NPC 2023

KiwiPie

The team of steam (well the squad anyway)

Duluth

I wonder if Nanai will play a bit at 13? I've seen him play well there in Auckland club rugby a few years back. 29/30 years old is probably a good time to make that move

KiwiPie

@Duluth He might get a chance there - we've lost Walton from last season who was very solid in the midfield. We have our usual Sevens flyers to go onto the wing!

Chris

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Stargazer

@Chris I can't see anyone beating that team. So stacked, even if you'd remove the current ABs.

Crotty will be huge as a leader for Canterbury.

Canes4life

@Stargazer Wellington will take ‘em again. Too much firepower.

Chris

@Stargazer
Could get McLeod,Ennor and Moody/Williams back after the 2 Aussie tests.

Canes4life

I can see it being a Cantab vs Welly final again. Both teams look to have plenty of depth.

Bovidae

The forgotten age-group player Torian Barnes is back. Alaimalo has gone back home.

Duluth

If you’re convinced Canterbury will win easily, you can make some money

Cant $4.00
Well $4.00
Auck $6.50
Waik $6.50

Canes4life

@Chris what would Canterbury’s best side look like from that squad? (Excluding players likely to picked for the WC)

Chris

@Canes4life

McAlister
Moody
Jager
Dunshea
Gallagher
Christie
Harmon
Grace
Drummond
Burke
Crotty
Ennor
Mcleod
Matale
Fihaki

Reserves
Bell
Lienert-Brown
Calder
Darry
Gardiner
Heinz
Poihipi
Punivai

Canes4life

@Chris looks pretty strong. Wellington have the team to do the business again aswell IMO. Definitely hard to pick between both those sides.

Wellington have Canterbury on the end of their storm week which includes two Ranfurly Shield defenses. I say sack the man who made the schedule.

A Aumua
X Numia
P Sheck
D Bird
H Plummer
C Delany
D Kirifi
P Lakai
T Perenara (not sure if he will make it back or not - still unconfirmed)
A Morgan
P Patafilo
P Umaga-Jensen
B Proctor
J Savea (should be back around the middle of the season)
R Love

J O'Reilly
B Chrichton/Orr
S Lauaki
A Pettett
B Shields
L Henry
R Higgins (should be back around the middle of the season)
C Garden-Bachop

Winger

@Canes4life southland and Ta$man at home and then Canterbury. Over 8 days

Idiotic scheduling

Canes4life

@Winger yep, Wellington will be sending a B team down to Chch for sure.

Stupid considering you really want the best players playing in the big city games to attract atleast a modest crowd.

Canes4life

Cantabs going back to their dark red and black jerseys which are different to the ones in the squad release above.

https://www.photosport.nz/gallery-image/230724-Canterbury-NPC-Headshots/G0000qdVWoVJ8yRE/I0000kf8cT.SVV2k/C0000azGTB7px3Ds

Chris

@Canes4life

Yep could be a Canterbury v Wellington final again.
I hate those storm weeks can be a real disadvantage depending on who you draw.

booboo

@Chris said in NPC 2023:

@Canes4life

McAlister
Moody
Jager
Dunshea
Gallagher
Christie
Harmon
Grace
Drummond
Burke
Crotty
Ennor
Mcleod
Matale
Fihaki

Reserves
Bell
Lienert-Brown
Calder
Darry
Gardiner
Heinz
Poihipi
Punivai

That's the kind of strength it would be good to see throughout the NPC. Like the late 90s.

Canerbry

GOAT RYAN CROTTY

Or, as thesilverfern knows him, "solid but unspectacular".

booboo

@Canerbry said in NPC 2023:

GOAT RYAN CROTTY

Or, as thesilverfern knows him, "solid but unspectacular".

TSF is nothing if not astute.

Thought a Cantab would take that as a compliment, but thanks for confirming the stereotypical impression of your ability to be precious under any circumstances.

The Silver Fern

NPC 2023