2012 – ITM CUP - NZ's 3rd Tier Competition

[Hugh Jarse]

It looks like all the NZ 3rd Tier Competition games in the ITM Cup are going to be shown on Foxtel.

In case you do not have a team to barrack for already based on the usual factors like a friend or relative comes from there, I enjoyed my time while visiting there, I like their colours, I support them because they have an Australian playing for them, My least disliked Darkness player plays for them, etc, a guide to the competing teams has been provided in this thread à> Choosing a ITM team to follow (click highlighted test to view)

Sit back, relax and enjoy some decent 3rd tier footy, deep in the knowledge that it is improving the depth of talent available to the Darkness S15 and International team levels, and we have nothing comparable for our up and coming Men in Gold.

All you need to know and more is available from this web site:->> http://www.itmcup.co.nz/

The Teams playing off for the ITM Premiership are:
Hawkes Bay
Auckland
Wellington
Canterbury
Bay of Plenty
Taranaki
Waikato

The Teams playing off for the ITM Championship are:
Manawatu
Tasman
Otago
Northland
North Harbour
Counties Manakau
Southland

Here is the draw (all times are in NZ time – not sure about the impact of Daylight savings on any of these. Figure it out for yourself):

Week 1
23 Aug, Hawke's Bay v Auckland, Napier, 7:35 pm
24 Aug, Manawatu v Wellington, Palmerston North, 6:05 pm
24 Aug, Tasman v Canterbury, Nelson, 8:05 pm
25 Aug, Bay Of Plenty v Taranaki, Mt Maunganui, 2:35 pm
25 Aug, Otago v Northland, Dunedin, 4:35 pm
26 Aug, North Harbour v Waikato, Albany, 2:35 pm
26 Aug, Counties Manakau v Southland, Pukekohe, 4:35 pm

Week 2
28 Aug, Wellington v Hawke's Bay, Wellington, 7:35 pm
29 Aug, Canterbury v Auckland, Christchurch, 7:35 pm

Week 3
30 Aug, Bay of Plenty v Otago, Rotorua, 7:35 pm
31 Aug, Hawke's Bay v Counties Man, Napier, 7:35 pm
01 Sep, Canterbury v North Harbour, Christchurch, 2:35 pm
01 Sep, Waikato v Northland, Hamilton, 5:35 pm
01 Sep, Taranaki v Tasman, New Plymouth, 7:35 pm
02 Sep, Auckland v Manawatu, Auckland, 2:35 pm
02 Sep, Wellington v Southland, Wellington, 4:35 pm

Week 4
04 Sep, North Harbour v Counties Man, Albany, 7:35 pm
05 Sep, Northland v Manawatu, Whangarei, 7:35 pm

Week 5
06 Sep, Southland v Otago, Invercargill, 7:35 pm
07 Sep, Taranaki v Hawke's Bay, New Plymouth, 6:05 pm
07 Sep, Counties Manakau v Bay of Plenty, Pukekohe, 8:05 pm
08 Sep, Auckland v Waikato, Auckland, 2:35 pm
08 Sep, Canterbury v Wellington, Christchurch, 4:35 pm
09 Sep, Manawatu v Tasman, Palmerston North, 2:35 pm
09 Sep, Northland v North Harbour, Whangarei, 4:35 pm

Week 6
11 Sep, Waikato v Bay of Plenty, Hamilton, 7:35 pm
12 Sep, Tasman v Southland, Blenheim, 7:35 pm

Week 7
13 Sep, North Harbour v Manawatu, Albany, 7:35 pm
14 Sep, Bay of Plenty v Auckland, Rotorua, 6:05 pm
14 Sep, Counties Manakau v Otago, Pukekohe, 8:05 pm
15 Sep, Taranaki v Canterbury, New Plymouth, 2:35 pm
15 Sep, Wellington v Waikato, Wellington, 4:35 pm
16 Sep, Tasman v Northland, Blenheim, 2:35 pm
16 Sep, Southland v Hawke's Bay, Invercargill, 4:35 pm

Week 8
18 Sep, Otago v North Harbour, Dunedin, 7:35 pm
19 Sep, Auckland v Taranaki, Auckland, 7:35 pm

Week 9
20 Sep, Manawatu v Counties Man, Palmerston North, 7:35 pm
21 Sep, Hawke's Bay v Bay of Plenty, Napier, 7:35 pm
22 Sep, North Harbour v Southland, Albany, 2:35 pm
22 Sep, Auckland v Wellington, Auckland, 5:35 pm
22 Sep, Northland v Taranaki, Whangarei, 7:35 pm
23 Sep, Waikato v Canterbury, Hamilton, 2:35 pm
23 Sep, Otago v Tasman, Dunedin, 4:35 pm

Week 10
25 Sep, Bay of Plenty v Wellington, Mt Maunganui, 7:35 pm
26 Sep, Southland v Northland, Invercargill, 7:35 pm

Week 11
27 Sep, Waikato v Tasman, Hamilton, 7:35 pm
28 Sep, Auckland v Counties Man, Auckland, 7:35 pm
29 Sep, Taranaki v Manawatu, New Plymouth, 2:35 pm
29 Sep, Wellington v North Harbour, Wellington, 5:35 pm
29 Sep, Hawke's Bay v Otago, Napier, 7:35 pm
30 Sep, Canterbury v Southland, Christchurch, 2:35 pm
30 Sep, Bay of Plenty v Northland, Mt Maunganui, 4:35 pm

Week 12
02 Oct, Manawatu v Otago, Palmerston North, 7:35 pm
03 Oct, Taranaki v Waikato, New Plymouth, 7:35 pm

Week 13
04 Oct, Tasman v Bay of Plenty, Nelson, 7:35 pm
05 Oct, Northland v Canterbury, Whangarei, 7:35 pm
06 Oct, Manawatu v Hawke's Bay, Palmerston North, 2:35 pm
06 Oct, Counties Manakau v Waikato, Pukekohe, 5:35 pm
06 Oct, Otago v Wellington, Dunedin, 7:35 pm
07 Oct, Southland v Taranaki, Invercargill, 2:35 pm
07 Oct, North Harbour v Auckland, Albany, 4:35 pm

Week 14
09 Oct, Counties Manakau v Tasman, Pukekohe, 7:35 pm
10 Oct, Hawke's Bay v Canterbury, Napier, 7:35 pm

Week 15
11 Oct, Otago v Auckland, Dunedin, 7:35 pm
12 Oct, Southland v Manawatu, Invercargill, 7:35 pm
13 Oct, Northland v Counties Man, Whangarei, 2:35 pm
13 Oct, Waikato v Hawke's Bay, Hamilton, 5:35 pm
13 Oct, Tasman v North Harbour, Nelson, 7:35 pm
14 Oct, Wellington v Taranaki, Wellington, 2:35 pm
14 Oct, Canterbury v Bay of Plenty, Christchurch, 4:35 pm

Week 16
19 Oct, ITM Cup P'ship Semifinal 1, TBA, 7:35 pm
20 Oct, ITM Cup C'ship Semifinal 1, TBA, 2:05 pm
20 Oct, ITM Cup C'ship Semifinal 2, TBA, 4:35 pm
20 Oct, ITM Cup P'ship Semifinal 2, TBA, 7:05 pm

Week 17
26 Oct, ITM Cup C'ship Final, TBA, 7:35 pm
27 Oct, ITM Cup P'ship Final, TBA, 7:35 pm



Edit: Fixed Canterbury for Christchurch

 

[I like to watch]

IMO the best rugby comp in the world.
Great tine of the year to get stuck in NZ

 

[kronic]

Btw. it's Canterbury, not Christchurch.

The cure to your midweek Rugby withdrawals.

 

[ACT Crusader]

Canterbury and Wellington are my picks this year.

 

[qwerty51]

Counties and Taranaki.

 

[Newbie]

Haven't followed the ITM since it was called the Air New Zealand NPC. I have noticed that the divisions have fewer teams.

Admittedly I'm surprised to see the power house provinces of Otago and Nth Harbour in the second division! On the other hand happy to see the Bumble Bees in top division. They have produced some great AB's over the years.

Game to watch IMO: Southland v Otago Sept 6 (traditionally a great local derby with no love lost between the two rivals).

Thanks for the update it has renewed my interest. Great work Jarse!

 

[qwerty51]

Teams named for the opening clash Hawke's Bay vs Auckland

TEAMS:
Hawke's Bay: 1. Brendon Edmonds, 2. Ash Dixon, 3. Ben Tameifuna, 4. Ross Kennedy, 5. Maselino Paulino, 6. Trent Boswell-Wakefield, 7. Karl Lowe, 8. Mike Coman (capt), 9. Chris Eaton, 10. Daniel Waenga, 11. Zac Guildford, 12. Andrew Horrell, 13. Star Timu, 14. Tino Nemani, 15. Gillies Kaka.

Reserves: 16. Hika Elliot, 17. Peter Borlase, 18. Kieran Coll, 19. Tivaini Fomai, 20. Isaac Paewai, 21. Tua Saseve, 22. Nick McLennan.


Auckland:1. Pauliasi Manu, 2. Tom McCartney, 3. Charlie Faumuina, 4. Liaki Moli, 5. Andrew van der Heijden, 6. Steve Luatua, 7. Daniel Braid, 8. Peter Saili, 9. Alby Mathewson, 10. Gareth Anscombe, 11. George Moala, 12. Hadleigh Parkes, 13. Malakai Fekitoa, 14. Ben Lam, 15.Charles Piutau.

Reserves: 16. Nathan Vella, 17. Ofa Tu'ungafasi, 18. Nathan Hughes, 19. Sean Polwart, 20. Auvasa Faleali'i, 21. Tony Fenner, 22. Dave Thomas.

REFEREE: Garratt Williamson

 

[en_force_er]

Jeez, Hika Elliot's stocks have fallen in the last year haven't they. He's not with the AB training squad and being given limited minutes is he?

 

[SuperGrover]

Tournament preview: ITM Cup

With a new ITM Cup season closing in fast in New Zealand, we take a look at which of the teams will be there or thereabouts and men to watch in 2012.

This year's fifteen-round ITM Cup runs over 10 weeks, including seven mid-week rounds.

The competition retains the Premiership (top seven teams) and Championship (bottom seven) format with teams playing every other province within their Premiership / Championship as well as four 'crossover' matches for full competition points.

For each team, that means 10 matches (five home, five away) during the regular season.

Canterbury
Defending champions Canterbury are chasing a record fifth straight domestic crown in 2012 after seeing off Waikato 12-3 in last year's final.

That try-less anticlimax to the competition meant Canterbury were the first team since Auckland in 1993 to make it four successive provincial titles.

Now the big question is whether the Cantabs can make it a whopping five on the trot under the new stewardship of Tabai Matson as head coach.

Unlike last year, the red and blacks haven't lost the core of their team to All Blacks duty with big-name players such as Ryan Crotty, Robbie Fruean, Sean Maitland, Tom Taylor and Andy Ellis set to feature prominently in their backline whilst the forwards boast the likes of Matt Todd, Nasi Manu, George Whitelock, Wyatt Crockett and Corey Flynn to name but a few.

Waikato
The Mooloos will strive to add some ITM Cup silverware to the region's trophy cabinet after the Chiefs claimed their first ever Super Rugby title.

Beaten finalists in 2010 and 2011, Waikato's last domestic title was won in 2006 but confidence will be high amongst players and fans alike that they can make it third time lucky and transfer the region's Super Rugby success over to the ITM Cup.

However, Waikato coach Chris Gibbes will have to make do without the majority of the Super Rugby-winning players as they are either on All Blacks duty or returned to their home provinces for the ITM Cup.

In fact only two Chiefs players from the starting XV that won the final and two more coming off the bench have been named in the Waikato squad.

Taranaki
Having finished third last time out and narrowly missing out on a play-offs spot the year before, the Amber and Blacks will be looking to go one better in 2012 and push for a place in the final.

Under the guidance of former Hurricanes coach Colin Cooper, Taranaki have gone from strength to strength and head into this season's campaign as the current holders of the Ranfurly Shield (claimed for the first time since 1996).

And with the majority of Taranaki's squad having been together for two years now - with the likes of Beauden Barrett and Andre Taylor running the show in the backs and former All Blacks duo Jarrad Hoeata and Jason Eaton up front - it shouldn't take the 'Naki too long to find the winning formula Cooper expects of them.

Bay of Plenty
The Steamers put in a surprise showing last year by finishing fourth but need to produce much of the same in order to stay in top flight rugby next season.

New Steamers' coaches Kevin Schuler and John Walters have done some recruiting in the off-season to boost their chances by bringing in Highlanders centre Kenny Lynn, whilst Luke Braid (Blues), Chris Noakes, Culum Retallick (both Highlanders) and Brumbies lock Leon Power all add Super Rugby experience.

And with Tanerau Latimer and Lelia Masaga also in the mix, Bay of Plenty should ruffle some of the bigger team's feathers when the new season kicks off.

Auckland
The most dominant province in the modern era face a challenging season as the men in blue and white hoops once again face the pressure to produce the goods.

Auckland have won New Zealand provincial championship a record 16 times, including four times in succession between 1987 and 1990 and again between 1993 and 1996, but last tasted success in 2007. And if the region's disastrous Super Rugby season is anything to go by, Auckland fans could be in for another frustrating ride.

However, the return of coach Wayne Pivac after an eight-year absence in place of Ulster-bound Mark Anscombe could be the tonic needed to turn around the province's fortunes.

Daniel Braid will captain a squad boasting a good balance of youth and experience, but face an arduous start to their ITM Cup campaign with consecutive away games against Hawke's Bay and Canterbury.

Wellington
The Lions can count themselves lucky to be playing in the Premiership this season after flirting with the Championship Division last year.

The men from the Kiwi capital finished sixth - just five points ahead of the demoted Southland, and won't want to find themselves in the same situation again this time round.

However, it will again be a young squad who have to run the show for Wellington in coach Chris Boyd's first full season at the helm.

Missing a host of All Blacks following a stellar Super Rugby season, we just can't see the Lions claiming their first title since 2000.

Whilst old heads Dane Coles, Jeremy Thrush and Ross Filipo will provide the Lions with some bite in the forwards, their back-line looks a little thin with Tim Bateman the only standout as TJ Perenara and Lima Sopoaga are out injured.

Hawke's Bay
The Magpies get to play with the Premiership big boys this season thanks to their promotion from the Championship after beating Manawatu in the final.

Some feel Hawke's Bay should never have been in the lower league following three consecutive semi-final appearances in 2007, 2008 and 2009. But because they finished below seventh-place in 2010, they had to fight their way back into the big league, where they will be looking to stay for at least another year.

However, the Magpies enter the Premiership minus 15 players from last year's squad - including coach Peter Russell (now with Newcastle Falcons). Props Sona Taumalolo and Anthony Perenise as well as locks Bryn Evans and Brodie Retallick are no longer there, while Dan Kirkpatrick and Khan Fotuali'i are notable losses in the backs.

http://planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,16024_8009157,00.html

 

[Hugh Jarse]

Wow. My Hawkes Bay boys lost in a close match in the opening game tonight. Given the preview above telling us how their playing roster has been decimated, I was expecting that they would cop a towelling.

What gets me is why backs think it is a good thing to chip and chase after the siren has gone, and they are behind on the scoreboard, but could win/draw if they score. Why gift the ball to the enemy, who are simply going to kick it out or similar?

Memo to all backs: You can not score points without the ball FFS!

 

[qwerty51]

I was laughing when Guildford kicked it, unbelievable stupidity.

I'm actually not a fan of the new 5 second rule. The rule was only really brought in to stop those last 2 minutes when teams play to the clock when in front and take forever getting the ball out. It's not always ideal for the attacking side to get the ball out in 5 seconds. I think it should be able to the ref to use his discretion each ruck, give a call "use it" and then if they don't in 1-2 seconds, turnover.

Also another good example why a game shouldn't end on a held-up/collapsed maul.

 

[ACR]

Agreed, no need for the 5 second rule. If a team has slow ball that is their own problem. Who cares about a few minutes at the end of the game being slow. The ref just needs to call that the ball is out more often.

Didn't watch the game, but if Guildford kicked the ball away after the siren I wouldn't be surprised. He's about as sharp as a cushion.

 

[qwerty51]

Yeah there's no need for it during the game. I'd prefer the rule only to be in place for the last 3 minutes of each halve

 

[SuperGrover]

Preview: Manawatu v Wellington

Wellington get their 2012 ITM Cup campaign under way with a tough crossover clash against Manawatu at FMG Stadium in Palmertson North on Friday.

When these two sides met last year, the Turbos silenced the Lions with a 31-25 win in Wellington. So the men from the New Zealand capital will be on high alert heading into their tournament opener against last year's Championship finalists. However, the visitors did get the better of their hosts in the pre-season.

Manawatu enter this clash minus two of their biggest stars - Aaron Smith and Aaron Cruden, who are both on All Blacks duty. But the home side still includes Highlanders blindside Nick Crosswell and prop Ma'afu Fia, as well as Chiefs wing Asaeli Tikoirotuma and lock Mike Fitzgerald.

There are seven Wellington debutants in the Lions' 22 - four of the first timers are in the starting line-up, including Ardie Savea (brother of Julian), who'll wear the number eight jersey.

Ex-All Blacks lock Ross Filipo will play his 50th match for Wellington in what is in first in New Zealand in four years. Tim Bateman plays his first match for the Lions at fly-half, and it will be interesting to see how the former Canterbury centre adapts in that position.

Wellington: 15 Jason Woodward, 14 Alapati Leiua, 13 Charlie Ngatai, 12 Shaun Treeby, 11 Matt Proctor, 10 Tim Bateman, 9 Frae Wilson, 8 Ardie Savea, 7 Scot Fuglistaller, 6 Mark Reddish, 5 Ross Filipo, 4 Jeremy Thrush (c), 3 Jeff Toomaga-Allen, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Reggie Goodes.
Replacements: 16 Motu Matu'u, 17 Arden David-Perrot, 18 Whetu Henry, 19 Lua Lokotui, 20 Genesis Mamea, 21 Kayne Hammington, 22 Ambrose Curtis

Manawatu: 15 Nehe Milner-Skudder, 14 Craig Clare, 13 Asaeli Tikoirotuma, 12 Frankie Bryant, 11 Junior Tomasi Cama, 10 Nathan George, 9 Karl Bryson, 8 Hamish Gosling, 7 Callum Gibbins, 6 Nick Crosswell (c), 5 Michael Fitzgerald, 4 Fraser Stone, 3 Ma'afu Fia, 2 Rob Foreman, 1 Eric Fry.
Replacements: 16 Bryn Templeman, 17 David Te Moana, 18 Reece Robinson, 19 James Oliver, three backs reserves TBC

Referee: Bryce Lawrence

http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,3826_8011309,00.html

 

[FrankLind]

Jeez, Hika Elliot's stocks have fallen in the last year haven't they. He's not with the AB training squad and being given limited minutes is he?

I don't really understand that either. Word is, he liked to get violent when on the bottle, but I thought that was sorted.

 

[Hugh Jarse]

^^^ Not the first Hawkes Bay hooker that has had issues with alcohol.

Norm Hewitt anyone?

The team managers and various academy/age group developers need to take some responsibility for advising these kids about being a professional athlete, and what alcohol can do to ones career.

Entirely different world from when us old bastards were growing up.

 

[Dan54]

Elliot is still probably rated No 3 hooker in NZ,just thought Coles bought into AB squad to run another younger player, from what I heard from mates in Hawkes Bay the word on him being pisshead is just that, he ok, but it always good to let little stories spread.

 

[ACR]

OOOOTTAAAAAAAAAAAGOOOOOOOOO!

Good start to the season, Northland have been terrible though to be honest. Parker banging 11/11 kicks so far, from the touch as well. Good stuff.

 

[aeneas]

The taranaki v BOP games yesterday was a cracker.

 

[ACR]

Anybody watch Wellington v Hawke's Bay yesterday? Was a cracker I thought with plenty of highlights, Hika Elliot's run and offload just being one.

Auckland v Canterbury today, hope they belt each other .