Rugby Talk with John McKittrick
9 July 2009
The All Black selectors have chosen their 30 for the Tri Nations and how fortunate for the Air New Zealand Cup campaign that both Rudi Wulf and Anthony Boric were omitted because of injury. Whilst one has to feel for both these players, they are such quality individuals that they can't wait to get back into the Harbour jersey and will attend next week’s preseason camp. Again Anthony Tuitavake has been overlooked for Isaia Toeava who will not feature initially because of a stress fracture in his foot. But you think we are upset in Harbour? Imagine the rumblings in the Waikato and Counties where both Liam Messam and Leila Masenga have been discarded after their initial inclusion. If the rumours are to be believed there is more to Messam's demise than meets the eye.
By the time this goes to print Harbour will have played their first preseason game against Waikato at Moire Park in Massey, which is all part of taking the game where possible out to the community. Readers may recall three months ago my story about young Mahurangi JAB player Ryan Meek being hospitalised in Starship Hospital with a life threatening cyst on his brain and being visited by some of the players. Ryan has made such great progress in his rehab that the team invited Ryan to be present at Massey and lead them out at the start of the 2009 campaign. Talk about a proud young man.
In another initiative, the North Harbour Rugby Union is collecting old rugby boots for disadvantaged rugby players in Fiji. If you have any lying around either drop them off at the Union office at North Harbour Stadium or give me a call (021 929 421) and I will arrange for them to be collected.
Saturday sees the start of the club playoffs with Takapuna and Northcote both receiving first round byes by virtue of finishing one and two. Marist host East Coast Bays who cemented a place in the top six after their hard fought victory over Glenfield 16-8. Marist will be well advised not to underestimate Bays who has made steady progress this season. In the other top six fixture Massey is at home to North Shore who has struggled up front all season. The Massey backline in full flight is well worth watching. In the bottom four Glenfield take on Mahurangi whilst Helensville has another crack at the Country Cup at Silverdale.
On Sunday the Air New Zealand Cup squad goes into camp in the Bay of Islands culminating with a 3pm preseason game against Northland on Wednesday 15th.