Auckland Rugby 2022

Higgins

@tim That might explain why he never fronted in Wellington.

Kirwan

@tim said in Auckland Rugby 2022:

@higgins Think he had to retire with concussion issues?

That's a shame, he had potential. Smart player.

Tim

Some interesting news here with Tele’a returning to Auckland. I wonder if that means Alama Ieremia is gone?

We are happy to announce a new signing and a re-signing for two Auckland Rugby Academy graduates.

Jock McKenzie is a new signing to Auckland Rugby, coming out of @grammartec Jock played an integral part in his team's run to the 2021 Gallaher Shield Final. The Fullback/First-Five made his debut for @bluesrugbyteam last night and packs one hell of a boot in his back pocket.

Tanielu Tele’a is no stranger to the Auckland NPC campaign and the Auckland backline. The @maristrugby421 member showed off some of his kicking game last night to set up The Blues’ first try against Moana Pasifika but don’t let that fool you. You do not want to be in the line when this guy is on the end of a short ball. Auckland Cap #1498

We wish the best for both Jock and Tanielu’s Super Rugby Season and we will hopefully see them in the Blue and White Hoops later in the year.

Daffy Jaffy

@tim Tele'a and a few others followed their popular ex St Kents coach Tai Lavea who moved from Auckland Asst. coach to CM head coach. Then Lavea up and left for Japan at the end of that season. This likely influenced Tele'a to change his mind and return to Auckland. It may also mean Ieremia has gone though. We need some inside oil.

Duluth

@tim said in Auckland Rugby 2022:

Tele’a returning to Auckland

It's a good career move to try and build a combination with Evans

He's had a frustrating career so far. Hopefully he can string some game together. I still think he has potential to be a high quality player

Nogusta

@duluth so if Roger doesn't crack the ABs thats Evans/Tele'a/RTS/Heem all going for midfield spots with Lam and Rayasi on the wings.....whew...

Duluth

@nogusta

Looks pretty good..

9 Funaki
10 Plummer/McKenzie
11 Rayasi
12 RTS/Evans
13 Heem/Tele'a
14 Lam
15 Sullivan

I think RTS will make the AB squad if fit

Tim

@duluth Forward pack will be interesting.

1 Lay
2 Vikena
3 Ta'avao
4 Scrafton
5 ?
6 ?
7 Choat
8 Ekuasi

(Backing Hodgman to return to the AB squad.)

I wonder how Ekuasi would go as a hooker?

Duluth

@tim said in Auckland Rugby 2022:

5 ?
6 ?

Jamie Lane & Kitiona Vai?

I didn't realise Vai was Nanai's brother:

From good rugby pedigree, Vai’s father player for Samoa and older brother Melani Nanai played for the Blues and Auckland.

Tim

@duluth Good call. Blake Gibson and Niko Jones will be available too? Sione Tuipulotu and Terrell Peita were squad options last year.

Kalapu and Dalzell were squad locks last year. Kalapu looks like he has some grunt. Lane looked improved last year.

IIRC, Josh Beehre (lock) and Wallace Sititi (loose forward) were quite highly rated from the 2021 Blues U20s?

Bovidae

If he is back in NZ Patrick Tuipulotu will be available for the NPC.

Stargazer

Not sure the AB7s will release players (like Kitiona Vai) for NPC, this year. RWC Sevens and Commonwealth Games Sevens both on the agenda.

Tim

@bovidae I'm hoping James Tucker sees the light and signs for Harbour this year.

Tim

@bovidae Looking forward to his clash with Retallick.

Bovidae

@tim said in Auckland Rugby 2022:

@bovidae I'm hoping James Tucker sees the light and signs for Harbour this year.

Aucklanders like Jock McKenzie don't even sign for NH!

Nogusta

@duluth said in Auckland Rugby 2022:

@tim said in Auckland Rugby 2022:

5 ?
6 ?

Jamie Lane & Kitiona Vai?

I didn't realise Vai was Nanai's brother:

Younger brother Cody Vai might just be he best of the lot!

Tim

@nogusta Is he with us or the Chiefs?

Nogusta

@tim said in Auckland Rugby 2022:

@nogusta Is he with us or the Chiefs?

Not too sure. He was at St Pauls Collegiate right? So yea safe to say the Chiefs will have him wrapped up.

Bovidae

@nogusta St Peters Cambridge - the St Kents of Waikato. Let's see when the U20 squads are named.

Some from Auckland/Northland have stayed, others have returned home.

Tim

The Silver Fern

Auckland Rugby 2022