Rugby Talk with John McKittrick
7 May 2009
The Chiefs franchise will be smiling all the way to the bank hosting their two remaining pool matches against the Hurricanes and the Brumbies. Who would have thought at the start of the competition the Hurricanes and the Chiefs would be battling it out for first round supremacy. It wasn't that long ago the Chiefs started this year’s Super 14 campaign with that diabolical performance against the Waratahs in Sydney. They have certainly been the find of the competition. The financial rewards are immense for a winning side. Unfortunately the Blues are now in regroup mode and focus on 2010.
There has been a lot of talk about the state of club rugby in the Harbour region especially now that Kumeu have withdrawn from the Senior Competition. Their withdrawal now means two teams will have the bye each weekend, hardly a satisfactory state of affairs. From what I hear Kumeu could well be back next year even under the old banner of Western United. When you consider the plight of Glenfield and Mahurangi who are struggling with numbers all is not well. Glenfield were successful in winning last year’s Under 21 Championship yet this year are unable to field a side in that grade, whilst Mahurangi have struggled with numbers across the board. Fortunately Mahurangi have addressed the problem and have given the Union a firm undertaking they will be fielding two Senior sides.
Readers may recall one of our young rugby players, Ryan Meek, who was invalided to Starship hospital. Thankfully he is now back home and well on the mend. Ryan managed to get along to the recent Blues game against the Reds and was a guest of theirs in the changing rooms. Even Craig Dowd and Jeff Wilson managed to get over and visit Ryan whilst in Starship.
You would go a long way to see a better defensive game than the one between Northcote and North Shore on Saturday. Cote are improving week by week playing the percentages well and taking the points that are on offer. After 80 minutes only one try to Northcote, and that from a pushover scrum, but what a battle between promising locks William Whetton from Cote and James King of Shore. The only blight on the game was the serious injury to Shore loosie Ryan Barker who had a plate inserted in his ankle and will be out for sometime just when he was coming into Air New Zealand Cup contention. The game also marked James Hinchco's farewell in the green and white jersey prior to heading to Taranaki. Shore has a big ask getting back up for their match against Takapuna which will be the highlight of Takapuna's 75th Jubilee weekend.
Marist also comes off the bye and hosts Helensville who finally showed some form against Mahurangi. Silverdale who is at home this weekend will be desperate to get points of Massey after coming up short against East Coast Bays. In the remaining game of the round Northcote travel to Kaipara Flats to play Mahurangi as part of the celebration of 120 years of rugby in the Kaipara Flats area.