Auckland Rugby 2023
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@Duluth here’s a report I put through on the NZ Sport Radio site
Manukau Rovers and Auckland University will meet in the final of the 2023 Gallagher Shield next Saturday at Waitemata Park in West Auckland
Manukau who are the current defending Gallagher shield champions have the opportunity to create some history by going back to back for the first time in their club historyIn the Jubilee Trophy
Papatoetoe will meet Suburbs in next weeks final after Papatoetoe upset Pakuranga and Suburbs held off College RiflesIn the Portola Trophy
Waitemata and Otahuhu will meet in the final
Waitemata qualified having scored the first try despite drawing the game with Eden
Otahuhu progress due to Marist defaultingManukau playing in front of a big home crowd at Williams Park proved far too clinical for the visitors Grammar Tech , despite a light shower which swept across the ground threatening to create handling problems, you could have sworn the home side were wearing velcro gloves with all the passes sticking .
The home-side had first use of handy breeze and it didn’t take Rovers long to get on the board with a series of hard carries which got hooker Oneone Faafou across the line after seven minutes , 2nd five Faletoi Peni adding the extras4 minutes later under rated Rovers centre Amanaki Savieta showed a clean pair of heals when he found a massive hole in the defence to score close to the posts from 30 metres out , Peni adding the extras
Grammar Tech finally managed to get their hands on the ball towards the end of the first quarter forcing Rovers to give away a series of penalties , one which result in Rovers loose forward Ricks Tongatea spending time in the bin.
Jock McKenzie slotted a penalty to get the visitors on the scoreboard
Despite looking likely the G-Tech could not capitalise on the one man advantage and field position ,handling errors and good defence keeping G-Tech at bay .
The final body blow came just before halftime , a long kick from Peni finding its way to the corner and coming off a G-Tech player which gifted the line-out to the home-side , after series of left and right forward charges lock Fano Funaki would have the easy touch down after the visitors simply ran out of defenders.
Peni again adding the conversion for the home-side to go in 21-3 at the breakRovers started where they finished in the first half ,Peni slotted a penalty from 30 metres to increase the home-sides lead
It would take another 20 minutes before Xavier Tito Harris would find himself in space from 30 metres out compliments of a superb 20 metre plus pass from replacement halfback Dayton Iobu , Peni adding the conversionGrammar Tech with 15 minutes to go did show some fight , with 2nd Five Corey Evans picking off an intercept to out sprint the defence from 80 metres and just to keep things interesting busy flanker Ofa Topeni would finish off a good move in the corner after superb Quinten Nichols break one of the few times G-Tech had breached the Rovers defence.
The score had closed up to 31-17 with 10 play , but one thing I do admire about this Manukau Rovers team , they play no matter where they are on the field and it would be replacement Sofia Maka who put the cherry on top with 4 minutes to play touching down after some good ball movement down the flank Peni adding the extras to close out what was a convincing winFor the home-side it was a superb all round effort , with the key drivers Faletoi Peni at 12 and skipper Savelio Ropati to the fore and leading by example ,open side flanker Vaka Makoni was a constant support and hooker Oneone Faafou hit his lineout targets consistently.
For G-Tech skipper Tovo Faleafa was great value always proving hard to stop , and Jock McKenzie at first five always looking for opportunities, just a shame for the visitors we did’nt see more of Evans and Nicols at 12 and 13 , both looked dangerous when the game opened up.
In the 2nd semi final in some what of an upset ,Auckland University travelled to Cornwall Park to take on old foes Ponsonby , given the visitors had been touched up by Ponsonby in the forwards when the 2 teams meet in round 4 it was important that University matched Ponies up front and that’s exactly what they did scrapping for every metre and contesting every breakdown and line out
The visitors lead 14-7 at the halftime break before Cam Church scored the try of the match after a series of sustained carries using the width of the paddock which saw the hard working 7 beat a couple of tackles to find his way to the line from close range
Christian Stenhouse kicking the conversion along with a further penalty to stretch the game out before Ponies came back into the late in the piece
Despite a late opportunity to send the game into overtime , some crossover running which resulted in a penalty would see visitors gleefully kick the ball into touch and take what was a well deserved win.
A massive win based on a superb forward effort , and some very good game management from Henry Saker and Christian Stenhouse
Been a tough year for Ponsonby given the weather events of earlier this year and having to use an unfamiliar venue but I have no doubt they are more than capable of bouncing back. -
@Duluth here’s a report I put through on the NZ Sport Radio site
Manukau Rovers and Auckland University will meet in the final of the 2023 Gallagher Shield next Saturday at Waitemata Park in West Auckland
Manukau who are the current defending Gallagher shield champions have the opportunity to create some history by going back to back for the first time in their club historyIn the Jubilee Trophy
Papatoetoe will meet Suburbs in next weeks final after Papatoetoe upset Pakuranga and Suburbs held off College RiflesIn the Portola Trophy
Waitemata and Otahuhu will meet in the final
Waitemata qualified having scored the first try despite drawing the game with Eden
Otahuhu progress due to Marist defaultingManukau playing in front of a big home crowd at Williams Park proved far too clinical for the visitors Grammar Tech , despite a light shower which swept across the ground threatening to create handling problems, you could have sworn the home side were wearing velcro gloves with all the passes sticking .
The home-side had first use of handy breeze and it didn’t take Rovers long to get on the board with a series of hard carries which got hooker Oneone Faafou across the line after seven minutes , 2nd five Faletoi Peni adding the extras4 minutes later under rated Rovers centre Amanaki Savieta showed a clean pair of heals when he found a massive hole in the defence to score close to the posts from 30 metres out , Peni adding the extras
Grammar Tech finally managed to get their hands on the ball towards the end of the first quarter forcing Rovers to give away a series of penalties , one which result in Rovers loose forward Ricks Tongatea spending time in the bin.
Jock McKenzie slotted a penalty to get the visitors on the scoreboard
Despite looking likely the G-Tech could not capitalise on the one man advantage and field position ,handling errors and good defence keeping G-Tech at bay .
The final body blow came just before halftime , a long kick from Peni finding its way to the corner and coming off a G-Tech player which gifted the line-out to the home-side , after series of left and right forward charges lock Fano Funaki would have the easy touch down after the visitors simply ran out of defenders.
Peni again adding the conversion for the home-side to go in 21-3 at the breakRovers started where they finished in the first half ,Peni slotted a penalty from 30 metres to increase the home-sides lead
It would take another 20 minutes before Xavier Tito Harris would find himself in space from 30 metres out compliments of a superb 20 metre plus pass from replacement halfback Dayton Iobu , Peni adding the conversionGrammar Tech with 15 minutes to go did show some fight , with 2nd Five Corey Evans picking off an intercept to out sprint the defence from 80 metres and just to keep things interesting busy flanker Ofa Topeni would finish off a good move in the corner after superb Quinten Nichols break one of the few times G-Tech had breached the Rovers defence.
The score had closed up to 31-17 with 10 play , but one thing I do admire about this Manukau Rovers team , they play no matter where they are on the field and it would be replacement Sofia Maka who put the cherry on top with 4 minutes to play touching down after some good ball movement down the flank Peni adding the extras to close out what was a convincing winFor the home-side it was a superb all round effort , with the key drivers Faletoi Peni at 12 and skipper Savelio Ropati to the fore and leading by example ,open side flanker Vaka Makoni was a constant support and hooker Oneone Faafou hit his lineout targets consistently.
For G-Tech skipper Tovo Faleafa was great value always proving hard to stop , and Jock McKenzie at first five always looking for opportunities, just a shame for the visitors we did’nt see more of Evans and Nicols at 12 and 13 , both looked dangerous when the game opened up.
In the 2nd semi final in some what of an upset ,Auckland University travelled to Cornwall Park to take on old foes Ponsonby , given the visitors had been touched up by Ponsonby in the forwards when the 2 teams meet in round 4 it was important that University matched Ponies up front and that’s exactly what they did scrapping for every metre and contesting every breakdown and line out
The visitors lead 14-7 at the halftime break before Cam Church scored the try of the match after a series of sustained carries using the width of the paddock which saw the hard working 7 beat a couple of tackles to find his way to the line from close range
Christian Stenhouse kicking the conversion along with a further penalty to stretch the game out before Ponies came back into the late in the piece
Despite a late opportunity to send the game into overtime , some crossover running which resulted in a penalty would see visitors gleefully kick the ball into touch and take what was a well deserved win.
A massive win based on a superb forward effort , and some very good game management from Henry Saker and Christian Stenhouse
Been a tough year for Ponsonby given the weather events of earlier this year and having to use an unfamiliar venue but I have no doubt they are more than capable of bouncing back.@Steven-Harris said in Auckland Rugby 2023:
Cam Church
He's kept Will Bason on the bench, since coming back from injury, so it will be interesting to see if he plays NPC this year.
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@Steven-Harris said in Auckland Rugby 2023:
Cam Church
He's kept Will Bason on the bench, since coming back from injury, so it will be interesting to see if he plays NPC this year.
@Tim Cam Church has been superb since his return , I am covering the final on Saturday it will be really interesting to see how he goes against a big physical Rovers Pack .
Rovers are a brilliant watch they are so well coached, they know their roles and are capable of attacking from anywhere on the paddock no matter what the game situation
Much of their attack is directed from brilliant 2nd Faletoi Peni who I believe is heading to Southland for the NPC , his ability to identify space is his strength -
@Tim Cam Church has been superb since his return , I am covering the final on Saturday it will be really interesting to see how he goes against a big physical Rovers Pack .
Rovers are a brilliant watch they are so well coached, they know their roles and are capable of attacking from anywhere on the paddock no matter what the game situation
Much of their attack is directed from brilliant 2nd Faletoi Peni who I believe is heading to Southland for the NPC , his ability to identify space is his strength@Steven-Harris Is Boa their skills coach? He's interesting to listen to on internet streams.
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@Steven-Harris Is Boa their skills coach? He's interesting to listen to on internet streams.
@Tim yes very intelligent guy founder of the safe tackle framework that he came up with long before high contact became an issue in the game , played 7s for Sri Lanka as well , add in Doug Sanft whom players seem to rave about as a coach and you have a lethal combo
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For reference, this was the Auckland Bs training squad from last year:
https://www.aucklandrugby.co.nz/newsarticle/118692?newsCarouselId=1360310
Boston Schuster (Grammar TEC)
Dayton Iobu (Grammar TEC)
Faletoi Peni (Manukau)
Feao Vakauta (Waitemata)
Henry Saker (University)
Jay Tuivaiti (Waitemata)
Jordan Hutchings (College Rifles)
Kaleb Emile-Vaoga (Ponsonby)
Kalin Felisi (University)
Leka Tu’ungafasi (Grammar TEC)
Liam Brady (University)
Lise Soloa (Ponsonby)
Ma'ake Taulahi (Ponsonby)
Michael Lea (Marist)
Nela Matakaiongo (Manukau)
Nick Biss (Ponsonby)
Quinton Nicholas (Grammar TEC)
Richard Aho (Waitemata)
Ryuga Hashimoto (Waitemata)
Salesi Tuifua (Pakuranga)
Sam Lester (University)
Siave Togoiu (East Tamaki)
Silao Nonu (East Tamaki)
Solofa Silipa (East Tamaki)
Takaji Young Yen (University)
Te Ariki Te Puni (University)
Tito Tuipulotu (Ponsonby)
Viliami Sipa (Ponsonby)
Wallace Sititi (Marist)
Wiseguy Faiane (Ponsonby)
Zyon Holo (Ponsonby)
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@Tim Cam Church has been superb since his return , I am covering the final on Saturday it will be really interesting to see how he goes against a big physical Rovers Pack .
Rovers are a brilliant watch they are so well coached, they know their roles and are capable of attacking from anywhere on the paddock no matter what the game situation
Much of their attack is directed from brilliant 2nd Faletoi Peni who I believe is heading to Southland for the NPC , his ability to identify space is his strength@Steven-Harris I see young Varsity Centre Noah Foster is also in the Southland squad. He previously was with the Mako$ for a season but did not get much game time there.
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Players tagged:
Marcel Reneta
Hamish Dalzell
Patrick Tuipulotu
Angus Ta'avao
Blake Gibson
Josh Fusitua
Soane Vikena
Zarn Sullivan
Terrell Peita
Nico Jones
Salesi Rayasi
Taufa Funaki
RTS -
@Steven-Harris I see young Varsity Centre Noah Foster is also in the Southland squad. He previously was with the Mako$ for a season but did not get much game time there.
@Daffy-Jaffy he’s quite a tidy distributor makes really good decisions.
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Updated squad speculations
Charlie Abel REP [a] - Ieremea pick that will go?
Sione Ahio
Josh Fusitua
Alex Hodgman- France
James Lay
Jordan Lay- Samoa WC squad
Sam Lester REP [b]
Marcel Renata
Angus Taʻavao - expected to be available
Hamdahn Tuipulotu - in AustraliaRobbie Abel - Ieremea pick that will go?
Leni Apisai
Te Ariki Te Puni REP [c]
Soane VikenaJosh Beehre REP [a]
Hamish Dalzell
Felix Kalapu - Harbour/Force?
Jamie Lane
Patrick Tuipulotu - may still go to ABs
Connor Vest- AustraliaAdrian Choat
Vaiolini Ekuasi - Rebels?
Blake Gibson- Hawkes Bay/Japan?
Sam Hainsworth-Fa'aofo REP [a]
Akira Ioane - may still go to ABs
Niko Jones
Terell Peita
Jackson Pugh- Australia
Blake Gibson - returnsTaufa Funaki
Manu Paea- Tonga
Sam Wye- Hawkes Bay
Kalani Thomas - from Reds, playing NPC for Auckland in 2023Simon Hickey - is he still playing?
Jock McKenzie
Harry Plummer (c)Pasqualle Dunn REP [a]
Corey Evans
Bryce Heem
Rieko Ioane- ABs
Tanielu Teleʻa - injured?
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
Essendon TuitupouTomas Aoake - still in Auckland?
Caleb Clarke- ABs
Joel Cobb - back from Australia to play for Ponsonby
AJ Lam
Sofai Maka REP [a]
Salesi Rayasi - injured?
Zarn Sullivan
Jordan Trainor- Northland
Caleb Tangitau -
This post is deleted!
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Updated squad speculations
Charlie Abel REP [a] - Ieremea pick that will go?
Sione Ahio
Josh Fusitua
Alex Hodgman- France
James Lay
Jordan Lay- Samoa WC squad
Sam Lester REP [b]
Marcel Renata
Angus Taʻavao - expected to be available
Hamdahn Tuipulotu - in AustraliaRobbie Abel - Ieremea pick that will go?
Leni Apisai
Te Ariki Te Puni REP [c]
Soane VikenaJosh Beehre REP [a]
Hamish Dalzell
Felix Kalapu - Harbour/Force?
Jamie Lane
Patrick Tuipulotu - may still go to ABs
Connor Vest- AustraliaAdrian Choat
Vaiolini Ekuasi - Rebels?
Blake Gibson- Hawkes Bay/Japan?
Sam Hainsworth-Fa'aofo REP [a]
Akira Ioane - may still go to ABs
Niko Jones
Terell Peita
Jackson Pugh- Australia
Blake Gibson - returnsTaufa Funaki
Manu Paea- Tonga
Sam Wye- Hawkes Bay
Kalani Thomas - from Reds, playing NPC for Auckland in 2023Simon Hickey - is he still playing?
Jock McKenzie
Harry Plummer (c)Pasqualle Dunn REP [a]
Corey Evans
Bryce Heem
Rieko Ioane- ABs
Tanielu Teleʻa - injured?
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
Essendon TuitupouTomas Aoake - still in Auckland?
Caleb Clarke- ABs
Joel Cobb - back from Australia to play for Ponsonby
AJ Lam
Sofai Maka REP [a]
Salesi Rayasi - injured?
Zarn Sullivan
Jordan Trainor- Northland
Caleb Tangitau@Tim I saw Edward Annandale on your post from Auckland's Instagram. I hope young Byron Smith will be the 3rd 10. I also think I spotted big Manukau No8 Nela Matakaiongo on that post.
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@Tim I saw Edward Annandale on your post from Auckland's Instagram. I hope young Byron Smith will be the 3rd 10. I also think I spotted big Manukau No8 Nela Matakaiongo on that post.
Nice. Three big players.
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I wonder if Fano Funaki is a chance thought he outplayed Josh Beehre in the semi final , only 2 issues might be his height although he makes up for that with an outstanding vertical leap also I do wonder if he might get selected for Tongan RWC squad
Also Rovers hooker Oneone Faafou who is a dynamic player , and throws good darts , is bigger body than Te Ariki Te Puni
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@Tim I saw Edward Annandale on your post from Auckland's Instagram. I hope young Byron Smith will be the 3rd 10. I also think I spotted big Manukau No8 Nela Matakaiongo on that post.
@Daffy-Jaffy I suspect Byron Smith will be the 3rd 10 as I have heard Auckland is trying to push Jock McKenzie to Northland .
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I wonder if Fano Funaki is a chance thought he outplayed Josh Beehre in the semi final , only 2 issues might be his height although he makes up for that with an outstanding vertical leap also I do wonder if he might get selected for Tongan RWC squad
Also Rovers hooker Oneone Faafou who is a dynamic player , and throws good darts , is bigger body than Te Ariki Te Puni
@Steven-Harris interesting seeing Funaki rating so highly, he struggled for a period up here, although IIRC his last season with us he looked great at club and his cameos for Northland.
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@Steven-Harris interesting seeing Funaki rating so highly, he struggled for a period up here, although IIRC his last season with us he looked great at club and his cameos for Northland.
@taniwharugby Fano should have got a lot more game time at the Taniwha ,does his core roles very well
