Season Review 2006

We won the Ranfurly Shield which must go down as one of our best performances of any year.

Sadly, I still felt we under-achieved and despite good selection into the Super 14 we must do a lot better to be taken seriously.

1. A Donald (Takapuna)
Probably played more games this season than ever before, largely due to his decision to play loose and tight. While he is a very solid player he consistently showed frailties in holding up his side of the scrum.

2. J Hincho (N Shore)
Seemed to be the preferred choice ahead of people who were good. This guy looks like a non-athlete and plays in a similar fashion. Had trouble in adapting to a provincial competition and should be dispatched to Devonport to play with the hippies.

3. M Noble (Helensville)
How the mighty have gained weight and fallen. Can't play a full eighty and his worth must be seriously questioned. Promised much and delivered f*@k all. Hear he is off to France for a ridiculous sum, will quite happily drive him to the airport if he could fit in my car.

4. R Wilson (Silverdale)
Pretty average, must apply as much weight in the scrums as Terry Wright might have (if he was a lock). He is young and may improve but will have to start moving out of puberty soon in order to be a force in 2007.

5. D Fletcher (Northcote)
Ok, used sporadically and I think he can do a job but again will need to show some improvement. Probably a good club player at best.

6. A Boric (Marist)
Started off as captain and did a fair job. He seems very mobile around the park and should maintain his Super 14 selection. Definitely one for the future. Quite impressed actually.

7. R Tamihere (ECB)
I have no real beef with this character but loose forwards is a position we need to improve on very swiftly. We have no real outstanding 7 in the Union and you get the feeling Tamihere is there by default. Further reinforced by a lack of loosies in the Super 14.

8. N Williams (Northcote)
Reasonably unimpressed with the big guy. Another one who did well last year but couldn?t repeat it. Showed mental deficiencies in tactics and a general lack of discipline. May get better with age.

9. J Poluleuligaga (Massey)
No good, passes like his appendages (arms) have been stapled to his torso. We are in seriously need of a halfback and nobody on show this year is up to the Air NZ Cup.

10. Tusi Pisi (Massey)
Readers of this website will know our feelings surrounding Pisi. He had a pretty good year this year but still can't kick despite Pollock saying that this function of a first five is unimportant. Made the Crusaders which is a f@#king miracle, should drop Henry a Xmas card.

11. Rudi Wulf (Marist)
After his unfortunate experience at the shallow-end of the Poenamo pool, he seems to be back near his best. Hope he does well as he has all the talent in the world.

12. R Tipoki (Glenfield)
Came back, looked good and then didn't. The last few games Tuitavake and him played were atrocious. He then decided to go to Canterbury which was a touch odd; if he doesn't come back for the ANZC next year he can rot down there.

13. A Tuitavake (Massey)
Probably our best back pound for pound. Fell away towards the end of the year but one who we rely so much on to make breaks and break attackers.

14. V Waqaseduadua (North Shore)
Very exciting player scored the try to get the Shield and he will always be a favourite of the Harbour fans. Thought they looked to him to do more and more and he ran out of ideas towards the end of the season. Will continue to do a good job for us.

15. G Pisi (Massey)
Quality but suffered a bit like his Fijian colleague. They just expect a bit too much. In saying this he is probably my favourite player and I think he will go on to big things.

Others:
R Dustow (Massey) - wish he played a bit more, his absence was felt in the last two games.
M Reid (Marist) - a year too soon.
D Kane (Marist) - who?
F Stowers (Massey) - mince.
J Rodley (Marist) - played well in patches but not up to this standard.
J McPhee (Glenfield) - makes good breaks but didn't see enough.
Z Lawrence (Takapuna) - not fancied this season, played out of position and had a 'mare. Lost a bit of confidence. Harbour seems to enjoy doing this to Takapuna backs.

ABs:
Luke - thought it was his poorest season in Harbour colours. His performance against Canterbury would be one of the worst in the history of rugby. Played well for the All Blacks but didn't look like he cared much for the cardinal, white and black. Have you ever seen a player get off the field quicker in the game v Otago! Charlie must be hoping that the Golden Boy ends this NZ rugby nonsense so he can resurrect his "career" overseas after co-coaching the NH U/18?s.
Woodcock - the best player in the team and possibly the world. Class, class, class.
Greg - we look better with him than without him. Best Japie in the comp. (and All Blacks)