Auckland Rugby 2019

[Tim]

@Duluth Don't think so, he had a thigh injury but was jumping up and down at gym training on Instagram.

Lots of Super Rugby and NZ Maori players missing from that match squad. Only one Ponsonby player from the club final, I think.

[African Monkey]

@Tim Are you an Auckland or North Harbour man? I've tried to figure it out since being here without trying to ask but I've given up now (unless you support both haha).

[Tim]

@African-Monkey Ha ha, I pretty much do support both. I grew up on the shore and played for Takapuna as a kid, but went to almost every Eden Park game until I finished uni. Ultimately I support Auckland most though.

[Dice]

I'm thinking we'll see a bit of Telea/Clarke in the midfield tomorrow. We'll probably see Leuila playing some fullback too.

We can still field a pretty handy backrow even without Akira and Dalton. So much depth in the backrow, but it means a couple of decent players will be playing for the Bs quite a bit this season.

I'm actually surprised Blake will be playing in a pre-season game.

[OleOleOle]

@Duluth hes been playing club rugby in the Waikato. Slightly built, really good in the air, reasonable pace and a pretty good boot on him. Looking forward to seeing how he goes!

[Nogusta]

@OleOleOle was he the top tryscorer in Waikato club rugby this year?

[Nogusta]

@Dice Excited to see Solofa Silipa in the mix. I think we'll see Tele'a/Silipa tomorrow in the midfield with Plummer as cover. Silipas a very talented footballer. One of the better performed club players over the years (Pakuranga/East Tamaki/Papatoetoe) and now finally getting an opportunity. Spent some time in Penrith Panthers system after leaving school.

[Dice]

@Nogusta Yeah, he's been around a bit. How old is he? It seems like he and his brothers have been around the club scene forever. He's had a couple of seasons in the Auckland Bs in the past.

[Nogusta]

@Dice still relatively young around mid 20s? Think he had a season in Counties club rugby too for Onewhero?

[Tim]

According to Auckland's facebook account the squad will announced on Sunday 4 August.

[Tim]

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/provincial/114627255/champs-auckland-comfortable-in-their-new-role-as-the-hunted-of-provincial-rugby

[Tim]

@trooa said in Steamers 2019:

Ravouvou signed from 7s/Auckland, will provide some x factor to our backline. Joe Johnston in the flankers.

[African Monkey]

@Tim Good. A very lazy winger despite his potential. Quite a few Auckland players from the Nick White days seem to be ending up at BOP.

[KiwiMurph]

Looks like Papalii will be back - bolsters the loosies even more.

[nzzp]

Just going to remind everyone again

[Dice]

@nzzp I wish there was a clearer version of this song, but this will do. :smiling_face_with_open_mouth_smiling_eyes:

They played this at the end of the final last year.

[Daffy Jaffy]

Squad for Hawkes Bay preseason game Friday.

[Daffy Jaffy]

Changes from the Taranaki game - Hooker Malu and Ruru added. Roache in for Solofa Silipa.
Faiane, Trainor, Renata, Manu, Akira Ioane not appearing in preseason, maybe resting injuries , so will be going into the season cold. Also no sign of Fa'atiga Lemalu so likely he won't be returning from England. No sign of Hawaii Ahokovi in preseason, maybe injured also?

[KiwiMurph]

@Daffy-Jaffy also no Lemeki Namoa. Also injured?

[Tim]

@KiwiMurph Haven't seen him in club teamsheets for a while, so I assume so.

Be interested to see if Taufa Funaki and Zarn Sullivan get much game time.