Possibly the worst season in the Union’s history, let’s get the knives out …

J Afoa – my pick for player of the year. He was solid, played in most, if not every game and always looked good with ball in hand. This guy was a genuine find at prop and should go close to the Super 14. Excellent medium-term prospect.

J Hinchco – no good. Possibly the worst player on the park. Can’t throw, can’t catch, doesn’t commit to the tight…apart from that a fair player. In my opinion just not up to the standard required.

B Afeaki – young, inexperienced and it showed. He got better as things went along but I thought it was a season to early. I believe he will go on from here but would have preferred to supplement his appearances with someone of experience. It certainly wouldn’t have hurt his development any.

R Wilson – very disappointing it needs to be said. He is tall, can jump, but offers nothing around the pitch. Harbour have a few players from last year who wonder around being the big professional talking the talk. Sadly this doesn’t translate to effort on the pitch. He has a fair bit to go to be the player they obviously think he is.

G Rawlinson – not that flash. When people sign contracts in rugby for the next season they should just go. A reluctant skipper after Williams’s untimely demise, Greg never got going and had one foot on the Boeing destined for England. Very disappointing, I read in the local rag that he wanted to produce one more great season for Harbour. He delivered bugger-all.

A Boric – “Fat Bag of Disappointment Biscuits Winner 2007”. Has the raps on him, is in the Super 14 squad, comes back to Harbour and plays like pish. Really needed guys like this to step up and front for the Union, didn’t and we ultimately paid a heavy price.

T Chamberlain – who? Garbage, you really need to get to a breakdown occasionally.

R Mayhew – tradesman. Looks like an honest Shore contractor that will probably never let the Union down. In his first season I thought he played admirbily considering it was a woeful pack. Hope he goes on. Great tackle against Southland.

B Ingham – the elder statesman of Harbour side. This boy has had more head-knocks than Rocky Marciano but still doesn’t retire. I’ll never forget when I saw him run on as substitute, I just about lost my steaming pie down me front. With all due respect, if this is the best we have, we are in all sorts of bother. I know we lost a few players but please let’s sort this out sharpish.

J McPhee – a very good season by the weeman. Never let us down and considering the ball the backs got, played exceptionally well. While he will never set the world alight he is sound, can kick and has a bit of toe. Good work son.

R Wulf – not the same. I’m going out on a limb to say that I don’t think he is as effective as we was before the Poe incident. Is he fast enough to be a winger? I hope so because he shouldn’t go back in the midfield, its just not for the lad. I’ll make a final judgement next season but I fear the worst.

T Pisi – farewell my old chum. Tusi in all fairness had a reasonable season by his standards. He also departs and apart from local opinion in Massey, I think its about time. We have never rated him highly but wish him all the best. Needs to read up on kicking and option taking while on the plane. Just never thought he was true NPC material and must be the most fortunate of all Super 14 draft picks.

A Tuitavake – a class act in a class of amatuers. Must have the agent out looking for a decent contact in the Northern Hemisphere. Played well but not up to his usual brillance. The ball delievered by the eight was a bit underdone and the backline changed a fair bit so full marks to him for keeping it together. Just hope to see him back.

V Waqaseduadua – looked like a horribly lost tourist for most of the season. Played appallingly at regular intervals and was a shadow of his 2006 form. Just goes to show you that if you get crap ball and go backwards it is hard to get some momentum.

G Pisi – see Tuitavake. A very fine player and must be retained.

Others:
N Williams – Injury robbed him of the captaincy and did horrific damage on our season, sad but that’s life.
M Harris – too far too soon. Well out of his depth, will improve with age.
C Smith – looks pretty handy. An injury keep his appearances limited, should go on to do very well.
J Parsons – didn’t see enough of him but looks ok.
J Savage – see above.
F Stowers – limited game time but have never really rated him.
V Ma’afu – looked very good and thought he should have received more game time.
J Rodley – this creep rubs me up the wrong way, not sure why, must have better talent than this.
Z Lawrence – the perennial sevens star who looks woefully out of form in the 15-a-side game.

Management:
Word on the street from some of the players is that management was particularly poor this season. Go figure…mind you so were the players …

The rugby public expected more out of Pivac and co. this season and they have plainly delivered the worst season performance for 10 years. The blame must lie on their shoulders. Pivac must have another year on the contract and will undoubtedly escape the axe.

Not so sure about Yelavich and King, who must be a wee bit concerned. Blood will be shed this year and I expect it will come sooner rather than later.

Interesting decision to have White as manager, I would have thought a local politician should be representing his “ward” and not making an ass out of Harbour rugby. You won’t be getting my vote.

You can hide around injuries and all that bollocks but it’s a professional game and some action must be taken to avoid a tragic repeat.

Very disappointing and I’m glad its over.