2009 Squad Preview

The squad review is based on the guys they took to camp up north. It doesn't include the All Blacks as we know about them and it may miss one or two but it covers most of the Class of 2009.

Adrian Smith (Massey)
Not really sure who he is, must be the next big hope.

Michael Mayhew (Northcote)
Solid but not particularly awe inspiring. The Mayhew's seem to be more interesting when out on the grog at average local night-spots. Hope he can hold it better than his predecessor from Devonport.

Michael Reid (Marist)
They seem to like him and the reports are good but having looked at almost a full year of club rugby I can't say he is much better than the other guys he comes up against every season.

Michael Farmer (Massey)
Tall, but as we have found with Ryan Wilson, vertical advantages does not always equate to being good. He's young enough so what the heck, give him a go.

William Whetton (Northcote)
There are a few players in this side with handy surnames when it comes to rugby and the politics that inevitably go with it. William comes from a very handy union pedigree but again is so young he may not make it to R18 flicks at Hoyts. Lets see how he goes.

Chris Smith (Takapuna)
Injured for the early half of the season but has come back to play some reasonable footie and lock the Takapuna scrum. Had his critics last year so will have to step it up to continue in the game.

Robbie Colhoun (Silverdale)
Just not sure why we go back to this fruitless tree. Its just not going to happen.

Richard Mayhew (Northcote)
Going to the gym 3 times a day may make you big but does it make you good. He has been around long enough no that he has to front with something more than his chest. Hopefully he realises something better than an ok No. 8.

Matt France (Takapuna)
A quiet start to the club season from our second choice halfback. Has started to assert more authority which saw him run close to a Blues call-up. We expect considerable improvement.

Ben Botica (North Shore)
Speaking of surnames, Botica has had a pretty cruisey run. The manager seems to like him as his "impartial" rugby diatribe in the North Shore Times is littered with glowing tributes. Ben is again very young like many of his team-mates picked thus far, but with the media accolades brings pressure to show the talent he has got. He will be watched closely.

Jona Tuitoga (Helensville)
Quick and possesses a fine step. Defence is a bit suss but going forward he is one of the better ones in Harbour Club Rugby. Hope his residency lasts until October.

Hayden Abercrombie (North Shore)
North Shore have not had one of their better seasons, from Premier Finalists to Plate Semi losers is not ideal preparation for one of their better players. I just think this guy is honest, capable but essentially not that thrilling.

Tua Saseve (Marist)
Talked about around the clubs as one to watch. Lets hope something happens here as we are really a bit short of outstanding talent. I'm thinking good thoughts.

Nafi Tuitavake (Massey)
He looks ok this guy, looked good internationally and hopefully he can follow his brother and be exceptional. Looking forward to this.

Jack McPhee (Glenfield)
Old Left Peg is back for another year. Again just doesn't get me excited, the utility tag just means you can't find a spot to call your own.

Forward Reserves:

• James Afoa (Northcote) - big and reasonably handy, I like him
• Ben Afeaki (Marist) - seems to get injured a lot, seems good but hopefully can take the field at some stage
• James Parsons (Takapuna) - solid, as long as we can get it straight into the line-out I'm happy
• James King (North Shore) - young but that's all I really know about him
• Filo Paulo (Mahurangi) - sorry nothing on this fella
• Vili Ma'afu (Massey) - let's not go back to the well that was dry <Editor's note: have we forgotten his form of 2008?)
• Malakai Ravulo (Helensville) - good when he is good, not so when he isn't
• Tom Chamberlain (Marist) - the luckiest person ever to play for the Blues

Backs Reserves:

• Nalu Tuigamala (East Coast Bays) - not sure
• Chris Smylie (Massey) - very good, solid and him and France should have this spot for themselves
• Michael Harris (Northcote) - kicks ok but is a bit slow, not sure where he will play
• Andrew Mailei (Northcote) - good
• George Pisi (Massey) - both the Pisi boys have the goods, now its time to show us how good they are
• Ken Pisi (Massey) - see above

Overall:
They have stayed loyal to the Harbour clubs until they import some journeymen from god-knows-where.

The team has a young feel to it and the backs in particular look good. My main concern is No. 10 and who will fit the bill there. I suspect they might start with McPhee with a reluctance to use the wonder-kids. I hope I'm wrong as it is time to see how good they are under some real pressure.

No. 7 still worries me as I just have a natural aversion to Chamberlain. We don't have any locks with a lot of experience but the front-row should hold its own.

The coaches are under a huge amount of pressure as they are untried, well-known and are former AB's who have seen a certain amount of rugby success.

If you go outside the Union to get your coaches they have to deliver and deliver early.

The manager seemed like a strange appointment and smacks a bit of a job given in lieu of the shake-up in the Development side.

Oh well here we go, good luck and all the best boys.