Magpies 2022
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@kiwimatrix I think we have several former and current Academy locks floating around who could - hopefully - become 1st division standard locks, but one that already is? The best locks in NZ will already be taken. They may be looking overseas and that could be fine, just as long as he isn't another "Nick Palmer" (an average player who wants to get better playing in NZ and then buggers off for a contract elsewhere again). If we're going for average, then rather an average local. Or rather, a local rookie who could become more than average and sticks around.
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@Stargazer No mate. Look if the Bay are serious about winning the NPC or making the top 4, they'll need another top class lock. Like you said if Tom, or Isiah go down if leaves Bryn. They may import from overseas who knows, but you have to have the tight 5 depth to go deep into this competition..
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The HBRU's fan engagement is same level shit as that of NZR. Never posted an announcement of today's preseason game, no team sheet and no updates about the game.
Auckland Rugby posted half time and full time scores:
Auckland 24 - 19 Hawke's Bay (HT: 14 - 12)
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@Stargazer Agreed. There is one thing bugging me. The mystery of who Owen Frank's is going to play NPC for. Most squads are named. Taranaki, Manawatu, Wellington Waikato, Otago, Canterbury, and no doubt others. It makes me wonder whether he's injured, or just not signed. Don't know why but I have a gut feeling it's either Ta$man, or he's going to follow in his brother's footsteps and play for Hawkes Bay. Any whispers?
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@Billsy111 Owen was born in Motueka, so hopefully he's returning to his roots!
I have heard no whispers though and we will be well stocked with tightheads if we have Tyrel Lomax for most of the season - with Sam Matenga and (I think) Isaac Salmon in the wings.
Given Owen basically took over from Lomax at the Hurricanes you'd wonder if he might yet be in the frame for the ABs - he's only 34, so not quite geriatric for a prop.
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@Stargazer You could well be right mate, but I see he's not named in Tasmans or Bay of Plentys squad, or for that matter Counties Manakau. He must be hurt surely. From memory it only leaves Southland, and Hawke's Bay to name there full squads.
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@Stargazer Still look to be awaiting final notification of the locking situation. As an aside I picked up my season ticket today and saw Mark Braidwood's van in the carpark so it looks like the lineup for the second Shield Defense of the season might be some way off a full strength lineup, unless Braidwood was there to ensure there were sufficient props on hand to allow fully contested live contact scrumming practice.
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So we still need a lock (replacing Cridge), two loosies (Lochore? & O'Connor replacement), and a back. It wouldn't surprise me if they name only three out of those four, because of the squad size.
Like all other provinces, I assume there will be some development players in the squad.
Bye the way, I haven't seen Jonah Lowe in any of the photos of training yet. I wonder how bad that hamstring injury is/was.
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They've signed another prop! No, not Owen Franks. It's the young LH prop that was named as a development player in the squad in 2021 and played in the MLR for Toronto, this year (on the recommendation of our scrum coach Francisco Deformes, who was Toronto's assistant coach).
The 39th signing is Lolani Faleiva.
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@Stargazer said in Magpies 2022:
Lolani Faleiva
From the Toronto player bio looks like he's homegrown (Napier Boys). Also, and I'm surprised if this passed you by, he played club rugby in the Netherlands in 2019.
Also he's a monster - 6ft 4.
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@Higgins I wonder whether they've decided to sign one less loosie or back?
Faleiva is - no doubt - seen as a player who'll eventually replace Jason Long, who's not the youngest. Or, I hope not, Pouri RS is heading overseas. Haven't seen any news of him re-signing with the Canes, yet.
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