Teams for Super 14 opener

[ThrashViking]

HURRICANES: 15 Isaia Toeava, 14 Lome Fa'atau, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Tana Umaga, 11 Ma'a Nonu, 10 Jimmy Gopperth, 9 Piri Weepu; 8 Rodney So'oialo (c) 7 Chris Masoe, 6 Jerry Collins, 5 Jason Eaton, 4 Luke Andrews, 3 Neemia Tialata, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 Joe McDonnell. Reserves: 16 Luke Mahoney, 17 Tim Fairbrother, 18 Paul Tito, 19 Thomas Waldrom, 20 Brendan Haami, 21 David Holwell, 22 Shannon Paku.


BLUES: 15 Isa Nacewa, 14 Doug Howlett, 13 Ben Atiga, 12 Luke McAlister, 11 Joe Rokocoko, 10 Tasesa Lavea, 9 John Senio; 8 Angus Macdonald, 7 Daniel Braid, 6 Nick Williams, 5 Greg Rawlinson, 4 Ali Williams, 3 John Afoa, 2 Keven Mealamu (c), 1 Tony Woodcock. Reserves: 16 Tim Dow, 17 Saimone Taumoepeau, 18 Kurtis Haiu, 19 Justin Collins, 20 Steve Devine, 21 Rua Tipoki, 22 Brent Ward.

 

[ozbash]

wow, theres some class in those 2 squads.

 

[aussies1st]

Brumbies: 15 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 14 Clyde Rathbone, 13 Stirling Mortlock (captain), 12 Matt Giteau, 11 Mark Gerrard, 10 Stephen Larkham, 9 George Gregan, 8 George Smith, 7 Julian Salvi, 6 Daniel Heenan, 5 Mark Chisholm, 4 Alister Campbell, 3 Nic Henderson, 2 Jeremy Pau, 1 Bill Young.
Replacements:16 David Palavi, 17 Guy Shepherdson, 18 Adam Wallace-Harrison, 19 Jone Tawake, 20 Patrick Phibbs, 21 Gene Fairbanks, 22 Joel Wilson.

Waratahs: 15 Sam Norton-Knight, 14 Wendell Sailor, 13 Lote Tuqiri, 12 Morgan Turinui, 11 Peter Hewat, 10 Tim Donnelly, 9 Chris Whitaker (captain), 8 David Lyons, 7 Phil Waugh, 6 Rocky Elsom, 5 Daniel Vickerman, 4 Will Caldwell, 3 Al Baxter, 2 Adam Freier, 1 Matt Dunning.
Replacements: 16 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 17 Benn Robinson, 18 Alex Kanaar, 19 Wycliff Palu, 20 Stephen Hoiles, 21 Shaun Berne, 22 Daniel Halangahu.

REDS: Chris Latham; Tim Atkinson, Julian Huxley, Elton Flatley, Drew Mitchell; Berrick Barnes, Sam Cordingley; John Roe (captain), David Croft, Mitchell Chapman; Hugh McMeniman, Mark Connors; Rodney Blake, Sean Hardman, Greg Holmes.
Replacements: Stephen Moore, Tom Court, James Horwill, Tom McVerry, Nic Berry, Lloyd Johansson, Henari Veratau.

 

[lockyno1]

I don't know what the Reds selectors are on but Huxley at outside centre? What the!

 

[SpaceMonkey]

That 'canes backline (in fact everything from #6 up) looks awesome. Hopefully their tight 5 can hold it together.

 

[Iafeta]

HURRICANES: 15 Isaia Toeava, 14 Lome Fa'atau, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Tana Umaga, 11 Ma'a Nonu, 10 Jimmy Gopperth, 9 Piri Weepu; 8 Rodney So'oialo (c) 7 Chris Masoe, 6 Jerry Collins, 5 Jason Eaton, 4 Luke Andrews, 3 Neemia Tialata, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 Joe McDonnell. Reserves: 16 Luke Mahoney, 17 Tim Fairbrother, 18 Paul Tito, 19 Thomas Waldrom, 20 Brendan Haami, 21 David Holwell, 22 Shannon Paku.


BLUES: 15 Isa Nacewa, 14 Doug Howlett, 13 Ben Atiga, 12 Luke McAlister, 11 Joe Rokocoko, 10 Tasesa Lavea, 9 John Senio; 8 Angus Macdonald, 7 Daniel Braid, 6 Nick Williams, 5 Greg Rawlinson, 4 Ali Williams, 3 John Afoa, 2 Keven Mealamu (c), 1 Tony Woodcock. Reserves: 16 Tim Dow, 17 Saimone Taumoepeau, 18 Kurtis Haiu, 19 Justin Collins, 20 Steve Devine, 21 Rua Tipoki, 22 Brent Ward.

Is there a bad player in the Canes starting XV?

The front row battle should be a ripper. 6 past or present All Blacks.

Taumoepeau, Collins, Devine all Blacks on the Blues bench. Hot damn. The Blues may struggle at the break down and at number 10 in comparison to the Canes, perhaps.

 

[Daza_06]

Brumbies: 15 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 14 Clyde Rathbone, 13 Stirling Mortlock (captain), 12 Matt Giteau, 11 Mark Gerrard, 10 Stephen Larkham, 9 George Gregan, 8 George Smith, 7 Julian Salvi, 6 Daniel Heenan, 5 Mark Chisholm, 4 Alister Campbell, 3 Nic Henderson, 2 Jeremy Pau, 1 Bill Young.
Replacements:16 David Palavi, 17 Guy Shepherdson, 18 Adam Wallace-Harrison, 19 Jone Tawake, 20 Patrick Phibbs, 21 Gene Fairbanks, 22 Joel Wilson.

Waratahs: 15 Sam Norton-Knight, 14 Wendell Sailor, 13 Lote Tuqiri, 12 Morgan Turinui, 11 Peter Hewat, 10 Tim Donnelly, 9 Chris Whitaker (captain), 8 David Lyons, 7 Phil Waugh, 6 Rocky Elsom, 5 Daniel Vickerman, 4 Will Caldwell, 3 Al Baxter, 2 Adam Freier, 1 Matt Dunning.
Replacements: 16 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 17 Benn Robinson, 18 Alex Kanaar, 19 Wycliff Palu, 20 Stephen Hoiles, 21 Shaun Berne, 22 Daniel Halangahu.

REDS: Chris Latham; Tim Atkinson, Julian Huxley, Elton Flatley, Drew Mitchell; Berrick Barnes, Sam Cordingley; John Roe (captain), David Croft, Mitchell Chapman; Hugh McMeniman, Mark Connors; Rodney Blake, Sean Hardman, Greg Holmes.
Replacements: Stephen Moore, Tom Court, James Horwill, Tom McVerry, Nic Berry, Lloyd Johansson, Henari Veratau.

why is Lloyd Johansson on the bench he is a wallaby.

 

[Gruenen]

Quote:
Originally Posted by ThrashViking
HURRICANES: 15 Isaia Toeava, 14 Lome Fa'atau, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Tana Umaga, 11 Ma'a Nonu, 10 Jimmy Gopperth, 9 Piri Weepu; 8 Rodney So'oialo (c) 7 Chris Masoe, 6 Jerry Collins, 5 Jason Eaton, 4 Luke Andrews, 3 Neemia Tialata, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 Joe McDonnell. Reserves: 16 Luke Mahoney, 17 Tim Fairbrother, 18 Paul Tito, 19 Thomas Waldrom, 20 Brendan Haami, 21 David Holwell, 22 Shannon Paku.


BLUES: 15 Isa Nacewa, 14 Doug Howlett, 13 Ben Atiga, 12 Luke McAlister, 11 Joe Rokocoko, 10 Tasesa Lavea, 9 John Senio; 8 Angus Macdonald, 7 Daniel Braid, 6 Nick Williams, 5 Greg Rawlinson, 4 Ali Williams, 3 John Afoa, 2 Keven Mealamu (c), 1 Tony Woodcock. Reserves: 16 Tim Dow, 17 Saimone Taumoepeau, 18 Kurtis Haiu, 19 Justin Collins, 20 Steve Devine, 21 Rua Tipoki, 22 Brent Ward.



Is there a bad player in the Canes starting XV?

The front row battle should be a ripper. 6 past or present All Blacks.

Taumoepeau, Collins, Devine all Blacks on the Blues bench. Hot damn. The Blues may struggle at the break down and at number 10 in comparison to the Canes, perhaps.

Jeeper's this game could have the hallmarks of being a grandfinal, it will surely test the Hurricanes, but it's a game that they would want to win which will set them up well for the next games.

Not sure if the Hurricanes have the goods to muscle up in the front row department, but the loosies have a bit of edge against the blues, and there's some good lineout timber in the Cane's, as long as they have good retention and maintain ist, 2nd, 3rd phase ball etc etc and give the midfield backs a run, then Blues could be in danger. The lynch pin is the halfback role for either team and good quality distribution to the backs will be the key.

Off the bench, the Blues have a pretty impressive line up, and I think Nucifora will bring the likes of Devine into the game as a tactical change. Look for a big game from Piri Weepu, this is one dynamite player, with the guile of Sid Going, stamina of Chris Laidlaw, great chip and kick game like Dave Loveridge and a bullet pass like Mark Donaldson, he will have a huge influence on the game. As a Taranaki supporter, there's some class players in the Cane's squad, its good to see that Brendan Haami still gets a call up, even if its from the bench.

I think the Cane's will have the edge, scores will be close, as long as its good open rugby, and with a excellent crowd of around 38,000 plus attending the atmosphere will be explosive.

 

[leaguerules]

whats the go with matty rogers is he injured or on leave

 

[Thomas]

Was on leave...back now, but not game fit.

As for the Reds, Miller has thrown a spanner in the works. The Waratards were expecting a monster of a centre in Big Lloyd, but now have three playmakers in Barnes, Flately and Huxley...with Mitchell and Latham chipping in.

It could go two ways.

1) They run rings around the Tahs backlines, turning Sailor around and exploiting the fact Tuquiri will be in the centres....his defence on the wing is good, but a bit suspect at 13.

2) They get smashed by the Tahs centres and concede 4 tries....

 

[Scott]

That Hurricanes team that has been named is the best team on paper in this years competition. Hopefully they can do the damage.

 

[lockyno1]

why is Lloyd Johansson on the bench he is a wallaby.

Don't know mate, but he was injured for a peiod of time so he may not be match fit currently!

 

[skeepe]

Western Force: 15. James Hilgendorf, 14. Scott Staniforth, 13. Junior Pelesasa, 12. Lachlan MacKay, 11. Digby Ioane, 10. Scott Daruda, 9. Matt Henjak, 8. Scott Fava, 7. Matt Hodgson, 6. Luke Doherty, 5. Nathan Sharpe (c), 4. John Welborn, 3. David Fitter, 2. Brendan Cannon, 1. Gareth Hardy. Reserves: 16. Tai McIsaac, 17. David Te Moana, 18. David Pusey, 19. Richard Brown, 20. Chris O'Young, 21. Josh Graham, 22. Cameron Shepherd

 

[ThrashViking]

HIGHLANDERS (Crusaders side likely to be named later today): 15 Ben Blair, 14 Vilimoni Delasau, 13 Neil Brew, 12 Seilala Mapusua, 11 Roy Kinikinilau, 10 Nick Evans, 9 Jimmy Cowan, 8 Filipo Levi, 7 Josh Blackie, 6 Craig Newby, 5 James Ryan, 4 Tom Donnelly, 3 Carl Hayman, 2 Anton Oliver (c), 1 Clarke Dermody. Reserves: 16 Jason Macdonald, 17 Nick White, 18 Hoani MacDonald, 19Hale T Pole, 20 Chris Smylie, 21 Callum Bruce, 22 Richard Kahui.
Brilliant Tight 5 but fairly weak in the backs and bench compared to the Crusaders.
The Hurricanes are the best side on paper? Huge call Scott, not sure if I agree with you. Our Tight 5 is probably the weakest out of the NZ franchises but the backline has a ton of class.
Is Tuitavake injured? He's a far superior player than Atiga.MacDonald playing at 8 & Williams playing at 6 is an intresting move.

 

[Thomas]

Don't know mate, but he was injured for a peiod of time so he may not be match fit currently!

No he is match fit.

Its just a strategy by Miller.....NSW haven't seen a lot of Barnes. It should be interesting

 

[Scott]

The Hurricanes are the best side on paper? Huge call Scott, not sure if I agree with you. Our Tight 5 is probably the weakest out of the NZ franchises but the backline has a ton of class.
Is Tuitavake injured? He's a far superior player than Atiga.MacDonald playing at 8 & Williams playing at 6 is an intresting move.[/QUOTE]

I'm a believer. The fact that Eaton and Tialata went on tour last year will be massive for the front 5. Expect big things.

Tuitavake not in the Blues is a joke. Atiga will be a weaklink.

 

[aussies1st]

Don't know mate, but he was injured for a peiod of time so he may not be match fit currently!

Nothing to do with that. There is no way Flately the captain is going to get benched. Barnes got the 10 so clearly Flately would get the 12.

 

[The Camden Leisure Pirate]

No he is match fit.

Its just a strategy by Miller.....NSW haven't seen a lot of Barnes. It should be interesting

Waratahs prepared for a Barnes-stormer
http://www.rugbyheaven.smh.com.au/articles/2006/02/08/1139379568384.html

I think that we will be fine.....

 

[lockyno1]

Nothing to do with that. There is no way Flately the captain is going to get benched. Barnes got the 10 so clearly Flately would get the 12.

Johansson can play outside as well! I am a Queenslander and were stuffed if Julian Huxley is at outside-centre! He can't tackle!

 

[aussies1st]

Johansson can play outside as well! I am a Queenslander and were stuffed if Julian Huxley is at outside-centre! He can't tackle!

Good point, forgot he was at 13. I was thinking Tune was still there.
I don't understand why Huxley was put there when you have someone as good as Johansson. Add Barnes to that and there must be some hope for the Reds this season.