF
BP
PTS
LIONS BULLS SHARKS STORMERS JAGUARES
8 7 8 8 8
5 3 2 3 3
0 0 1 0 0
3 4 5 5 5
292 185 234 214 189
251 195 260 256 252
41 -10 -26 -42 -63
5 2 4 1 0
25 14 14 13 12
OVERALL
HURRICANES LIONS WARATAHS CRUSADERS CHIEFS REBELS HIGHLANDERS BRUMBIES BULLS SHARKS REDS STORMERS BLUES JAGUARES SUNWOLVES
2 0 BLUES VS HIGHL ANDERS | 20 APRIL 20 18
PTS
27 25 24 24 21 21 19 14 14 14 13 13 12 12 2
2018 FIXTURES ROUND
MATCH RESULT
2
HIGHLANDERS VS BLUES
3
BLUES VS CHIEFS
4
LIONS VS BLUES
5
STORMERS VS BLUES
7
BLUES VS SHARKS
8
CHIEFS VS BLUES
9
SUNWOLVES VS BLUES
10
BLUES VS HIGHLANDERS
-
11
BLUES VS JAGUARES
-
12
WARATAHS VS BLUES
-
13
BLUES VS HURRICANES
-
14
BLUES VS CRUSADERS
-
16
BLUES VS REBELS
-
17
BLUES VS REDS
-
18
HURRICANES VS BLUES
-
19
CRUSADERS VS BLUES
-
Fri 23 Feb | Forsyth Barr Stadium | 7:35PM Fri 2 Mar | Eden Park | 7:35PM Sun 11 Mar | Emirates Airlines Park | 4:15AM Sun 18 Mar | DHL Newlands | 2:05AM Sat 31 Mar | Eden Park | 7:35PM Sat 7 Apr | FMG Stadium | 7:35PM Sat 14 Apr | Chichibunomiya Stadium | 3:05PM Fri 20 Apr | Eden Park | 7:35PM
Sat 28 Apr | Eden Park | 7:35PM Sat 5 May | Allianz Stadium | 5:05PM Fri 11 May | Eden Park | 7:35PM
Sat 19 May | Eden Park | 7:35PM Fri 2 jun | Eden Park | 5:15PM Fri 29 Jun | Eden Park | 7:35PM Sat 7 Jul | Westpac Stadium | 7:35PM Sat 14 Jul | AMI Stadium | 7:35PM
ROUND 7 MATCHES
BLUES v HIGHLANDERS
L
41-34
L
21-27
W
35-38
L
37-20
REDS v CHIEFS
L
40-63
BULLS v REBELS
L
21-19
SHARKS v STORMERS
W
10-24
BRUMBIES v JAGUARES
20 Apr | Auckland | 7:35 PM
WARATAHS v LIONS
20 Apr | Sydney | 9:45 PM
CRUSADERS V SUNWOLVES 21 Apr | Christchurch | 7:35 PM
21 Apr | Brisbane | 9:45 PM
22 Apr | Pretoria | 1:05 AM
22 Apr | Durban | 3:15 AM
22 Apr | Canberra | 6:05 PM
BLUES VS HIGHL ANDDERS | 20 APRIL 20 18 2 1
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