Otago 2020

[Kiwiwomble]

@NateHill74 "quote" rather than "reply" is always a safe bet

[macmanus]

Flynn Thomas isnt at the Southland wider training squad.

[NateHill74]

@macmanus maybe he's injured cause he hasn't been playing for Kaikorai

[macmanus]

https://www.odt.co.nz/sport/rugby/highlanders/otago-looks-tucker-height

[NateHill74]

Otago has named 10 newcomers to its Mitre 10 Cup squad.
The team, coached by Tom Donnelly, was announced this morning following yesterday's trial at Waikouaiti.

Seven of those newcomers come in the forwards - Henry Bell, Grayson Knapp, Jack Regan, Charles Elton, Samuel Fischli, Christian Leo-Willie and Sean Withy.

Levi Emery, Giovanni Leituala and Freedom Vahaakolo are also new to the team in the backs.

Another trio of Nasi Manu, Jamie Mackintosh and Will Tucker all join Otago, having previously played for other provinces.

Sam Gilbert, James Lentjes, Saula Ma'u and Thomas Umaga-Jensen were all unavailable due to injury.

The side's first competition game is on Saturday September 12.

Otago Mitre 10 Cup squad

Props: Jonah Aoina, George Bower, Josh Hohneck, Jamie Mackintosh, Hisa Sasagi
Hookers: Henry Bell, Liam Coltman, Ricky Jackson
Locks: Josh Dickson, Josh Hill, Grayson Knapp, Jack Regan, Will Tucker
Loose forwards: Charles Elton, Samuel Fischli, Christian Leo-Willie, Nasi Manu, Slade McDowall, Sione Misiloi, Dylan Nel, Sean Withy
Halfbacks: James Arscott, Kayne Hammington
First five-eighths: Harrison Boyle, Levi Emery, Josh Ioane, Vilimoni Koroi
Midfielders: Giovanni Leituala, Aleki Morris-Lome, Josh Timu, Patelesio Tomkinson, Matt Whaanga
Outside backs: Michael Collins, Taylor Haugh, Jona Nareki, Mitchell Scott, Freedom Vahaakolo

[Duluth]

@NateHill74 said in Otago Mitre 10 Cup 2020:

Freedom Vahaakolo

He should go well in the NPC, a busy outside back. The right decision to leave as there were too many players in front of him

[Kiwiwomble]

...disappointed to see collins named as an outside back

whopper signed up? never really reached his full potential, maybe some age will have done the job

name a captain? (edit) just watched it and Collins to be captain

[Bovidae]

Strange to name only 2 halfbacks in a squad. Is Koroi or someone else cover?

[Kiwiwomble]

@Bovidae no idea, would be disappointed if koroi as i really want him as our first choice 15, someone else maybe though, kaynes obviously been injured too

someone asked the question if collins would play 15 or in the midfield and Tom at least acknowledged he was on a great run of form and they'd be open to him playing there

[Kiwiwomble]

i like pictures

[macmanus]

@Kiwiwomble Umaga-Jensen and Gilbert very unlucky. Nice squad.

[NateHill74]

The odt did the positions, they weren't named as that position, Boyle and Koroi may end up playing some fullback and Collins into centre. Imaginr if our injuries weren't inured, we would be a real force to be reckoned with

[NateHill74]

Half back replacement in the wtg maybe could be Urquhart and McClea. Maybe they'll be in for an injury

[mikey07]

@macmanus Just going off my previous chat with my work colleague Thomas reckoned he would be alright but his shoulder just hasn’t healed, kinda the same situation as NMS.

[ploughboy]

nice to see levi emery make the team.good north otago boy. sadly his father was killed is a car accident earlier this year.

[Kiwiwomble]

@ploughboy thats sad to hear, i hope he does is old man proud

Freedom Vahaakolo highlights from club rugby

https://www.facebook.com/martybanksrugby/videos/321597929153567/

Credit: Jordan River

[Yeetyaah]

@NateHill74 McLea?

[Daffy Jaffy]

@Kiwiwomble Re: Freedom, A good Ponsonby boy - you're welcome.

[NateHill74]

@Yeetyaah Kieran McClea, is a halfback for Varsity (temporary wing) and was playing in the possibles vs probables match

[Yeetyaah]

@NateHill74 Ah right haha, a mate of mine plays club rugby in Dunedin and was wondering if you were talking about him, same last name.