Rugby Talk with John McKittrick
7 April 2009
The changing face of club rugby was certainly evident at Silverdale on the weekend when Silverdale had far too much firepower for Glenfield, running out winners 34 to 13. Across the board the average age of most of the premier sides is getting younger by the year. Glenfield are fielding the bulk of last year’s champion Under 21 side whilst Dale captain Robbie Colhoun sang the praises of the seven under 20 year olds making their senior debut.
After just three rounds a very definite pattern has emerged with Shore, Marist and Taka all still undefeated at the top of the table whilst Glenfield, Kumeu and Mahurangi remain winless at the bottom. Taka's 28 to nil rout of Northcote has certainly sent shockwaves though the competition however Bays were not to be outdone getting up against Helensville out at the Ville 18-13.
Great to hear Tracey Davis has answered the call and will take charge of Kumeu for the rest of the season. Massey host Helensville in a traditional westie derby whilst Bays will be seeking to continue their improvement against a smarting Northcote side. Marist comes off the bye up against Silverdale whilst Glenfield get a chance to open their account home to Mahurangi who showed definite improvement against Shore last weekend.
Harbour continues to be a great breeding ground of talent with Ken Pisi, Nafi Tuitavake and Nalu Tuigamala all being named in this year’s New Zealand Under 20 squad to compete in the IRB Junior World Championship in Japan in June. Our development programme is obviously working well when you consider last year we had Ben Afeaki, Chris Smith and Michael Harris in the same team.
There has been a great deal of discussion over the last few days about the NZ Maori XV recently selected by a group of invited panelists. I decided after all my involvement in 7's that I would take a shot at selecting a NZ Maori Seven’s lineup. Here goes. Forwards: Eric Rush(Capt), Matua Parkinson, Dallas Seymour. Backs: Peter Woods, Rua Tipoki, Karl Te Nana and Glen Osborne. Not a bad lineup but more importantly all with the exception of Seymour played for Harbour!!!
Here's hoping the Blues get it together against the Lions at Eden Park this Friday night. It is great to see former Mahurangi and Harbour Seven’s loosie Todd Clever now in Lions colours.