INVESTEC SUPER RUGBY OFFICIAL MATCH PROGRAMME | SATURDAY 15 APRIL 2017
BLUES VS HURRICANES
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A MESSAGE FROM OUR SPONSORS PLAY THE GAME OR CHANGE IT It’s time for another epic season of Investec Super Rugby. With 18 teams competing in the gruelling tournament, we look forward to many action-packed encounters. For the seventh consecutive year, Investec has been the title sponsor of all games played in New Zealand. As enablers of international rugby, we are pleased to see the tournament’s growing geographical interest and reach. We look forward
be great in y field of play kes vision
to exciting, fiercely contested matches, made up of many Out of the Ordinary moments. We wish all teams the best. Game on. JANET LARSEN Head of Marketing Investec South Africa
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 9 300 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 GBP4.7 billion.
comes to seeking out new initiatives
h financial opportunities for clients,
he distance. Delivering a world-class
products and services including On behalf of nib, Principal st Banking, Wealth & Investment and Partner of the Blues, welcome to anagement. the Round Eight Blockbuster of the 2017 Investec Super Rugby season c.co.za/rugby between the Blues and Hurricanes. nib has been a strong supporter of the Blues since we launched in the New Zealand market in 2013. Importantly, Auckland is our local base and we are delighted to align our brand and share key values with the Blues. In our second year as Principal Partner we are more involved with
the club along with its passionate Blues supporters than ever before. Providing fans access to unique player videos, increased fan competitions and experiences on match day are our way of sharing the excitement of the 2017 season and something we will continue to build on moving forward. With mixed results at this point of the 2017 season, myself and the team at nib are sharing the ride with the Blues. We are there with you for every tackle, every try
and share the strong belief that the efforts behind the scenes will translate into favourable results on the football field. We wish you all the best for the games ahead! ROBERT HENNIN Chief Executive Officer nib New Zealand
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BLUES VS HURRIC ANES | 15 APRIL 20 17 3 17/02/2016 17:14
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Blues VS Hurricanes KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH
You can expect to see some fast-flowing and expansive rugby when the high-flying Hurricanes blow into town on Saturday night. No team has scored more points, or more tries in the competition so far this year. Fortunately, our team are no slouches when it comes to attacking rugby either. So, with that in mind, here are two Hurricanes and two Blues players to watch for this weekend…
Ngani Laumape
Rieko Ioane
Ominously, the Hurricanes currently boast the three most prolific try scorers in the 2017 Investec Super Rugby season so far – Vince Aso, Julian Savea, and Ngani Laumape, all of whom have been named to start. Fresh off a brace against the Waratahs last week, Laumape is arguably the form player in the trio. Expect to see our own midfield backs pay him some extra-special attention on Saturday night, to ensure he doesn’t have a chance to cause havoc.
Our leading try scorer (tied with in-form winger Matt Duffie at four tries each) scored a brilliant try from the bench last time he played at Eden Park, against the Western Force in round six. This time he’ll be starting, and this time he’ll be playing alongside Sonny Bill Williams. That’s right. If his centre partner can put him in space with one of his trademark offloads, you can expect to see the lightning-quick Rieko run riot at Eden Park. As they say, this could be the beginning of a beautiful centre pairing. Continues page 7 »
BLUES VS HURRIC ANES | 15 APRIL 20 17 5
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Jordie Barrett It’s hard to believe that Jordie Barrett – the younger brother of All Black first five Beauden Barrett, yet another player we’ll need to contain – is still only in his first year of Super Rugby. In just a short time, the rangy second five-eighth has developed into one of New Zealand rugby’s hottest young talents, alongside our own Rieko Ioane (see above). Tall and quick off the mark, Barrett is an attacking threat with ball in hand, as well as an accurate goal kicker. He can play almost anywhere in the backline, so Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd could shift the versatile playmaker around if injury strikes one of their other players.
Augustine Pulu This weekend’s battle of the halfbacks could be worth the price of admission alone, as the Hurricanes’ TJ Perenara and our own Augustine Pulu face each other for the first time this season. Two of New Zealand’s best number-nines, both players boast electric running games, lightningfast passes, and a willingness to put their bodies on the line in defence. More importantly, both players are key to unleashing their sides’ considerable attacking talent. Pulu was excellent last weekend against the Highlanders. Here’s hoping he brings his trademark combativeness and never-say-die attitude again this weekend.
BLUES VS HURRIC ANES | 15 APRIL 20 17 7
KFC CURTAIN RAISER:
MAGS vs Hastings Mount Albert Grammar School (MAGS) couldn’t ask for better preparation ahead of the Sanix World Rugby Youth tournament than a hit-out against Hastings Boys High School. MAGS are heading to the international invitational tournament in Japan in just over a week, but not before meeting their rugby counterparts from Hastings Boys High School in this weekend’s KFC curtain raiser at Eden Park, ahead of the Blues’ round-eight clash with the Hurricanes. The curtain raiser is a re-match of last year’s national secondary schools final, which saw MAGS grind out a gritty 14-13 win over their Hawke’s Bay rivals in wet conditions down in Palmerston North. Continues page 11 Photos © Copyright Photosport Ltd www.photosport.nz
BLUES VS HURRIC ANES | 15 APRIL 20 17 9
Continued from page 9 “Hastings are a powerhouse rugby school,” said MAGS coach Geoff Moon. “They’re such a good, strong team, so they’ll be tough to beat. It’s ideal preparation for Sanix, where we’ll have to play six games in 12 days. “Half our team is gone from last year, which is what happens with school rugby. So the next group are looking forward to playing on Eden Park for the first time, and then sticking around to watch the Blues beat the Hurricanes afterwards.” With a number of former MAGS students currently filling the Blues ranks – including Steven Luatuta, Sonny Bill Williams, Alex Hodgman, and Josh Goodhue – there’s a good chance that you’ll be seeing some of these players again in future years. Kick-off is at 5pm.
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BLUES VS HURRIC ANES | 15 APRIL 20 17 1 1
hirabhana.co.nz
PLAYER STATS Pauliasi Manu James Parsons
1.84 M | 115 KG | 29 YR | 12 CAPS
1.85 M | 106 KG | 30 YR | 70 (69 SR) CAPS
Charlie Faumuina
Gerard Cowley-Tuioti
1.85 M | 125 KG | 30 YR | 92 CAPS
1.96 M | 110 KG | 24 YR | 8 CAPS
Scott Scrafton
Jerome Kaino
2.00 M | 114 KG | 24 YR | 4 CAPS
1.96 M | 109 KG | 33 YR | 124 CAPS
Blake Gibson
Steven Luatua
1.86 M | 102 KG | 22 YR | 19 CAPS
1.96 M | 115 KG | 26 YR | 66 CAPS
Augustine Pulu
Piers Francis
1.89 M | 90 KG | 27 YR | 7 CAPS
1.82 M | 92 KG | 26 YR | 18 CAPS
Melani Nanai
Sonny Bill Williams
1.94 M | 90 KG | 23 YR | 31 CAPS
1.94 M | 108 KG | 32 YR | 1 CAP
Rieko Ioane
Matt Duffie
1.88 M | 103 KG | 20 YR | 12 CAPS
1.92 M | 92 KG | 26 YR | 14 CAPS
Michael Collins
Matt Moulds
1.87 M | 94 KG | 23 YR | 7 CAPS
1.88 M | 107 KG | 25 YR | 11 CAPS
Ofa Tu'ungafasi
Sione Mafileo
1.95 M | 129 KG | 24 YR | 48 (47 SR) CAPS
1.78 M | 128 KG | 23 YR | 14 CAPS
Jimmy Tupou
Akira Ioane
1.96 M | 109 KG | 24 YR | 7 CAPS
1.94 M | 113 KG | 22 YR | 24 CAPS
Billy Guyton
Bryn Gatland
1.86 M | 90 KG | 27 YR | 20 CAPS
1.80 M | 85 KG | 22 YR
George Moala 1.88 M | 99 KG | 26 YR | 61 (60 SR) CAPS
BLUES VS HURRIC ANES | 15 APRIL 20 17 1 3
COACH
BLUE HURRIC
ASSISTANT COACHES
Tana Umaga
Alistair Rogers Steve Jackson Dave Ellis
MANAGER Richard Fry
15
Michael Collins
14
Matt Duffie
13
7.35pm SATURDA EDEN
Rieko Ioane
12
Sonny Bill Williams
11
Melani Nanai
10
Piers Francis
9
Augustine Pulu
8
Steven Luatua
7
Blake Gibson
6 RESERVES 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23
Matt Moulds Ofa Tu'ungafasi Sione Mafileo Jimmy Tupou Akira Ioane Billy Guyton Bryn Gatland George Moala
Jerome Kaino
5
Scott Scrafton
4
Gerard Cowley-Tuioti
3
Charlie Faumuina
2
James Parsons
1
Pauliasi Manu
REFE
Mike F
ASSISTANT
Jamie Nu Paul W
TM
Ben S
ES VS CANES
ASSISTANT COACHES John Plumtree Jason Holland Richard Watt Dan Cron
Fraser
T REFEREES
utbrown Williams
MO
Skeen
MANAGER Tony Ward
15
Jordie Barrett
14
Wes Goosen
AY 15 APRIL 2017 PARK
EREE
COACH Chris Boyd
13
Vince Aso
12
Ngani Laumape
11
Julian Savea
10
Beauden Barrett
9
TJ Perenara
8
Ardie Savea
7
Callum Gibbins
6
Brad Shields
5
Michael Fatialofa
4
Mark Abbott
3
Jeffery Toomaga-Allen
2
Ricky Riccitelli Ben May
1
RESERVES
Leni Apisai Chris Eves Mike Kainga Vaea Fifita Reed Prinsep Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi Otere Black Cory Jane
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23
PLAYER STATS Ben May 1.93 M | 124 KG | 34 YR
Ricky Riccitelli
Jeffery Toomaga-Allen
1.82 M | 110 KG | 22 YR
1.92M | 125 KG | 27 YR
Mark Abbott
Michael Fatialofa
1.98 M | 115 KG | 27 YR
1.99 M | 116 KG | 25 YR
Brad Shields
Callum Gibbins
1.93 M | 110 KG | 26 YR
1.85 M | 102 KG | 29 YR
Ardie Savea
TJ Perenara
1.88 M | 100 KG | 24 YR
1.84 M | 94 KG | 25 YR
Beauden Barrett
Julian Savea
1.87 M | 91 KG | 26 YR
1.92 M | 108 KG | 27 YR
Ngani Laumape
Vince Aso
1.84 M | 103 KG | 26 YR
1.85 M | 90 KG | 22 YR
Wes Goosen
Jordie Barrett
1.78 M | 92 KG | 22 YR
1.95 M | 96 KG | 20 YR
Leni Apisai
Chris Eves
1.82 M | 108 KG | 21 YR
1.87 M | 118 KG | 30 YR
Mike Kainga
Vaea Fifita
1.87 M | 117 KG | 26 YR
1.96 M | 107 KG | 25 YR
Reed Prinsep
Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi
1.92 M | 108 KG | 24 YR
1.74 M | 85 KG | 22 YR
Otere Black
Cory Jane
1.85 M | 86 KG | 22 YR
1.83 M | 89 KG | 34 YR STATS TAKEN FROM INVESTEC SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE
16 1 6 BLUES VS HURRIC ANES | 15 APRIL 20 17
Q&A
PATRICK TUIPULOTU LOCK 1.98M | 120KG | 24YR
Ferocious on the field and a gentleman off it, big lock Patrick Tuipulotu prefers to let his actions on the paddock do the talking for him. Nevertheless, we managed to lure in the 12-test All Black (who is currently sidelined with injury) with promises of fresh meatloaf if he answered these questions ahead of this weekend’s match against Hurricanes… What's your favourite meal? Meatloaf with mashed potatoes and heaps of gravy. Tell us something not many people know about you I played soccer when I was under 14 for my uncle’s team. But it wasn’t for me. What has been your career highlight so far? I’m just so lucky being able to travel around the world playing rugby for a living. Every day that I get to do that is a highlight.
Who was your sporting idol when you were a kid? Probably like a lot of rugby players from my generation, I grew up idolising Jerry Collins. What's your favourite place in Auckland? I love Ponsonby Road, because of all its great restaurants, bars, and cafes. Do you have any match-day superstitions? I don’t know why, but I always make sure that I unpack absolutely everything I need into my locker, as soon as I get into the changing room, before I sit down. I can’t do anything else until I’ve done that. Who on the team makes you laugh the most? Sam Nock is a crack-up. Finish this sentence: “When I'm not playing rugby I’m...” Sleeping a lot. Finally, what's your rugby priority in 2017? To make it all the way with the Blues this year.
What has been your favourite moment playing for the Blues? Scoring a try in my debut game against the Highlanders at Eden Park, our season opener way back in 2014. I’ve scored a few more since then, but I always think back to that one.
BLUES VS HURRIC ANES | 15 APRIL 20 17 1 9
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BLUES PARTNERS
PLAY ON
W I N E S
FUTURE BLUES
BLUES CLUBHOUSES
2017 STANDINGS NZ CONFERENCE
P
W
D
L
F
A
DIF
BP
PTS
CRUSADERS HURRICANES CHIEFS HIGHLANDERS BLUES
6 6 6 7 7
6 5 5 4 3
0 0 0 0 0
0 1 1 3 4
188 285 172 168 200
123 107 119 152 163
65 178 53 16 37
2 4 4 2 4
26 24 24 18 16
AUS CONFERENCE
P
W
D
L
F
A
DIF
BP
PTS
BRUMBIES FORCE WARATAHS REDS REBELS
6 6 7 7 5
3 2 2 1 0
0 0 0 0 0
3 4 5 6 5
144 143 163 114 75
101 173 237 217 237
43 -30 -74 -103 -162
4 1 0 2 1
16 9 8 6 1
SA CONFERENCE 1
P
W
D
L
F
A
DIF
BP
PTS
STORMERS CHEETAHS BULLS SUNWOLVES
6 6 6 6
6 2 1 1
0 0 0 0
0 4 5 5
241 151 132 144
126 219 179 256
115 -68 -47 -112
2 1 2 1
26 9 6 5
SA CONFERENCE 2
P
W
D
L
F
A
DIF
BP
PTS
LIONS SHARKS JAGUARES KINGS
6 6 6 6
5 4 4 1
0 0 0 0
1 2 2 5
227 194 176 150
159 158 122 210
68 36 54 -60
3 2 3 2
23 22 19 6
OVERALL
STORMERS (SA1 LEADER) CRUSADERS (NZ LEADER) LIONS (SA2 LEADER) BRUMBIES (AUS LEADER) HURRICANES CHIEFS SHARKS HIGHLANDERS JAGUARES BLUES CHEETAHS FORCE WARATAHS BULLS KINGS REDS SUNWOLVES REBELS ©PHOTOSPORT
2 2 BLUES VS HURRIC ANES | 15 APRIL 20 17
PTS
26 26 23 16 24 24 22 18 19 16 9 9 8 6 6 6 5 1
2017 FIXTURES ROUND
MATCH RESULT
1
REBELS VS BLUES
2
CHIEFS VS BLUES
3
BLUES VS HIGHLANDERS
4
CRUSADERS VS BLUES
5
BLUES VS BULLS
6
BLUES VS FORCE
7
HIGHLANDERS VS BLUES
8
BLUES VS HURRICANES
-
10
BRUMBIES VS BLUES
-
11
WARATAHS VS BLUES
-
12
BLUES VS CHEETAHS
-
13
STORMERS VS BLUES
-
14
BLUES VS CHIEFS
-
15
BLUES VS REDS
-
17
SUNWOLVES VS BLUES
-
Thu 23 Feb | AAMI Park | 9:45PM Fri 3 Mar | FMG Stadium | 7:35PM Sat 11 Mar | Eden Park | 7:35PM
Fri 17 Mar | AMI Stadium | 7:35PM Sat 25 Mar | QBE Stadium | 7:35PM Sat 1 Apr | Eden Park | 5:15PM Sat 8 Apr | Forsyth Barr | 7:35PM Sat 15 Apr | Eden Park | 7:35PM Sun 30 Apr | GIO Stadium | 6:05PM Sat 6 May | Allianz Stadium | 9:45PM Fri 12 May | Eden Park | 7:35PM Fri 19 May | Newlands, Cape Town | 5:00AM Fri 26 May | Eden Park | 7:35PM Fri 2 Jun | Apia Park, Samoa | 7:35PM Sat 15 Jul | Chichibunomiya Stadium | 3:05PM
W
18-56
L
41-26
L
12-16
ROUND 9 MATCHES
HURRICANES V BRUMBIES 21 Apr | Napier | 7:35pm
WARATAHS V KINGS 21 Apr | Sydney | 9:45pm
LIONS V JAGUARES
22 Apr | Johannesburg | 6:00am
33-24
HIGHLANDERS V SUNWOLVES
W
38-14
CRUSADERS V STORMERS
W
24-15
FORCE V CHIEFS
26-20
BULLS V CHEETAHS
L
L
22 Apr | Invercargill | 5:15pm
22 Apr | Christchurch | 7:35pm
22 Apr | Perth | 9:45pm
23 Apr | Pretoria | 3:15am
SHARKS V REBELS
23 Apr | Durban | 5:30am
©PHOTOSPORT
BLUES VS HURRIC ANES | 15 APRIL 20 17 2 3
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