Rugby Talk with John McKittrick
1 July 2010
Changes to All Black squad for the Tri Nations certainly made interesting reading. When you consider how well Hosea Gear played for the Maoris against England his exclusion can only mean there is an incredible depth of players out wide. Rene Ranger holds his place and according to assistant Coach Wayne Smith is the next "Special Project". Ranger had a memorable Super 14 bringing a physical presence to his game. Ranger’s other asset is that he can play in all back three positions as well as centre. Luke McAlister has been overlooked in the short-term in a move no doubt designed to give him valuable playing time. He will be a huge asset to Harbour's ITM Cup campaign. However in the Tri Nations those South Africans still look the team to beat after disposing of France and Italy in warm-up games.
It was business a usual for the Top Two in Harbour club rugby with Northcote to good for Mahurangi eventually winning 26-11, whilst North Shore had to pull out all stops to get home against Marist 19-17.The surprise result was East Coast Bays putting another dent in the Takapuna machine with a nail biting 24-23 victory. Massey continued their resurgence demolishing Glenfield 45-6 and Silverdale only just held onto the country cup with a last minute penalty against Helensville winning 22-20.With only one round until the playoffs the Top 6 are sorted with Shore and Cote first equal, Taka, Massey, Marist and Bays are guaranteed playoff spots. Whilst Shore place a lot of emphasis on attack averaging 40 points per game it is Cote that are the hardest to crack with a great defensive ethic and structure that has seen just under 9 points a game scored against them.
This Saturday the game to watch will be down at Devonport where Shore will host Massey. Shore will be desperate to win and secure the Top qualifying spot however Northcote appear to have the easier task taking on Silverdale at home. Luke McAlister could well make a welcome return to the Dale ranks. Takapuna should rebound from their loss to Bays when they meet Glenfield away, and Helensville are back at home to Marist. Despite all their frustrations Helensville are hanging in there. Mahurangi will be strengthened by returning players from the Pacific Rim series and could well give Bays a fright. They did it in round 1.
Shortly Craig Dowd and Jeff Wilson will be announcing the ITM Cup squad for 2010.This looks like being a well balanced side.