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 Quite
an alternative start to the season this year as the full effect
of professional rugby comes home to roost at the NPC level.
Not satisfied
with the ruination of club rugby, the “money-makers” in Wellington
turn their evil attention on the Air NZ Cup with it’s “new and improved
format”. At a casual glance this promises to be as exciting as two
more Tri-Nation fixtures.
The Harbour
NPC side looks to be young and hopefully can perform while it’s
more established stars are away at rep. level.
We begin without
our “captain fantastic” who decided to remove “heads” of the opposition
rather than use the same organ for general commonsense. While
the judicial process may have been a trifle tough, he’s had been
around long enough to know a whole lot better. Throw in a coach
who wasn’t exactly the player’s favourite in 2005, it makes for
some interesting if not combustible happenings in the weeks to come
…
We will review
the players listed for the Otago game this Friday instead of general
chit-chat:
1. Mike Reid
(Marist)
Don’t know a whole lot about him except he played for the NZ Under
21’s I think. Bit of a step up but we’ll give him a chance.
2. Ngarimu
Simpkins (Glenfield)
He looks to have a bit of quality this lad. Played for BOP and is
the shining light in an otherwise woeful Glenfield pack, again he’s
no Joe Ward but I’m sure Pollock is happy about that one.
3. Mike Noble
(Helensville)
Class player and unlucky to not break into the Blues. A slimmed
down Noble has been a catalyst in a Helensville side which has had
a very good Season. You would expect big things from this guy
4. Ryan Wilson
(Silverdale)
Another NZ Under 21 player, must be the tallest man in the world
and if he can’t win you lineout ball then no one can. Silverdale
haven’t exactly set the world on fire this season so his progress
will be interesting.
5. Doug Fletcher
(Northcote)
Continues to come back from injury and I’ve always thought he had
the goods. 2006 is time to show what he can do otherwise his star
might just Burn out.
6. (c) Anthony
Boric (Marist)
Captain aye, um, not sure about that, but who else is there. Excellent
player, who took the step up this year, should go well.
7. Regan
Tamihere (ECB)
Playing for Bays must suck in 2006, 2005, 2004… but this guy looks
reasonable. We are a bit thin on the ground for flankers with the
departure of Harding, Voullaire, Wilson etc. He will have to play
well to be a contender.
8. Nick Williams
(Northcote)
A very good player for Harbour last year and played well in the
Blues etc. He will have to lead by example if our loose forwards
are to trouble the bigger provinces.
9. Junior
Poluleuligaga (Massey)
Absolute rubbish, how this guy still holds a place is beyond me.
10. Tusi
Pisi (Massey)
As above.
11. Rudi
Wulf (Marist)
After his unfortunate experience at the Poenamo pool, he seems to
be but near his best. Hope he does well as he has all the talent
in the world.
12. Puanani
Hunia (Helensville)
Saw him play once but don’t know him. Rua will obviously slot back
in when he comes in from the cold.
13. Anthony
Tuitavake (Massey)
Class. We will be looking for a lot from him.
14. Vili
Waqaseduadua (North Shore)
Very good player, again we are a bit short on quality wingers so
I would expect he will be there for the long-term.
15. George
Pisi (Massey)
Must be better than Tusi, looked ok last year, hope he does well.
16. James
Hinchco (North Shore) – don’t know him.
17.
Adrian Donald (Takapuna) – been around since 2001, very solid
and hopefully a good chance will come his way.
18.
Daniel Kane (Marist) – looks ok at club level, shows the problems
we have in the loose.
19.
Francis Stowers (Massey) – promised heaps, delivered not much,
had some injury issues.
20.
James Rodley (Marist)/ Jonathan Hargreaves (Glenfield) – don’t
care.
21.
Zar Lawrence (Takapuna) - should be a lot better for his 7’s
and Maori experiences, looks good.
22.
Jack McPhee (Glenfield) - looks young enough to be ball boy,
I think this is a step to soon.
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