ITM Cup 2014 - Oliver Lee Publications

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MANAGING EDITOR
Oliver Lee
WINNING
MOMENT:
Canterbury's
head coach
Scott Robertson,
left, and captain
George Whitelock
celebrate
winning the
ITM Premiership
after last year’s
final victory
over Wellington.
EDITOR
PETER WHITE
cover design & art
ONTIME ASSOCIATES LTD
PRINTING
Webstar Masterton
PUBLISHER
The INVESTEC RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP...... 6
We preview the 2014 Investec Rugby Championship featuring the All Blacks, Wallabies,
Springboks and Pumas.
ITM CUP SEASON Preview. ........................ 8
What’s ahead in the ITM Cup Premiership
and Championship.
ITM CUP PREMIERSHIP PREVIEWS
AUCKLAND .............................................. 10
Box 331-667, Takapuna,
Auckland 0740,
New Zealand
T: 09 486 6966
E: oliver@oliverlee.co.nz
W: www.oliverlee.co.nz
CONTENTS
A heads-up on what’s
inside this issue including
competition draws and team profiles.
PROOFREADING
Elise McDoweLL
PHOTOGRAPHY
photosport
www.photosport.co.nz
RUGBY
2014
TASMAN.................................................... 11
WELLINGTON............................................ 12
COUNTIES MANUKAU............................... 12
CANTERBURY........................................... 14
WAIKATO................................................... 15
TARANAKI................................................. 19
ITM CUP FIXTURE LIST................................ 16
ITM CUP CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEWS
manawatu.............................................. 20
hawke’s bay.......................................... 20
NORTH HARBOUR..................................... 22
SOUTHLAND............................................. 22
NORTHLAND............................................. 25
BAY OF PLENTY........................................ 25
OTAGO....................................................... 26
RANFURLY SHIELD. ....................................... 28
Will Counties Manukau retain the Ranfurly Shield?
We look ahead to this season’s challenges.
PINK® BATTS®
HEARTLAND CHAMPIONSHIP Fixtures.... 30
All you need to know about this year’s
Pink® Batts® Heartland Championship.
COPYRIGHT: Reproduction in whole or in part by any means is prohibited.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher.
Although all material is checked for accuracy, no liability is assumed by the publisher for any loss due to use of
material in this magazine.
the 2014 investec
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP
The Investec Rugby Championship kicks off on August 16 with a clash between
the All Blacks and Wallabies in Sydney. BY PETER WHITE
The All Blacks total dominance of South Africa, Australia and Argentina continued unabated in 2013 with another clean-sweep of the Investec Rugby Championship.
The tone was set in the opening fixture against the
hopeful Wallabies in Sydney; the All Blacks ran in six
tries to two during an emphatic 47–29 victory. Ben Smith
made a major impact with three tries, while captain
Richie McCaw crossed for a try to become the first
New Zealand forward to score 100 test points.
Although the All Blacks marched on unbeaten with six
wins from as many starts, the remaining games after
the Sydney opener were much more competitive.
Winning scores of 27–16 over Australia, 28–13 over
Argentina and 38–27 over South Africa attest to that.
The All Blacks finished on 28 points, comfortably ahead
of South Africa (19), Australia (9) and Argentina (2) to
defend their title.
Of great intrigue to rugby followers were Argentina’s
performances. While inconsistency is likely to be an
ever-present factor for a few seasons to come, they can
be a difficult team to beat at home.
Winning their first game in this third Investec Rugby
Championship will be their goal, but a poor build-up in
the June window will not help in this regard. The Pumas
lost both tests against Ireland, before a 21–19 loss to
Scotland, who are coached by Kiwi Vern Cotter.
SIMPLY THE BEST:
The All Blacks will
hope Kieran Read, the
2013 IRB Player of the Year,
is back to full fitness.
This year’s Investec Rugby Championship kicks off
on August 16 with another mouth-watering clash in
Sydney between the Wallabies and All Blacks. There is
greater confidence within Australian rugby following the
Super Rugby competition, and Wallabies coach Ewen
McKenzie seems to have unified the inter-state rivalries
that often hold them back.
The Wallabies have won seven tests straight, their best
winning run since they were last world champions in
1999, and impressed with a 3–0 whitewash of France
in June.
The All Blacks had a profitable June themselves, beating a cocky England side 3–0 in a series at home. They
will have a lot of motivation for the opening test in
Sydney as victory will give them a world-record 18thconsecutive test win.
Home tests against Australia and Argentina follow for
the All Blacks before things get much tougher. Fierce
rivals South Africa take them on in Wellington, then two
daunting away matches follow; the first against Argentina in La Plata, and the second versus South Africa in
Johannesburg.
Senior All Blacks Richie McCaw, Dan Carter and Kieran
Read are all back in the fold after time on the sideline,
and there is an exciting look to the attacking balance of
the team. New centre Malakai Fekitoa, Ben Smith and
Julian Savea proved irresistible against England.
South Africa thumped a World XV 47–13 before taking on
Warren Gatland’s Wales in June. The first test was a
conclusive 38–16 win, but Wales can consider themselves unlucky to lose the second test 31–30. The Springboks then thrashed Scotland 55–6.
The All Blacks finish the year off in November with a test
against USA in Chicago, on their way to the UK for a tough
finale against England, Scotland and Wales; this will also
serve as a dress rehearsal for next year’s Rugby World Cup.
2014 investec rugby championship & bledisloe cup draw
DATE
MATCH
VENUE AUGUST 16:
Australia v All Blacks (BC)
AUGUST 17:
South Africa v Argentina
AUGUST 23:
All Blacks v Australia (BC)
AUGUST 24:
Argentina v South Africa
SEPTEMBER 06:
All Blacks v Argentina
SEPTEMBER 06:
Australia v South Africa
SEPTEMBER 13:
All Blacks v South Africa
SEPTEMBER 13:
Australia v Argentina
SEPTEMBER 27:
Argentina v All Blacks
SEPTEMBER 28:South Africa v Australia
OCTOBER 05:South Africa v All Blacks
OCTOBER 05:
Argentina v Australia
KICK OFF NZ TIME
Sydney ................................. 10.05 pm
Pretoria ............................... 3.05 am
Auckland ............................. 7.35 pm
Salta .................................... 7.40 am
Napier . ................................ 7.35 pm
Perth . .................................. 10.05 pm
Wellington ........................... 7.35 pm
Gold Coast ........................... 10.05 pm
La Plata ............................... 12.00 am
Cape Town ........................... 4.05 pm
Johannesburg ..................... 4.05 am
Mendoza .............................. 11.40 am
(BC) = Bledisloe Cup match.
2014 BLEDISLOE CUP GAME 3
DATE
MATCH
VENUE
OCTOBER 18:
All Blacks v Australia
Brisbane ............................. 9.00 pm
KICK OFF NZ TIME
2014 AIR NEW ZEALAND END-OF-YEAR TOUR
DATE
NOVEMBER
NOVEMBER
NOVEMBER
november
6 RUGBY 2014
MATCH
2:
9:
16:
23:
VENUE
All Blacks v USA
All Blacks v England
All Blacks v Scotland
All Blacks v Wales
KICK OFF NZ TIME
Chicago .............................. London ............................... Edinburgh .......................... Cardiff ................................ www.ALLBL ACKS.coM
8.30 am
3.30 am
6.30 am
6.30 am
Over 20 years we’ve seen a lot of
different things, but one thing that
hasn’t changed is our loyal support for
the greatest team in the world.
THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND THE
ALL BLACKS FOR 20 YEARS.
ford.co.nz
PROVINCIAL PRIDE ON
the LINE IN THE ITM CUP
Last year’s competition saw Canterbury claim their sixth consecutive
national title, Bay of Plenty relegated and Tasman promoted to the
ITM Premiership. BY PETER WHITE
SIXPEAT:
The Canterbury
players celebrate after
winning their sixth
consecutive title
last season.
The ITM Cup is rightly regarded as the world’s best
provincial rugby championship and every season sees
new names thrown around of players destined to be our
next All Blacks.
It is a breeding ground of excellence the rest of the
rugby world can only dream about.
Over the course of 11 weeks, and more than 70 matches, 14 teams battle for provincial pride; then, the pulsating play-offs begin where the prospect of both promotion and relegation between the ITM Premiership and
the ITM Championship adds late-season drama.
Plus, there is the iconic Ranfurly Shield, which over the
last few seasons has clearly proven to be just as important today as it was in its inception in 1904.
Canterbury began last year’s ITM Cup season as the
team to beat after winning their fifth consecutive title.
Despite providing more All Blacks than any other union,
Canterbury still had a remarkable depth of players to
win title number six.
The final against Wellington, who topped the round
robin ahead of Canterbury, was held at Westpac Stadium and long-suffering Wellington supporters were
confident they could win their first title since 2000.
But, Canterbury scored four tries to Wellington’s one to
give yet another rugby lesson.
Auckland have twice won four titles in succession, in the
1980s and 1990s, but Canterbury’s six straight is a record
for all ages.
Looking ahead to the 2014 ITM Cup, the obvious question is can any team stop the marauding Cantabs from
making it seven in a row? Auckland and Wellington will
fancy their chances, but the red-and-blacks will go into
the campaign as red-hot favourites.
8 RUGBY2014
Perhaps the biggest issue facing all the other unions is
how to get over the psychological advantage Canterbury
has at finals time because of their remarkable record.
Head coach Scott Robertson does have his own distinctive style, but expect to see Canterbury continue with
the no-nonsense tactics and defensive might that has
served them so well.
In the ITM Championship, the Bay of Plenty Steamers
could be the team to beat after they slipped through the
relegation trap door last year.
Head coach Kevin Schuler has assembled a handy team
that will be hard to beat at their dual home venues
of Mount Maunganui and Rotorua. But, the key to
success in such a competitive competition is winning on
the road.
Hawke’s Bay, Otago and Southland also loom as real
promotion contenders with this year’s ITM Championship set to be one of the most evenly contested.
New Zealand Rugby is rightly proud of the way the
ITM Cup has come through some difficult teething problems with many unions living way beyond their means
with player payments.
Chief Executive Steve Tew announced late last year that
all unions were set to record surpluses for 2013, which
is a clear indicator of the healthy state of the provincial
game.
Crowd numbers outside the Super Rugby host cities
were up last season and that trend is expected to continue this year.
With Counties Manukau such enthusiastic Ranfurly Shield
holders and the usually intense Heartland Championship also set for another memorable campaign, there is
much to look forward to over the coming rugby months.
w w w . I T M C U P. c o . n z
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TEAM PR E
for 2014
The top seven teams will AUCKLAND
www.aucklandrugby.co.nz
Key players: First-five Simon
Hickey had a superb debut season
in the ITM Cup, and then stepped up for the Blues. Gareth Anscombe is another top class firstfive who will be keen to impress
before he goes to Wales. Fullback
Lolagi Visinia also had a fine Blues
campaign and has rare attacking
talents. Loose forwards Steven
Luatua, Sean Polwart and Peter
Saili are as good as any in the competition, lock Liaki Moli continues
to improve and Angus Ta’avao is an
underrated scrummager.
txt
nose
to
933
Young gun: Vince Aso, at 18, was
the youngest player in last year’s
team and he made a huge impression in his seven games. Powerfully built, and at around 100kg,
Aso is a formidable presence in
the midfield and can also play
winger and fullback. He made quite
an impression with his standout
performances for New Zealand
Under-20s and with that experience should excel in the ITM Cup.
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BACKLINE GENERAL:
Blues first-five
Simon Hickey will be a
key player for Auckland.
App is available for Android and iOS devices.
Eva lives with gastrointestinal failure
Placed third in 2013: Auckland started superbly winning
their opening five games, but then
won just two more in the secondhalf of the season. Inexperience
and injuries played a part in that,
and their eventual third-place
finish was a reasonable result
considering how young their key
players were.
10 RUGBY2014
Season prospects: Last year
they fielded one of the youngest
teams in the competition, but they
will be stronger for the experience.
There is so much talent in the
squad that on paper they appear to
be the biggest threat to Canterbury
winning another title. A new coaching duo of Paul Feeney and former Auckland captain Xavier Rush
should bring added enthusiasm.
Luke Braid (out to recover from
shoulder surgery) will be missed.
w w w . I T M C U P. c o . n z
EVIEWS
contest the Premiership.
TASMAN
www.makos.co.nz
Key players: Tom Marshall,
James Lowe, Liam Squire and
Tevita Koloamatangi all benefited
from playing for the Chiefs. Highlanders Joe Wheeler and Shane
Christie will be key men for the
Makos, while record point-scorer
Marty Banks is a key figure. Former Southland and All Blacks halfback Jimmy Cowan has joined the
Makos after a two-year stint with
Aviva Premiership side Gloucester. At a bruising 1.93m and 110kg,
Jeff Lepa prefers blindside flanker
but can also play number eight,
while David Havili is a promising 19-year-old outside back, who
played for New Zealand Under-20s
this year.
Get Training
for the Rugby
Young gun: Tasman has picked
up athletic loose-forward Peter
Samu from the Waratahs’ wider
training group. The 22-year-old has
been quite a revelation in club
rugby and his athletic ball-running style and speed should be well
suited to the up-tempo approach
of the Makos. His brother Lua Vailoaloa played 20 games for Tasman
in 2007 and 2008.
Season prospects: Coaches
Kieran Keane and Leon MacDonald
have 10 Super Rugby players in
their well-balanced squad. Tasman
always plays an expansive game
and this campaign they move up
to the Premiership with consistently harder opposition to combat
than they had last season. If they
can recreate their winning form at
home, they will enjoy their first
season in the top grade.
w w w . o li v e r l e e . c o . n z
MR RELIABLE:
Marty Banks set new
point-scoring records
for the Makos last year.
Take the train to
All Blacks, Super
Rugby and ITM Cup
at Eden Park.
AT.govt.nz/events
RUGBY2014 11
3068 AB 07.14
Promoted in 2013: Promotion
to the Premiership was the end
result of a truly outstanding season
of attacking rugby by the Makos.
They scored more than 40 points
five times and beat every team
that held the Ranfurly Shield
in 2013 – sadly none in direct
challenges.
ITM PREMIERSHIP
TEAM PREVIEWS continued from page 11
Intro
BYLINE
COUNTIES
www.steelers.co.nz
MANUKAU
Placed fourth in 2013: The Steelers started slowly
in the top division after being promoted the season
before. They lost three of their four opening games, but
then came that history-making Ranfurly Shield win over
Hawke’s Bay and everything changed. An away loss to
Canterbury was the only blip on an otherwise wonderful
second-half of the season that saw three successful
defences of the Shield.
Key players: Tana Umaga has assembled a quality
squad with top-class Super Rugby players Baden Kerr,
Tim Nanai-Williams, Frank Halai, Augustine Pulu and
Bundee Aki in the star-studded backline. Former Blues
flanker Onasai’i Auva’a, Jordan Taufua and Chiefs prop
Pauliasi Manu are new to the pack.
Young gun: US-college-based South African lock Mike
Lawrenson, at 112kg and 2-metres tall, has the size to
hold his own in the top grade. He has impressed with his
athletic ability and will be worth watching.
PLAYMAKER:
First-five Baden Kerr
is a key player for
Counties Manukau.
Season prospects: The Steelers should get off to a
flying start with the Ranfurly Shield on the sideline at
home. There is a better than evens chance they will
be riding high up until round six when they meet Canterbury at home. Wellington follow a week later and Auckland in round nine, but ITM Premiership status should
be safe by then.
WELLINGTON
www.wrfu.co.nz
Placed second in 2013: Until the final at Westpac
Stadium against Canterbury, it was shaping up as
season to remember for the Wellington Lions. They lost
just one game in 10 pool games, thrashed Counties
Manukau 41–10 in the semi-final, only to fall at the final
hurdle losing 29–13.
Key players: Utility Riki Flutey will play for Wellington
in this year’s ITM Cup. He last played for Wellington in
2005, before making his name with England and the
British and Irish Lions. He is likely to slot into midfield.
Multi-talented loose forwards Ardie Savea, Victor Vito
and Brad Shields should dominate the tackled ball area,
while TJ Perenara will look to claim an All Blacks berth
from halfback.
Young gun: Fullback Jason Woodward is an excellent
addition to the Lions back-three talent depth. Woodward,
at 24, has some experience under his belt, but in the last
12 months particularly has lifted his performance levels
to a career high with the Melbourne Rebels.
GREAT TALENT:
Wellington flanker Ardie
Savea is set to make a
major impact.
12 RUGBY2014
Season prospects: Nothing changes in the capital
city. Every season is an expectant one for the Lions
supporters, but so often the team falls at the crucial
time. The same high-tempo game will be played and
there is no reason why the Lions cannot go all the way to
the final again in 2014.
www.oliverlee.co.nz
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ITM PREMIERSHIP
TEAM PREVIEWS continued from page 12
CANTERBURY
www.crfu.co.nz
Champions in 2013: Canterbury claimed their sixth
consecutive ITM Cup title – a national record – after
beating home-team Wellington 29–13 in the final. They
scored the most tries (48) in the round-robin play and
blooded many new players who will go on to be household names in years to come.
Key players: Kaveinga Finau, Richie Mo’unga and Tom
Sanders showed out at the recent Junior World Championships. Luke Whitelock is set for a big season at number
eight, fullback Johnny McNicholl has rare attacking skills,
and Colin Slade is a world-class first-five, who is a dominant figure on attack and kicking for goal, at this level.
Young gun: First-five Richie Mo’unga scored 27 points
on debut against Manawatu last year. It put the 19-yearold on the rugby map and he played consistently well in
his seven other appearances in the ITM Premiership.
This year he played every game for New Zealand at the
Junior World Championship.
WORLD CLASS:
Colin Slade will
drive the Canterbury
backline from first-five.
Season prospects: The bad news for the other teams is
Canterbury will be as strong as ever this campaign. The
systems in place within the union are followed religiously from age-group rep teams through to Scott Robertson’s ITM Premiership champions, meaning a continuity
of style unique to Canterbury. This is why new faces slot
into the top team so seamlessly, as they grow-up within
this system of playing. Robertson will blood the Under20 boys he coached at the World Championship but will
rely on a core of experienced players. Canterbury will
take some beating.
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Placed fifth in 2013: For the second consecutive
season, Waikato finished a disappointing fifth. Just four
wins from 10 games was a poor return for such a significant union. Defence was the major problem with the
Mooloos conceding the most tries (36).
WAIKATO
Key players: Halfback Brad Weber will captain the
squad. It features 13 uncapped players, including fullback Albert Nikoro and centre Jordan Payne from
Auckland. Chiefs prop Josh Hohneck returns home from
Bay of Plenty, while Maori All Black Luke Katene and
David Morgan are quality locks. Chiefs and New Zealand
Under-20 midfielder/winger Anton Lienert-Brown is
highly regarded.
www.mooloo.co.nz
Young gun: Damian McKenzie was one of seven Waikato-registered players in the New Zealand Under-20
squad this year. The Southlander became one of the
major attacking weapons for New Zealand from fullback, and thrilled crowds with his courageous catching
of the high ball. He has all the attributes to be a star of
the ITM Premiership.
Season prospects: The cow bells are ringing loud
and clear from supporters that they expect to be in action
come semi-finals time this year. Coach John Walters will
need to get his team fired-up with a tough start against
Wellington (away) and Canterbury (home). The return to
the Mooloo colours of prop Josh Hohneck, and locks
Luke Katene and David Morgan, will be hugely beneficial
to Walters, as they are proven performers at ITM Cup level.
NEW LEADER:
Halfback Brad Weber
will captain Waikato.
Focused, Committed and Relentless
Gallagher is a proud sponsor of the Mooloos and we look forward to a
successful ITM Cup season with the team that shares the same values.
www.gallagher.co
ITM CUP PREMIERSHIP & CH
The 14 teams involved in the ITM Cup will play 70 matches before the playoffs in just
ITM CUP EXPLAINED
2014 ITM CUP
PREMIERSHIP
Auckland
Canterbury
Counties Manukau
Taranaki
Tasman
Waikato
Wellington
The 7th placed team is
automatically relegated to the
2015 ITM Cup Championship.
2014 ITM CUP
CHAMPIONSHIP
Bay of Plenty
Hawke’s Bay
Manawatu
North Harbour
Northland
Otago
Southland
The winner of the
ITM Cup Championship
is automatically promoted to
the 2015 ITM Cup Premiership.
All premiership teams will
play each other once, and all
championship teams will play
each other once (three home,
three away matches).
In addition, all 14 teams will
play four crossover matches
(two home, two away matches)
where premiership and
championship teams meet.
All matches will carry
full competition points.
FOR UP-TO-DATE
information go to
www.itmcup.co.nz
WEEK 1: Thursday AUGUST 14 – Sunday AUGUST 17
MATCH
DATE
VENUE
TIME
Thursday August 14
Taranaki
v
Counties Manukau Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth
7.35 pm
Friday August 15
Southland
v
Bay of Plenty
Rugby Park Stadium, Invercargill
7.35 pm
Saturday August 16
Otago
v
North Harbour
Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
2.35 pm
Canterbury
v
Auckland
AMI Stadium, Addington
4.35 pm
Wellington
v
Waikato
Westpac Stadium, Wellington
6.35 pm
Tasman
v
Hawke's Bay
Lansdowne Park, Blenheim
2.35 pm
Northland
v
Manawatu
Toll Stadium, Whangarei
4.35 pm
Sunday August 17
WEEK 2: THURSDAY august 21 – SUNDAY august 24
Thursday August 21
North Harbour
v
Southland
QBE Stadium, Albany
Friday August 22
Waikato
v
Canterbury
Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
6.05 pm
Hawke’s Bay
v
Taranaki
McLean Park, Napier
8.05 pm
Northland
2.35 pm
Saturday August 23
Sunday, August 24
7.35 pm
v
Wellington
Toll Stadium, Whangarei
Counties Manukau v
Otago (RS)
ECOLight Stadium, Pukekohe
4.35 pm
Manawatu
v
Auckland
FMG Stadium, Palmerston North
2.35 pm
Bay of Plenty
v
Tasman
ASB Stadium, Baypark, Tauranga
4.35 pm
WEEK 3: WEDNESDAY AUGUST 27 – Sunday AUGUST 31
Wednesday August 27
Waikato
v
Taranaki
Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
7.35 pm
Thursday August 28
Canterbury
v
Northland
AMI Stadium, Addington
7.35 pm
Friday August 29
Wellington
v
Manawatu
Westpac Stadium, Wellington
7.35 pm
Saturday August 30
Counties Manukau v
Hawke’s Bay (RS)
ECOLight Stadium, Pukekohe
2.35 pm
Southland
v
Otago
Rugby Park, Invercargill
5.35 pm
North Harbour
v
Waikato
QBE Stadium, Albany
7.35 pm
Taranaki
v
Bay of Plenty
Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth
2.35 pm
Auckland
v
Tasman
Eden Park, Auckland
4.35 pm
Sunday August 31
WEEK 4: WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 3 – SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 7
Wednesday Sept 3
Manawatu
v
Bay of Plenty
FMG Stadium, Palmerston North
Thursday Sept 4
Otago
v
Canterbury
Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
7.35 pm
Friday Sept 5
Tasman
v
Waikato
Trafalgar Park, Nelson
6.05 pm
Northland
v
Hawke’s Bay
Toll Stadium, Whangarei
8.05 pm
2.35 pm
Saturday Sept 6
Sunday Sept 7
7.35 pm
Auckland
v
Wellington
Eden Park, Auckland
Taranaki
v
Southland
Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth
Manawatu
v
Counties Manukau FMG Stadium, Palmerston North
2.35 pm
Bay of Plenty
v
North Harbour
4.35 pm
4.35 pm
International Stadium, Rotorua
WEEK 5: WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 10 – SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 14
Wednesday Sept 10
Otago
v
Northland
Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
Thursday Sept 11
Tasman
v
Taranaki
Trafalgar Park, Nelson
Friday Sept 12
Saturday Sept 13
Sunday Sept 14
7.35 pm
7.35 pm
North Harbour
v
Manawatu
QBE Stadium, Albany
6.05 pm
Canterbury
v
Wellington
AMI Stadium, Addington
8.05 pm
Bay of Plenty
v
Auckland
International Stadium, Rotorua
2.35 pm
Southland
v
Northland
Rugby Park, Invercargill
4.35 pm
Waikato
v
Counties Manukau Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
2.35 pm
Hawke’s Bay
v
Otago
4.35 pm
McLean Park, Napier
WEEK 6: WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 17 – SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 21
16 RUGBY2014
Wednesday Sept 17
Southland
v
Tasman
Rugby Park, Invercargill
Thursday Sept 18
Northland
v
Taranaki
Toll Stadium, Whangarei
w w w . I T M C U P. c o . n z
7.35 pm
7.35 pm
AMPIONSHIP DRAW 2014
nine weeks... visit www.itmcup.co.nz to keep up with all the action.
WEEK 6
DATE
CONTINUED:
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 17 – SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 21
MATCH
VENUE
TIME
Friday Sept 19
Counties Manukau v
Canterbury (RS)
ECOLight Stadium, Pukekohe
Saturday Sept 20
Hawke’s Bay
v
Bay of Plenty
McLean Park, Napier
Auckland
v
North Harbour
Eden Park, Auckland
Manawatu
v
Southland
FMG Stadium, Palmerston North
Otago
v
Waikato
Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
2.35 pm
Wellington
v
Tasman
Westpac Stadium, Wellington
4.35 pm
Sunday Sept 21
7.35 pm
2.35 pm
5.35 pm
7.35 pm
WEEK 7: wednesday SEPTEMBER 24 – sunday september 28
Wednesday Sept 24
North Harbour
v
Canterbury
QBE Stadium, Albany
Thursday Sept 25
Bay of Plenty
v
Northland
ASB Stadium, Baypark, Tauranga
7.35 pm
Friday Sept 26
Taranaki
v
Auckland
Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth
7.35 pm
Saturday Sept 27
Waikato
v
Sunday Sept 28
7.35 pm
Manawatu
Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
2.35 pm
Counties Manukau v
Wellington (RS)
ECOLight Stadium, Pukekohe
5.35 pm
North Harbour
v
Hawkes Bay
QBE Stadium, Albany
7.35 pm
Tasman
v
Otago
Trafalgar Park, Nelson
2.35 pm
Canterbury
v
Southland
AMI Stadium, Addington
4.35 pm
WEEK 8: WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 1 – SUNDAY OCTOBER 5
Wednesday October 1
Hawke’s Bay
v
Wellington
McLean Park, Napier
7.35 pm
Thursday October 2
Auckland
v
Waikato
Eden Park, Auckland
7.35 pm
Friday October 3
Northland
v
North Harbour
Toll Stadium, Whangarei
7.35 pm
Saturday October 4
Southland
v
Counties Manukau Rugby Park, Invercargill
2.35 pm
Bay of Plenty
v
Otago
ASB Stadium, Baypark, Tauranga
5.35 pm
Canterbury
v
Tasman
AMI Stadium, Addington
7.35 pm
Manawatu
v
Hawke’s Bay
FMG Stadium, Palmerston North
2.35 pm
Wellington
v
Taranaki
Westpac Stadium, Wellington
4.35 pm
Sunday October 5
WEEK 9: WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 8 – SUNDAY OCTOBER 12
Wednesday October 8
Counties Manukau v
Auckland (RS)
ECOLight Stadium, Pukekohe
Thursday October 9
Waikato
v
Bay of Plenty
Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
Friday October 10
Otago
v
Manawatu
Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
7.35 pm
Saturday October 11
Wellington
v
North Harbour
Westpac Stadium, Wellington
2.35 pm
Hawke’s Bay
v
Southland
McLean Park, Napier
5.35 pm
Auckland
v
Northland
Eden Park, Auckland
7.35 pm
Taranaki
v
Canterbury
Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth
2.35 pm
Tasman
v
Counties Manukau Lansdowne Park, Blenheim
Sunday October 12
7.35 pm
7.35 pm
4.35 pm
semi-finals:: FRIDAY OCTOBER 17 – sunday OCTOBER 19
Friday October 17
ITM CUP PREMIERSHIP semi-final one
TBC
Saturday October 18
ITM CUP CHAMPIONSHIP semi-final one
TBC
Saturday October 18
ITM CUP CHAMPIONSHIP semi-final TWO
TBC
Sunday October 19
ITM CUP PREMIERSHIP semi-final TWO
TBC
FINALS: Friday OCTOBER 24 – Saturday OCTOBER 25
Friday October 24
ITM CUP Championship Final
7.35 pm
Saturday October 25
ITM CUP Premiership Final
7.35 pm
www.ITM.co.nz
RUGBY2014 17
AvAilAble FRee ONliNe
oliverlee.co.nz
ITM PREMIERSHIP
TEAM PREVIEWS continued from page 15
TARANAKI
Placed sixth in 2013: With only three wins from
10 games, and an inability to get across the try-line,
it was hardly a vintage season for Taranaki. The team
only stayed up in the ITM Premiership because Bay of
Plenty was even worse. It was a disappointing season as
11 Super Rugby players were in the squad.
Key players: Captain Kane Barrett had limited gametime with the Blues but is a proven leader and fearless
number eight for Taranaki. Chiefs hooker Rhys Marshall
and Hurricanes lock Blade Thomson are set for a big
season, while highly regarded forward Riki Hoeata joins
from Tasman. Chiefs midfielder Charlie Ngatai and Blues
prop Angus Ta’avao are quality players who have joined
the fold.
www.trfu.co.nz
Young gun: Iopu Iopu, 22, was Taranaki Development’s
most promising player last year and has played for
the All Blacks Sevens and Samoa Under-20s. He is a
specialist number eight, but can play both flanker positions and at lock.
Season prospects: Reliable performers over several seasons Andre Taylor and Jarrad Hoeata will be
sorely missed, but there is still a good percentage
of Super Rugby players in the squad. Regaining the
team’s attacking mojo will be paramount for head
coach Colin Cooper; last year Taranaki scored just
14 tries, which is the lowest recorded by the union since
1921. Avoiding relegation will be the first objective
this season.
LEAD BY EXAMPLE:
Taranaki captain
Kane Barrett
in full cry.
We take concussion seriously. So should you.
Concussion can occur after any impact to the body that causes the brain to shake inside the skull. It doesn’t have to be an impact to the
head. Players, referees and coaches must do everything they can to minimise or avoid situations that puts players at risk of concussion.
But it’s also really important to take the aftercare seriously. Here’s how:
Level
Activity Undertaken
Time Post Concussion
1
No activity, complete rest
Once symptom free and cognitive recovery is demonstrated, proceed to level 2
2 – 3 days
2
Light aerobic exercise such as walking or stationary cycling
4 – 10 days
3
Sport-specific training (e.g. running activity, ball-handling activity)
11 – 15 days
4
Non-contact training activities
16 – 20 days
5
Full-contact training after medical clearance
21 days
6
Game play
21 + days
The minimum stand-down period for concussed players is three weeks plus a medical clearance - this applies at all levels of New Zealand
community rugby. Don’t compare this with what you might see when the All Blacks are playing. They play in a professional environment
and have trained specialists around them. So, unless you’ve got a neurologist on hand, ready to put you through heaps of tests, stick to
these return to play guidelines. It could save your life.
ITM CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM PREVIEWS
Automatic promotion up to the ITM Premiership next year is the goal for these seven unions.
MANAWATU
Placed fifth in 2013: It was a bizarre season for the
Turbos. At home they were very good, winning four
games and nearly beating Auckland, but they were
shocking on the road, conceding more than 40 points
per game.
www.manawaturugby.co.nz
Key players: First-five Jade Te Rure, centre Jason Emery
and hooker/prop Nick Grogan all made New Zealand
Under-20s last year, and proved they are more than
capable playing at ITM Cup level. Auckland number eight
So’otala Fa’aso’o, 19, has joined on loan; at 117kg and
1.95m tall, he is a powerful ball runner and tackler.
Much will depend on how well the returning Super
Rugby players perform.
Young gun: Jade Te Rure impressed in his debut season in the ITM Championship. The talented first-five
kicked accurately for goal, scoring 72 points from
10 games, and proved to be an elusive attacking runner.
His game has developed along with his confidence after
making the New Zealand Under-20 team.
GOOD SKILLS:
Young Manawatu first-five
Jade Te Rure in action
for the Turbos.
Season prospects: Popular head coach Jason O’Halloran decided to stay with Manawatu Rugby and turned
down a contract with the Hurricanes as a skills coach
under new head coach Chris Boyd. The Turbos have lost
62-game flanker Hamish Gosling to Bay of Plenty but
should be worth watching, especially in Palmerston North.
HAWKE’S BAY
www.hbmagpies.co.nz
Placed second in 2013: In Ihaia West’s sideline
conversion attempt, it was the width of the post that was
the difference between promotion and another season
in the ITM Championship for the Magpies, during their
dramatic final loss to Tasman. The Ranfurly Shield was
won off Otago, but lost in the first defence to Counties
Manukau.
Key players: Midfielder Robbie Fruean could be the
signing of the year. First-five Ihaia West had a stunning
ITM Cup season last year and starred for the Blues when
finally selected. Matt Berquist and Jason Shoemark
return from overseas, Richard Buckman and Brendon
O’Connor have strong Super Rugby experience, while
Canadian tighthead prop Jason Marshall will strengthen the front row.
Young gun: Blindside flanker/lock Geoff Cridge showed his mettle for New Zealand Under-20s at the recent
IRB Junior World Championship. The 18-year-old came
north to Hawke’s Bay last season from Christchurch
Boys’ High and is definitely seen as a player of the future.
INSPIRATIONAL:
Flanker Brendon
O’Connor will be
a key player for
Hawke’s Bay.
20 RUGBY2014
Season prospects: Last year, the Magpies won the
Ranfurly Shield for the first time in 44 years, played
some wonderfully inventive rugby and were oh-so-close
to pro-motion. Head coach Craig Philpott and his quality
squad should make the promotion final again this year.
w w w . I T M C U P. c o . n z
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ITM CHAMPIONSHIP
TEAM PREVIEWS continued from page 21
Intro
BYLINE HARBOUR
NORTH
Placed seventh in 2013: Once again Harbour finished dead last out of all teams in the ITM Cup, with just
one win and one draw to offset the losses. The catchment pool of players is relatively strong, with a successful development side, so it remains a mystery why the
top team cannot perform better.
www.harbourrugby.co.nz
Key players: Harbour’s Super Rugby players have to
deliver. Bryn Hall, Tevita Li, Pita Ahki, Nafi Tuitavake,
plus new signing of Southland’s Robbie Robinson, are
an awesomely talented backline. James Parson, Ben
Afeaki and Greg Pleasants-Tate form a top class front
row, while Blues lock Hayden Triggs is an experienced
campaigner.
Young gun: Blues Development first-five Matt McGahan has a chance in Harbour’s talented backline. The
20-year-old has returned after three successful seasons playing for the Melbourne Storm Under-20s. He also
played for New Zealand Schools against Australia
in 2010.
NATURAL LEADER:
Halfback Bryn Hall
had a fine campaign
with the Blues.
Season prospects: The new coaching duo of Steve
Jackson and Alex O’Dowd will try to turn around the
recent forgettable period in the union’s history. The
backline looks very strong, so if the pack can secure a
good supply of front-foot ball, they will be dangerous.
It surely is time for the “harbourmaster” to roar.
SOUTHLAND
Placed fourth in 2013: The Stags made the semifinals after finishing fourth, exactly as they did in 2012,
with a four win – six loss ratio. They were unlucky to run
into a red-hot Tasman team in the semi-final in Blenheim, which Tasman won 49–28.
www.rugbysouthland.co.nz
Key players: The signing of Highlanders’ first fiveeighth Lima Sopoaga for two years is highly significant,
as he has real international class about him. Sopoaga
has represented Wellington in the ITM Cup since 2010
and the Highlanders in Super Rugby since 2011. Other
Highlanders Josh Bekhuis, John Hardie and Elliot Dixon
will form the nucleus of an exciting Stags outfit that
should threaten in 2014.
Young gun: The battle of the 20-year-old halfbacks, in
Tayler Adams and Scott Eade, will again be intense, as it
was last season for the Stags. Adams has made quite an
impact after moving south, after captaining national
champions Kelston Boys’ High School. Last season he
made the New Zealand Under-20 side.
FEARLESS:
Southland’s Elliot Dixon
is one of New Zealand’s
top number eights.
22 RUGBY2014
Season prospects: The Stags are renowned for their
forwards, but it may be their backline that drives them
to their play-offs goal. New signing Lima Sopoaga is top
class and will play outside halfbacks Scott Eade and
Tayler Adams, and join up with midfielders Willis Halaholo and Cardiff Vaega. Good promotion chances.
www.oliverlee.co.nz
GET OFF YOUR
COUCH & GET
TO A GAME
For as little as $60 you can purchase a North Harbour Rugby season membership to see all five ITM Cup
home games at QBE Stadium. Purchase your season membership at www.harbourrugby.co.nz.
QBE Insurance is the Principal Major Sponsor of North Harbour Rugby www.qbe.co.nz
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ITM Cup QBE North Harbour home games:
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vs. Southland
Saturday 30th August 7.35pm
vs. Waikato
Wednesday 24th September 6.05pm
vs. Canterbury
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ITM CHAMPIONSHIP
TEAM PREVIEWS continued from page 22
NORTHLAND
Placed sixth in 2013: Northland started the season
well with a win and a draw from their opening three
games but did not win again until the last game of the
season. The depth of players with ITM Cup experience
was just too thin, which particularly showed on defence,
but they scored some cracking tries.
Key players: Young hookers Matt Moulds and Robbie
Abel, and useful props in Welshman Will-Griff John and
Ross Wright will give the Taniwha a solid front row. High
quality flanker Dan Pryor and halfback Sonatane Takulua were good value last year. Dan Hawkins is a capable
first-five and Winston Stanley will bring plenty of
experience to the midfield.
www.taniwha.co.nz
Young gun: Australian Under-20 lock Tom Murday
played 10 games in last year’s ITM Championship and
impressed everyone who saw him play. At 2m tall and
112kg, Murday has the physical attributes to take on
all comers.
Season prospects: Head coach Derren Witcombe has
pulled off a master stroke in attracting former Northland
coaching guru Bryce Woodward into the ITM Cup group
as a technical adviser. The Taniwha will need all the help
they can get as they lack playing resources and continue
with a locals-first selection process, which deserves
plaudits as it is helping to develop talent in the region.
GOOD PROSPECT:
Sonatane Takulua
has all the attributes
to be a top halfback.
BAY OF PLENTY
Relegated in 2013: For the Steamers, it was a season
to forget. One win was all they could manage, and several games were lost in the final 10 minutes. They lost key
Super Rugby players at the start with season-ending
injuries and further injuries knocked the stuffing out of
Kevin Schuler’s squad.
Key players: The Steamers have recruited well. Auckland midfielder Teddy Stanaway, Manawatu flanker
Hamish Gosling and ex-New Zealand Under-20 halfback
Jono Kitto have all excelled in club rugby. Highlanders
prop Kane Hames and Chiefs hooker Nathan Harris should
star in a solid pack, led by new captain Culum Retallick.
UNION
www.boprugby.co.nz
Young gun: First-five Dan Hollinshead was a star for
Tauranga Boys’ College last year; he has an excellent
work ethic and has made the transition to the bigger
stage with composure. He played for New Zealand
Barbarians Schools, Chiefs Development and enjoyed a
profitable club season outside new halfback Kitto.
Season prospects: Expectations are high within the
union’s far-flung borders of an immediate return to
the top division. The squad has greater depth to it than
last year, and will not be short of possession from a
top-quality forward pack. Both first-fives and four midfielders selected have not worn the Steamers jersey so
how they settle in to the competition may dictate the
final outcome.
www.ITM.co.nz
HARD RUNNER:
Steamers winger
Tino Nemani is a
proven try-scorer.
RUGBY2014 25
ITM CHAMPIONSHIP
TEAM PREVIEWS continued from page 25
OTAGO
www.orfu.co.nz
Placed second in 2013: For the second consecutive
year, Otago finished runners-up in pool play with a six win
– four loss result. They had home semi-final advantage
at their indoor stadium against Hawke’s Bay, but despite
scoring three tries to two, they lost 24–29 in a hugely
disappointing result.
Key players: Hooker Liam Coltman, loose forward
Lee Allan and first-five Hayden Parker will be essential
to the success of Otago in 2014. Waikato fullback Trent
Renata, a member of the Highlanders’ wider training
group this season, has joined Otago and will be a candidate to play either first five-eighth or fullback.
Young gun: Josh Dickson was one of the standout
players in the NZ Under-20 side at the recent IRB Junior
World Championship. The 19-year-old came through the
Otago Boys’ High School system and is a talented lock
who can also play blindside flanker.
TOP QUALITY:
Loose forward
Lee Allan is one of
Otago’s on-field leaders.
Season prospects: Otago were unquestionably one
of the most attractive attacking sides in the ITM Cup last
year under coach Tony Brown. The semi-final loss to
Hawke’s Bay put a dent in their promotion chances but
they will be one of the favoured teams to go up this
season. Several younger players have been blooded by
the Highlanders, which can only help Otago’s chances.
AvAilAble FRee ONliNe
leavingschool.co.nz
RANFURLY
SHIELd 2014 BY PETER WHITE
Since 1904 provincial unions have battled for the famous Log o’ Wood.
Let’s look ahead to this season’s challenges for Counties Manukau.
At the start of last season, Counties Manukau had never
once held the Ranfurly Shield in their proud history and
seemed to have a curse hanging over them ruining their
every attempt.
But on Saturday September 7 in Napier, Tana Umaga’s
boys finally did what no other Steelers side had achieved.
Their 27–24 win over Hawke’s Bay was received with
genuine affection by rugby supporters through the
country, except Hawke’s Bay, of course. Their win
continued the revolving door of shield holders losing
within weeks of their triumph, but Counties Manukau
had waited too long to throw it away. Taranaki, Waikato
and Southland were put away in some style and the
Ranfurly Shield spent the summer happily locked away
in Pukekohe.
In July, Counties Manukau warmed up for tougher
days ahead with two successful defences at ECOLight
Stadium. First, the Thames Valley Swamp Foxes travelled the short distance north and were soundly defeated
68–0. Mid Canterbury’s Hammers made a much longer
journey a week later, and the Heartland Championship
Meads Cup winners played with plenty of spirit in the
first half to trail 22–10 at halftime. But, any thoughts of
a fairytale result for the ages were dashed in the second
half, as Counties Manukau ran in 24 unanswered points
to win 46–10.
Counties Manukau have five more shield challenges
scheduled at home, beginning with Otago on August 23,
and Hawke’s Bay a week later. The two ITM Championship teams have recent shield success, but Counties
Manukau should have seven successful defences to
their name when they face Canterbury on Friday
September 19.
Neutral New Zealand will be praying the Steelers can
overcome the odds in this massive challenge. Indeed it
has happened many times before in the unique history
of the Ranfurly Shield.
If Counties Manukau manages to get up over Canterbury, their final two defences are against the other
heavyweights of New Zealand rugby – Wellington on
September 27, and Auckland on October 8.
It is Auckland that has the greatest Ranfurly Shield
record of any union.
There have been three notable shield eras for Auckland.
From 1905 to 1913 they repelled 23 challenges, another
25 between 1960 and 1963, and the record unlikely to
ever be matched of 61 successful defences from 1983
to 1995.
Other unions with significant shield reigns are Canterbury, who defended 25 challenges from 1982 to 1985,
and Hawke’s Bay who managed 24 victories from 1922
to 1927.
The great thing about the Ranfurly Shield is it still
means as much to the rugby public today as it ever did.
Winning it has been a career highlight for players for
110 years.
Who knows what the outcome will be for the brave
Counties Manukau team in the season to come, but we
can all be assured that once again the Ranfurly Shield
will hold the nation’s attention at every home defence
this season.
Just like it always has since 1904.
WINNING FEELING:
Counties Manukau
celebrate after defending
the Ranfurly Shield
against Mid Canterbury
in July.
2014 RANFURLY SHIELD FIXTURES
VENUE
TIMESCORE
WEDNESDAY JULY 2:
Counties Manukau v Thames Valley......... Pukekohe .................................... WON 68-0
WEDNESDAY JULY 9:
Counties Manukau v Mid Canterbury....... Pukekohe .................................... Saturday AUGUST 23:
Counties Manukau v Otago....................... Pukekohe ..................... 4.35 pm
SATURDAY AUGUST 30:
Counties Manukau v Hawke’s Bay............ Pukekohe ..................... 2.35 pm
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 19:Counties Manukau v Canterbury.............. Pukekohe ..................... 7.35 pm
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 27:Counties Manukau v Wellington............... Pukekohe ..................... 5.35 pm
WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 8:Counties Manukau v Auckland.................. Pukekohe ..................... 7.35 pm
28 RUGBY2014
w w w . I T M C U P. c o . n z
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PINK
BATTS HEARTLAND
HEADING
CHAMPIONSHIP DRAW
HEADING
®
®
For
up-to-date information about the Pink® Batts® Heartland
IntroallBYLINE
Championship please visit www.heartlandchampionship.co.nz
The ninth edition of the hugely popular Pink® Batts®
Heartland Championship gets underway on August 23
when King Country and Wairarapa Bush meet at Taupo’s
Owen Delaney Park.
Lochore Cup semi-finals will be played on October 18
between the top eight placed teams, with the Meads
Cup final to be played on Saturday October 25, and the
Lochore Cup final on Sunday October 26.
It was founded in 2006 as one of two successor
competitions to the country’s former domestic competition, the National Provincial Championship (NPC),
and has gone from strength to strength.
The Heartland Championship is an amateur competition,
and it has galvanised rugby supporters throughout the 12
provinces that truly are the heartland of New Zealand rugby.
Last year’s competition was the best yet; bumper
crowds attended and the viewer rating figures for the
Meads Cup and Lochore Cup finals shown live on Sky TV
were excellent.
The evenness of the competition is evident by the
number of teams that have won titles. Last year’s
Championship (Meads Cup) winners Mid Canterbury
won for the first time, but were the fifth province to
taste success.
It was the third year of the current format, and the
same structure is in place for 2014. The Meads Cup and
MATCH SCHEDULE:
Home team listed first.
Week 1 Saturday August 23
King Country v Wairarapa Bush
Taupo
Mid Canterbury v West Coast
Ashburton
Poverty Bay v East Coast
Gisborne
South Canterbury v Wanganui
Timaru
Buller v North Otago
Westport
Horowhenua Kapiti v Thames Valley Levin
2.00 pm
2.30 pm
2.30 pm
2.30 pm
2.30 pm
2.30 pm
Week 2 Saturday AUGUST 30
Thames Valley v King Country
Wairarapa Bush v Mid Canterbury
Wanganui v Horowhenua Kapiti
West Coast v South Canterbury
East Coast v Buller
North Otago v Poverty Bay
30 RUGBY2014
Te Aroha
Masterton
Wanganui
Greymouth
Ruatoria
Oamaru
2.00 pm
2.30 pm
2.30 pm
2.30 pm
2.30 pm
2.30 pm
Week 3 Saturday SEPTEMBER 6
South Canterbury v Wairarapa Bush
Timaru
Thames Valley v Mid Canterbury
Paeroa
Wanganui v North Otago
Wanganui
Horowhenua Kapiti v East Coast
Otaki
King Country v Buller
Te Kuiti
Poverty Bay v West Coast
Gisborne
1.30 pm
2.00 pm
2.30 pm
2.30 pm
2.30 pm
2.30 pm
Week 4 Saturday SEPTEMBER 13
Buller v South Canterbury
Westport
East Coast v Thames Valley
Ruatoria
Mid Canterbury v Wanganui
Ashburton
North Otago v King Country
Oamaru
Wairarapa Bush v Poverty Bay
Masterton
West Coast v Horowhenua Kapiti
Greymouth
2.30 pm
2.30 pm
2.30 pm
2.30 pm
2.30 pm
2.30 pm
Week 5 Saturday SEPTEMBER 20
Thames Valley v North Otago
Paeroa
Wanganui v East Coast
Wanganui
Horowhenua Kapiti v Wairarapa Bush Levin
King Country v West Coast
Taupo
Mid Canterbury v Buller
Ashburton
South Canterbury v Poverty Bay
Timaru
2.00 pm
2.30 pm
2.30 pm
2.30 pm
2.30 pm
2.30 pm
The standards are increasing, particularly at the semifinal stage of both competitions, and so are opportunities
for players to be noticed.
The Marty Banks story is that of a fairytale come true. In
2012, Banks was a goal-kicking success story for Buller
as they won the Lochore Cup. He was spotted by judicious
talent scouts at Tasman, who signed him for last year’s
ITM Championship.
Banks rewrote the Tasman records with 170 points for the
season and 28 points in one match. In 2014, he was recruited by the Hurricanes. He has progressed from Heartland Championship to Super Rugby in just three seasons.
Week 6 Saturday SEPTEMBER 27
Wairarapa Bush v Thames Valley
Masterton
West Coast v Wanganui
Greymouth
Buller v Horowhenua Kapiti
Westport
East Coast v Mid Canterbury
Ruatoria
Poverty Bay v King Country Gisborne
North Otago v South Canterbury
Dunedin
2.30 pm
2.30 pm
2.30 pm
2.30 pm
2.30 pm
2.30 pm
Week 7 Saturday OCTOBER 4
Thames Valley v Poverty Bay
Paeroa
Horowhenua Kapiti v South CanterburyLevin
Mid Canterbury v North Otago
Ashburton
Wanganui v Wairarapa Bush
Wanganui
Buller v West Coast
Westport
East Coast v King Country
Ruatoria
2.00 pm
2.30 pm
2.30 pm
2.30 pm
2.30 pm
2.30 pm
Week 8 Saturday OCTOBER 11
King Country v Wanganui
Te Kuiti
North Otago v East Coast
Oamaru
Poverty Bay v Horowhenua Kapiti
Gisborne
South Canterbury v Mid Canterbury Timaru
Wairarapa Bush v Buller
Masterton
West Coast v Thames Valley
Greymouth
2.30 pm
2.30 pm
2.30 pm
2.30 pm
2.30 pm
2.30 pm
Week 9 SEMI-FINALS
Saturday October 18 – Semi-Finals for MEADS Cup
Top ranked team from pool round
Venue tbc
2.30 pm
v 4th ranked team from pool round
2nd ranked team from pool round
Venue tbc
2.30 pm
v 3rd ranked team from pool round
Saturday October 18 – Semi-Finals for LOCHORE Cup
5th ranked team from pool round
Venue tbc
2.30 pm
v 8th ranked team from pool round
6th ranked team from pool round Venue tbc
2.30 pm
v 7th ranked team from pool round
Week 10 FINALS
Saturday October 25 – Meads Cup final
Winner Semi-Final 1 v Winner Semi-Final 2 Sunday October 26 – Lochore Cup FINAL
Winner Semi-Final 1 v Winner Semi-Final 2
w w w . H E A R T L A N D C H A M P I ON S H I P. c o . n z
1.35 pm
2.35 pm
legend
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