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2010 ITM Cup Season Preview (updated squads, facts)
James Mortimer - (27/07/2010)
The New Zealand domestic season is about to get underway, with focus being on the impending "seven team split", how long Southland can retain the Ranfurly Shield, and if another side can break Canterbury’s iron grip on the competition.
There will be promotion and relegation between the two divisions, so there has been some furious recruitment drives by the unions to ensure that they can compete in what promises to be the most ferociously fought competition in many years.
The red and blacks have won the last two titles, and this season have a squad that still looks immense despite being without numerous All Blacks (seven - six forwards and one back)
George Whitelock captains the side, and is joined by All Blacks Andy Ellis, Wyatt Crocket and Isaac Ross; as well as numerous Crusaders in Ryan Crotty, Robbie Furean, Sean Maitland and Colin Slade.
There will also be the much anticipated introduction of Sonny Bill Williams, who will further add glitter to an already impressive backline.
For all of their strength though, there is a lack of star quality up front without their test stars, but Canterbury long ago learned how to deal with the absence of their test regulars.
We then have the perennial runners-up in Wellington, who will be hoping to add a title to their numerous finals appearances (six in the last seven years) having now not won the prize since 2000.
The boys in the capital will want to make a point, especially season captain Rodney So’oialo, Neemia Tialata and Hosea Gear, all players who are good enough to push for All Black end of year tour berths.
When adding stalwarts such as Jacob Ellison, Faifili Levave, Serge Lilo, John Schwalger and Jeremy Thrush; and Junior World Cup winning sensation Julian Savea, hopes will be high that the Lions could go all the way.
Southland’s early season form will be of much interest considering they are also “defending champions” as holders of the prestigious Ranfurly Shield.
Having already seen off pre-season challenges in the form of North Otago and Wanganui, the Stags will welcome southern rivals Otago on August 7 and Counties-Manukau a week later.
If they manage to get through those matches unscathed, they will welcome no less than Auckland, Canterbury and Wellington as the season progresses, a test of Southlands credentials.
The form of New Zealand rugby’s most successful side Auckland will be interesting, for while they boast a solid squad, it does not boast a cadre of fringe or out of favour All Blacks.
The return of Daniel Braid will be watched as his form for Queensland in the Rebel Sport Super 14 suggests that he may be the man to finally serve as a permanent understudy to Richie McCaw.
But like all the squads, the Aucklanders are littered with promising under 20’s players, fresh from their Junior World Cup success, and a few stalwarts like Brent Ward and Toby Morland who will be keen to make a point.
Waikato will be somewhere at the business end of the season with a side buttressed with All Blacks, notably Stephen Donald and Brendan Leonard. They will be supported by plenty of Chiefs and will look to improve on their sixth placed finish last year.
Rounding out the big five is Otago, who are being talked up this season with a solid squad, with many local boys joining All Blacks in Adam Thomson, forgotten winger Ben Smith and old hand Kees Meeuws.
Coached by Phil Mooney, who may feel like he can prove a point after his hard years with the Queensland Reds; he could impart a new culture at a side that has traditionally underperformed in recent years.
Hawke’s Bay, outstanding with their fourth placed semi final finish last year, will want to ensure they continue to match it with the big boys.
The Magpies have lost a couple of their strike weapons, notably Israel Dagg to the All Blacks, and this could in turn result that they will not catch any one by surprise this season.
However in Peter Russell they have a canny coach who will ensure his troops are well prepared for a scrap to become one of the Premiership teams.
The beauty of this year’s competition is that there is something or someone to watch in all teams.
Counties-Manukau have the services of former All Blacks captain Tana Umaga and will be interesting to follow, as will attacking threats in Sherwin Stowers and Tim Nanai Williams.
North Harbour sees Luke McAlister continue to fight his way back into All Black colours.
Bay of Plenty will look to improve on their midtable finish last year, and an aggressive recruitment drive now sees Leilia Masaga and Ben Smith joing regulars such as Tanerau Latimer and Colin Bourke.
Taranaki welcomes home former Hurricanes coach Colin Cooper, and with a squad boasting talent such as David Smith, Tyson Keats, Willie Ripia, Scott Waldrom and Craig Clarke, they will be a team to look out for.
Manawatu, Northland and Tasman all provided their share of shocks last year, and will not just be making up the numbers. All three cross paths with superpowers early and they will hope to build some momentum before the business end of the ITM Cup.
The action kicks off on Thursday 29 July, with Taranaki hosting Northland, and will stretch through late October, finishing with the Steelers taking on the Magpies at Pukekohe to finish the regular season.
Full 2010 ITM Cup draw
WEEK 1.
Thursday 29 July – Sunday 1 August
Thursday 7.35pm Taranaki v Northland Yarrow Stadium New Plymouth
Friday 7.35pm Canterbury v Hawke’s Bay AMI Stadium Christchurch
Saturday 2.35pm Manawatu v Southland FMG Stadium Palmerston North
Saturday 4.30pm Counties Manukau v Otago Bayer Growers Stadium Pukekohe
Saturday 6.35pm Waikato v Bay of Plenty Waikato Stadium Hamilton
Sunday 2.35pm North Harbour v Auckland North Harbour Stadium North Shore City
Sunday 4.35pm Wellington v Tasman Westpac Stadium Wellington
WEEK 2.
Thursday 5 August – Sunday 8 August
Thursday 7.35pm Manawatu v Canterbury FMG Stadium Palmerston North
Friday 7.35pm Taranaki v Tasman Yarrow Stadium New Plymouth
Friday 7.35pm Hawke's Bay v Bay of Plenty McLean Park Napier
Saturday 2.35pm Auckland v Waikato Eden Park Auckland
Saturday 4.35pm Southland v Otago (RS) Rugby Park Invercargill
Sunday 2.35pm Wellington v Counties Manukau Westpac Stadium Wellington
Sunday 4.35pm Northland v North Harbour Northland Events Centre Whangarei
WEEK 3
Thursday 12 August – Sunday 15 August
Thursday 7.35pm Tasman v Hawke's Bay Lansdowne Park Blenheim
Friday 7.35pm Canterbury v North Harbour AMI Stadium Christchurch
Saturday 2.35pm Bay of Plenty v Auckland TBC TBC
Saturday 5.30pm Southland v Counties Manukau (RS) Rugby Park Invercargill
Saturday 7.35pm Otago v Wellington Carisbrook Dunedin
Sunday 2.35pm Northland v Manawatu Northland Events Centre Whangarei
Sunday 4.35pm Waikato v Taranaki Waikato Stadium Hamilton
WEEK 4.
Thursday 19 August – Sunday 22 August
Thursday 7.35pm North Harbour v Otago North Harbour Stadium North Shore City
Friday 7.35pm Taranaki v Bay of Plenty Yarrow Stadium New Plymouth
Saturday 2.35pm Tasman v Canterbury Trafalgar Park Nelson
Saturday 5.30pm Counties Manukau v Manawatu Bayer Growers Stadium Pukekohe
Saturday 7.35pm Wellington v Waikato Westpac Stadium Wellington
Sunday 2.35pm Auckland v Northland Eden Park Auckland
Sunday 4.35pm Hawke's Bay v Southland McLean Park Napier
WEEK 5.
Thursday 26 August – Sunday 29 August
Thursday 7.35pm Otago v Taranaki Carisbrook Dunedin
Friday 7.35pm Tasman v Southland Lansdowne Park Blenheim
Saturday 2.35pm Waikato v Counties Manukau Waikato Stadium Hamilton
Saturday 5.30pm Wellington v Northland Westpac Stadium Wellington
Saturday 7.35pm Canterbury v Auckland AMI Stadium Christchurch
Sunday 2.35pm Manawatu v Hawke's Bay FMG Stadium Palmerston North
Sunday 4.35pm Bay of Plenty v North Harbour TBC TBC
WEEK 6.
Thursday 2 September – Sunday 5 September
Thursday 7.35pm Counties Manukau v Tasman Bayer Growers Stadium Pukekohe
Friday 7.35pm Canterbury v Bay of Plenty AMI Stadium Christchurch
Saturday 2.35pm Manawatu v Wellington FMG Stadium Palmerston North
Saturday 5.30pm Northland v Southland Northland Events Centre Whangarei
Saturday 7.35pm North Harbour v Waikato North Harbour Stadium North Shore City
Sunday 2.35pm Auckland v Taranaki Eden Park Auckland
Sunday 4.35pm Otago v Hawke's Bay Carisbrook Dunedin
WEEK 7.
Thursday 9 September – Sunday 12 September
Thursday 7.35pm Bay of Plenty v Manawatu TBC TBC
Friday 7.35pm Southland v North Harbour (RS) Rugby Park Invercargill
Saturday 2.35pm Hawke's Bay v Waikato McLean Park Napier
Saturday 4.30pm Northland v Canterbury Northland Events Centre Whangarei
Saturday 6.35pm Auckland v Wellington Eden Park Auckland
Sunday 2.35pm Tasman v Otago Trafalgar Park Nelson
Sunday 4.35pm Taranaki v Counties Manukau Yarrow Stadium New Plymouth
WEEK 8.
Thursday 16 September – Sunday 19 September
Thursday 7.35pm Waikato v Southland Waikato Stadium Hamilton
Friday 7.35pm Manawatu v Auckland FMG Stadium Palmerston North
Saturday 2.35pm Taranaki v Canterbury Yarrow Stadium New Plymouth
Saturday 5.30pm Wellington v Hawke's Bay Westpac Stadium Wellington
Saturday 7.35pm Tasman v North Harbour Trafalgar Park Nelson
Sunday 2.35pm Otago v Northland Carisbrook Dunedin
Sunday 4.35pm Bay of Plenty v Counties Manukau TBC TBC
WEEK 9.
Thursday 23 September – Sunday 26 September
Thursday 7.35pm Southland v Auckland (RS) Rugby Park Invercargill
Friday 7.35pm Bay of Plenty v Otago TBC TBC
Saturday 2.35pm Canterbury v Wellington AMI Stadium Christchurch
Saturday 5.30pm Hawke's Bay v Taranaki McLean Park Napier
Saturday 7.35pm Waikato v Tasman Waikato Stadium Hamilton
Sunday 2.35pm North Harbour v Manawatu North Harbour Stadium North Shore City
Sunday 4.35pm Counties Manukau v Northland Bayer Growers Stadium Pukekohe
WEEK 10.
Thursday 30 September – Sunday 3 October
Thursday 7.35pm Wellington v Bay of Plenty Westpac Stadium Wellington
Friday 7.35pm Auckland v Hawke's Bay Eden Park Auckland
Saturday 2.35pm Northland v Waikato Northland Events Centre Whangarei
Saturday 5.30pm Otago v Canterbury Carisbrook Dunedin
Saturday 7.35pm Taranaki v Southland Yarrow Stadium New Plymouth
Sunday 2.35pm Manawatu v Tasman FMG Stadium Palmerston North
Sunday 4.35pm Counties Manukau v North Harbour Bayer Growers Stadium Pukekohe
WEEK 11.
Thursday 7 October – Sunday 10 October
Thursday 7.35pm Hawke's Bay v Northland McLean Park Napier
Friday 7.35pm Waikato v Otago Waikato Stadium Hamilton
Saturday 2.35pm Taranaki v Manawatu Yarrow Stadium New Plymouth
Saturday 5.30pm Counties Manukau v Auckland Bayer Growers Stadium Pukekohe
Saturday 7.35pm Southland v Canterbury (RS) Rugby Park Invercargill
Sunday 2.35pm North Harbour v Wellington North Harbour Stadium North Shore City
Sunday 4.35pm Tasman v Bay of Plenty Lansdowne Park Blenheim
WEEK 12.
Thursday 14 October – Sunday 17 October
Thursday 7.35pm Manawatu v Waikato FMG Stadium Palmerston North
Friday 7.35pm Tasman v Northland Trafalgar Park Nelson
Saturday 2.35pm Bay of Plenty v Southland TBC TBC
Saturday 5.30pm Canterbury v Counties Manukau AMI Stadium Christchurch
Saturday 7.35pm Wellington v Taranaki Westpac Stadium Wellington
Sunday 2.35pm Auckland v Otago Eden Park Auckland
Sunday 4.35pm Hawke's Bay v North Harbour McLean Park Napier
WEEK 13.
Thursday 21 October – Sunday 24 October
Thursday 7.35pm Northland v Bay of Plenty Northland Events Centre Whangarei
Friday 7.35pm Waikato v Canterbury Waikato Stadium Hamilton
Saturday 2.35pm North Harbour v Taranaki North Harbour Stadium North Shore City
Saturday 5.30pm Otago v Manawatu Carisbrook Dunedin
Saturday 7.35pm Southland v Wellington (RS) Rugby Park Invercargill
Sunday 2.35pm Auckland v Tasman Eden Park Auckland
Sunday 4.35pm Counties Manukau v Hawke's Bay Bayer Growers Stadium Pukekohe
WEEK 14.
SEMIFINALS Friday 29 October 7.35pm TBC TBC TBC
Saturday 30 October 7.35pm TBC TBC TBC
WEEK 15.
FINAL Friday 5 November 7.35pm TBC TBC TBC
Squads for rugby's 2010 national provincial championship:
Northland:
Aaron Bancroft, Sam Barker, Dean Budd, Mark Burman, Rhyan Caine, Adam Clarke, Matt Clutterbuck, Tim Dow, Cameron Eyre, Paea Fa'anunu, Brook Gilmore, Cameron Goodhue, Roy Griffin, Iwi Hauraki, Luke Hamilton, David Holwell, Mateo Malupo, Joel McKenty, Lachie Munro, Simon Munro, Bronson Murray, Brock Mustard, Pat O'Connor, Jared Payne (captain), Rene Ranger, Mikaele Tuu'u, Matt Wallis, Ross Wright
Coach - Bryce Woodward
North Harbour:
Ben Afeaki, James Afoa, Ben Botica, Tom Chamberlain, Alipate Fatafehi, Michael Farmer, James King, Michael Harris, Grayson Hart, Manu Leiataua, Mathew Luamanu, Michael Mayhew, Richard Mayhew, Luke McAlister, Jack McPhee, James Parson, Filo Paulo, Ken Pisi, Malakai Ravulo, Michael Reid (captain), Chris Smylie, Jack Tarrant, Nalu Tuigamala, Nafi Tuitavake, Scott Uren, Brendon Watt, William Whetton, Josh York
Coach - Craig Dowd
Auckland:
Ben Atiga, Onosa'i Auva'a, Matt Berquist, Daniel Braid, Ash Dixon, Charlie Faumuina, Kurtis Haiu, Brenton Helleur, Jamie Helleur, Chris Lowrey, Tevita Mailau, Pauliasi Manu, Tom McCartney, Ash Moeke, Liaki Moli, Toby Morland, Atieli Pakalani, Charles Piutau, Sean Polwart, Chay Raui, Peter Saili, Winston Stanley, Dave Thomas, Andrew Van der Heijden, Brent Ward
Coach - Mark Anscombe
Counties-Manukau:
Jamie Chipman, Dean Cummins, Graham Dewes, Jeremiah Fatialofa, Viliami Fihaki, Samisoni Fisilau, DJ Forbes, Grant Henson, Baden Kerr, Fritz Lee, Ray Lee-lo, Simon Lemalu, Ilaisa Ma'asi, Tim Nanai-Williams, Jono Owen, Siale Piutau, August Pulu, Ronald Raaymakers, David Raikuna, Mark Selwyn, Waka Setitaia, Sherwin Stowers, Seremaia Tagicakibau, Ahsee Tuala, Taiasina Tuifua, Tana Umaga
Coach - Milton Haig
Waikato:
Sosene Anesi, Alex Bradley, Aled de Malmanch, Stephen Donald, Hikairo Forbes, Romana Graham, Frank Halai, Zak Hohneck, Vern Kamo, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Jack Lam, Brendan Leonard, Christian Lealiifano, Toby Lynn, Ben May, Tim Mikkelson, Chris Middleton, Trent Renata, Steven Setephano, Toby Smith, Henry Speight, Dwayne Sweeney, Save Tokula, Dominiko Waqaniburotu, Nathan White (captain), Jackson Willison, Matt Vant Leven
Coach - Chris Gibbes
Bay of Plenty:
James McGougan, Joe Savage, Josh Hohneck, Tristan Moran, Daniel Perrin, John Pareanga, Cullum Rettalick, John Moore, Luke Andrews, Colin Bourke (captain) Luke Braid, Sam Cane, Solomon King, Tanerau Latimer, Josh Hall, Dan Waenga, Mike Delany, Nick McCashin, Brett Mather, Cory Aporo, Grant McQuoid, Phil Burleigh, Ben Smith, Jason Hona, Lance MacDonald, Leilia Masaga, Toby Arnold.
Coach - Sean Horan
Taranaki:
Kurt Baker, Beauden Barrett, Kane Barrett, Michael Bent, James Broadhurst, Carl Carmichael, Craig Clarke (captain), Shane Cleaver, Laurence Corlett, Brett Goodin, Jayden Hayward, Jarrad Hoeata, Scott Ireland, Tyson Keats, Sione Lea, Kylem O'Donnell, George Pisi, Leon Power, Cody Rei, Willie Rickards, Willie Ripia, David Smith, Ben Souness, Andre Taylor, Blade Thomson, Isaia Tuifua, Timo Tutavaha, Samuela Vunisa, Scott Waldrom, Chris Walker, Johnny Willis
Coach - Colin Cooper
Hawke's Bay:
Trent Boswell-Wakefieldm, Richard Buckman, Mike Coman, Israel Dagg, Chris Eaton, Hika Elliot, Bryn Evans, Kahn Fotuali'i, Zac Guildford, Andrew Horrell, Mark Jackman, Michael Johnson, Gillies Kaka, Ross Kennedy, Josh Keys, Dan Kirkpatrick, Kas Lealamanua, Karl Lowe, Ryan McLeod, Clint Newland, Anthony Perenise, Leighton Price, Luke Rooney, Jason Shoemark (captain), Eugene Smith, Star Timu, Grant Webb
Coach - Peter Russell
Manawatu:
Francis Bryant, Karl Bryson, Craig Clare, Tomasi Cama, Mitchell Crosswell, Nick Crosswell, Aaron Cruden, Ma'afu Fia, Michael Fitzgerald, Rob Foreman, Callum Gibbins, Hamish Gosling, Karl Haitana, Bertus Mulder, Sean O'Connor, James Oliver, Shannon Paku, Hadleigh Parkes, Grant Polson, Lote Raikabula, Reece Robinson, Aaron Smith, Casey Stone, Fraser Stone, Tevita Taufui, Isaac Thompson, Doug Tietjens, Asaeli Tikorotuma
Coach - Dave Rennie
Wellington:
Adrian Barone, Dane Coles, Hayden Cripps, Jacob Ellison, Fa'atonu Fili, Scott Fuglistaller, Hosea Gear, Michael Hobbs, Cory Jane, Alapati Leiua, Faifili Levave, Serge Lilo, Alby Mathewson, Motu Matu'u, Api Naikatini, Charlie Ngatai, Ma'a Nonu, Buxton Popoalii, Daniel Ramsay, Mark Reddish, Ged Robinson, Julian Savea, John Schwalger, Conrad Smith, Rodney So'oialo, (captain), Lima Sopoaga, Apoua Stewart, David Te Moana, Jeremy Thrush, Neemia Tialata, Ruki Tipuna, Shaun Treeby, Victor Vito, Piri Weepu
Coach - Jamie Joseph
Tasman:
Jarrod Aberhart, Shane Christie, Ben Coman, Anthony Elisala, Vernon Fredericks, Glen Gregory, Chris Jack (captain), Huia Tevita Koloamatangi, Poutasi Luafutu, Quentin MacDonald, Fai Mika, Craig Moore, Sam Prattley, Jonathan Poff, Francis Smith, Joe Wheeler, Steve Alfeld, Blair Cook, Daniel Hawkins, Sione Holani, James Kamana, Robbie Malneek, James Marshall, Tom Marshall, Afeleki Pelenise, Kade Poki, Jack Umaga, Kaide Whiting.
Coach - Kieran Keane
Canterbury:
Rodney Ah You, Peter Borlase, Stephen Brett, Wyatt Crockett, Ryan Crotty, Andy Ellis, Robbie Fruean, Steve Fualau, Willi Heinz, Sean Maitland, Nasi Manu, Sam Monaghan, Paul Ngauamo, Brendon O'Connor, Andrew Olorenshaw, Patrick Osborne, Ash Parker, Luke Romano, Isaac Ross, Colin Slade, Matt Todd, Tu Umaga-Marshall, Telusa Veainu, Rob Verbakel, Adam Whitelock, Dan Carter, Corey Flynn, Owen Franks, Richie McCaw, Kieran Read, Brad Thorn, George Whitelock (captain), Sam Whitelock, Sonny Bill Williams
Coach - Rob Penney
Otago:
Halani Aulika, Liam Coltman, Glenn Dickson, Paul Grant, Sam Hibbard, Joe Hill, Eben Joubert, Seko Kalou, Paula Kinikinilau, Johnny Legg, Hoani Matenga, Kees Meeuws, Peter Mirrielees, Chris Noakes, Charlie O'Connell, Andrew Parata, Sean Romans, Ryan Shortland, Chris Small, Ben Smith, Alando Soakai, Josh Tatupu, Adam Thomson, Josh Townsend, Hayden Triggs, Fetu`u Vainikolo
Coach - Phil Mooney
Southland:
Nicholas Barrett, Dion Bates, Joshua Bekhuis, Tim Boys, Jimmy Cowan, Scott Cowan, Elliot Dixon, John Hardie, Glen Horton, Chris King, Tony Koonwaiyou, Kendrick Lynn, Jamie Mackintosh (captain), Seminar Manu-Tinela, Brayden Mitchell, James Paterson, Micheal Peterson, Sonny Rangitoheriri, Robbie Robinson, Jason Rutledge, Michael Ryan, Matt Saunders, Hua Tamariki, Pehi Te Whare, Kane Thompson, Joe Tuineau, Mark Wells, James Wilson
Coaches - David Henderson and Simon Culhane
National provincial championship rugby records:
Season records:
Most points (team) - 521. Otago, 1998
Most points (player) - 196. Tony Brown (Otago) 1998
Most tries (team) - 70. Auckland, 1994
Most tries (player) - 15. Terry Wright (Auckland) 1984; Brendan Laney (Otago) 1998
Most conversions - 46. Canterbury 2001
Most penalty goals - 40. Taranaki 2009
Champions:
1976 - Bay of Plenty
1977 - Canterbury
1978 - Wellington
1979 - Counties
1980 - Manawatu
1981 - Wellington
1982 - Auckland
1983 - Canterbury
1984 - Auckland
1985 - Auckland
1986 - Wellington
1987 - Auckland
1988 - Auckland
1989 - Auckland
1990 - Auckland
1991 - Otago
1992 - Waikato
1993 - Auckland
1994 - Auckland
1995 - Auckland
1996 - Auckland
1997 - Canterbury
1998 - Otago
1999 - Auckland
2000 - Wellington
2001 - Canterbury
2002 - Auckland
2003 - Auckland
2004 - Canterbury
2005 - Auckland
2006 - Waikato
2007 - Auckland
2008 - Canterbury
2009 - Canterbury
Multiple winners
16 - Auckland
7 - Canterbury
4 - Wellington
2 - Waikato, Otago
Notes for re-format of tournament from 2011
The new competition format from 2011 will see 14 teams split into two divisions of seven teams based on their on-field finishing positions in 2010. The top seven teams will form the Premiership and the bottom seven the Championship. Teams will play all other teams in their division plus four other teams from the other division (there will be an innovative new process for teams to select their cross-division opponents with the detail to be finalised in the first quarter next year). All matches will carry full competition points. The winner of the Championship will receive automatic promotion to the Premiership replacing the 7th placed team in the Premiership which will be relegated to the Championship.
In 2011, due to New Zealand hosting RWC 2011, the competition window will be restricted to eight weeks. As a result, in 2011 only, there will be three mid-week matches and no semi-finals.
From 2012 the competition will commence two weeks after the conclusion of the new expanded Super Rugby in mid-August and be played over 12 weeks. This will see the introduction of semi-finals and no mid week matches.
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