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The NSW Waratahs have snared two New Zealanders to round out their squad for next year's expanded Super Rugby competition.
The Tahs have decided to re-sign Waikato's one-test All Black Sosene Anesi despite his less than blockbusting debut campaign for them in 2010.
And they have also added Auckland wing Atieli Pakalani to round out their Kiwi complement.
Anesi, a sevens gold medalist in 2006, made 41 appearances for the Chiefs but shifted across the Tasman in what was a trumpeted pickup by the Waratahs. He started at fullback in the first six matches before makign way for Kurtley Beale who went on to play his way into the Wallabies.
Anesi, who's had a solid ITM Cup campaign with the fast-finishing Waikato side, said he was looking forward to returning to Sydney and pushing for a place in the starting lineup.
"Personally and for the team I think there's a bit of unfinished business from 2010 and I'm grateful for the opportunity to come back and make amends for that," said Anesi. "It was disappointing to miss those last couple of games (through injury) because as a unit the backs had come so far in a short space of time.
"Last year I was new to the team, Berrick [Barnes] and Drew [Mitchell] were new to the team as well and KB [Kurtley Beale] was getting used to a new position so we spent a lot of time developing our combinations and our style.
"By the time we were really hitting our straps the season was almost over but in 2011 we'll be starting from a much better place."
Pakalani joins the Waratahs on a two-year deal after two seasons with Auckland. He's been an intermittent selection on the wing for the Auks and was not likely to be required by the Blues. Pakalani captained Tonga at the 2009 IRB Junior World Championships.
"This is a great opportunity for me," said Pakalani. "It's going to be a big challenge to push for a place in the back three because it's full of test players but I'm hoping to learn a lot and if I get a chance then I'm going to take it."
Waratahs coach Chris Hickey said both players would strengthen the NSW backline.
"I know Sos loved it in Sydney and he was great for the group, but he has more to show us than what he did in 2010.
"He's been in great form for Waikato in the NPC and has that ability to fill in anywhere in the back three.
"[Pakalani is] a developing player who has a lot of natural talent, great footwork, he's good in the air and he's strong defensively as well. There's clearly quite a few quality players who are in front of him at the moment but he's been playing against the best players in New Zealand for two years now and we know he'll be up to the challenge."
http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-15/4254439/Waratahs-sign-Kiwi-duo-for-Super-15
The Tahs have decided to re-sign Waikato's one-test All Black Sosene Anesi despite his less than blockbusting debut campaign for them in 2010.
And they have also added Auckland wing Atieli Pakalani to round out their Kiwi complement.
Anesi, a sevens gold medalist in 2006, made 41 appearances for the Chiefs but shifted across the Tasman in what was a trumpeted pickup by the Waratahs. He started at fullback in the first six matches before makign way for Kurtley Beale who went on to play his way into the Wallabies.
Anesi, who's had a solid ITM Cup campaign with the fast-finishing Waikato side, said he was looking forward to returning to Sydney and pushing for a place in the starting lineup.
"Personally and for the team I think there's a bit of unfinished business from 2010 and I'm grateful for the opportunity to come back and make amends for that," said Anesi. "It was disappointing to miss those last couple of games (through injury) because as a unit the backs had come so far in a short space of time.
"Last year I was new to the team, Berrick [Barnes] and Drew [Mitchell] were new to the team as well and KB [Kurtley Beale] was getting used to a new position so we spent a lot of time developing our combinations and our style.
"By the time we were really hitting our straps the season was almost over but in 2011 we'll be starting from a much better place."
Pakalani joins the Waratahs on a two-year deal after two seasons with Auckland. He's been an intermittent selection on the wing for the Auks and was not likely to be required by the Blues. Pakalani captained Tonga at the 2009 IRB Junior World Championships.
"This is a great opportunity for me," said Pakalani. "It's going to be a big challenge to push for a place in the back three because it's full of test players but I'm hoping to learn a lot and if I get a chance then I'm going to take it."
Waratahs coach Chris Hickey said both players would strengthen the NSW backline.
"I know Sos loved it in Sydney and he was great for the group, but he has more to show us than what he did in 2010.
"He's been in great form for Waikato in the NPC and has that ability to fill in anywhere in the back three.
"[Pakalani is] a developing player who has a lot of natural talent, great footwork, he's good in the air and he's strong defensively as well. There's clearly quite a few quality players who are in front of him at the moment but he's been playing against the best players in New Zealand for two years now and we know he'll be up to the challenge."
http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-15/4254439/Waratahs-sign-Kiwi-duo-for-Super-15
