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Hawke's Bay not part of NZ Super 14 divvy up |
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Written by Mr BMR789
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Tuesday, 21 November 2006 |
Forty-two New Zealand players will make their debuts in next year's Super 14 rugby competition, none of whom wore the Hawke's Bay Magpies shirt in the Air New Zealand Cup this season.
The release of this country's five franchise squads yesterday was notable for the high number of newcomers named among the squads but also conspicuous for Magpies missing out for the second consecutive season.
Squad numbers vary, from the 30 that the Highlanders named to that of Crusaders' 35, as franchises call in extra cover for All Blacks who are to be rested for stages of next year's competition.
Among the Super 14 newcomers is wing David Smith, who made such an impression in his maiden season for Auckland in the Air New Zealand Cup this season.
The Hurricanes, which include Hawke's Bay in their franchise region, have drafted Smith, reflecting the Blues' depth in the outside backs.
The Blues will field four newcomers in Auckland prop Chris Heard, flanker Onosa'i Tololima-Auva'a, wing James Somerset and Waikato prop Sam Biddles.
Waikato prop Craig West, who earned favourable reviews as his province won the inaugural cup, has earned promotion to the Chiefs, as has fellow front rower Aled de Malmanche, lock Toby Lynn, halfback Brendon Leonard, midfield back Richard Kahui, utility back Dwayne Sweeney, as well as Bay of Plenty first five-eighth Murray Williams.
The Hurricanes have Wellington flanker Serge Lilo, halfback Alby Mathewson and wing Cory Jane, Manawatu lock Hayden Triggs, Canterbury flanker Hayden Hopgood and Southland first five-eighth Blair Stewart have all been selected by the Hurricanes for the first time.
The Crusaders have named Canterbury loose forwards Kieran Read and Peter Nixon, hooker Ti'i Paulo, locks Michael Paterson and Isaac Ross, midfield back Tim Bateman and first five-eighth Stephen Brett.
Also, they have gone outside Canterbury to include Tasman prop Ben May, Tasman flanker Jonathon Poff, Northland loose forward Jake Paringatai and North Harbour first five-eighth Tusi Pisi.
The Highlanders also contained several new faces at Super 14 level, among them Tasman winger Lucky Mulipola, Otago prop Keith Cameron, loose forwards Alando Soakai and Ezra Taylor, halfback Toby Morland, fullback Craig Clare, first five-eighth Charlie Hore, midfielder Aaron Bancroft, winger Greg Zampach, Southland hooker David Hall, prop Jamie Mackintosh, lock Kane Thompson and midfielder Jason Kawau.
The full squads include 16 draft players while seven players are returning to Super rugby - Otago fullback Glen Horton, Auckland loose forward Jerome Kaino, hooker Derren Witcombe, Waikato lock Keith Robinson, Wellington hooker Mahonri Schwalger, Taranaki prop Tony Penn and North Harbour wing Rudi Wulf.
New Zealand Rugby Union deputy chief executive Steve Tew said the 2007 World Cup meant next year was "a unique year" for the New Zealand Super 14 sides, allowing a number of players who had been identified during the cup an opportunity to further their careers at the next level.
"The selected squads are evidence of the real depth across the country and the injection of exciting, new players will add real spice to the competition," he said.
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