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

[SuperGrover]

I haven't been able to see nearly as much of the ITM as I would like... can anyone tell me how Adongo has gone at Counties?

 

[Dam0]

I haven't been able to see nearly as much of the ITM as I would like. can anyone tell me how Adongo has gone at Counties?

From what I have seen, he's been OK. He hasn't made many spectacular runs or anything like that because that hasn't been his role, but he is very effective at getting people out of the way at breakdowns. I don't know if he has done enough to earn a Super XV contract (if that was his aim - I wouldn't know) but he and Kenyan rugby will be better for the experience.

I read somewhere that he wants to be a Springbok; I think that might be pushing it somewhat.

 

[qwerty51]

Adongo loves body shifting, some massive (and probably illegal) cleanouts lately.

 

[Dam0]

It's a bit of a shame the Otago v Wellington game was cancelled and all records of it expunged from the record books and memory banks.

 

[Dam0]

Wellington 49 - 22 Otago.

Cracker of a game but Otago is pies.

 

[ACR]

Wellington 49 - 22 Otago.

Cracker of a game but Otago is pies.

I was shamelessly flicking to the Wellington Pheonix - Sydney FC match. That was a bit more pleasing to the eye unfortunately.

 

[boyo]

Wash your mouth out!

 

[SuperGrover]

From what I have seen, he's been OK. He hasn't made many spectacular runs or anything like that because that hasn't been his role, but he is very effective at getting people out of the way at breakdowns. I don't know if he has done enough to earn a Super XV contract (if that was his aim - I wouldn't know) but he and Kenyan rugby will be better for the experience.

I read somewhere that he wants to be a Springbok; I think that might be pushing it somewhat.

Much appreciated Dam0. I hope to see more of him before season's end.

 

[qwerty51]

Some crackers coming up next week which will see the final positions finalised.

Wellington v Taranaki. Local derby. Home semi on the line.

 

[Antony]

How about mini-Savea? Obviously unproven in the tough stuff, but having that kind of pace at 7 is such an exciting prospect.

 

[Dan54]

Yep Antony, I think mini is going to be seriously good, although still a couple of years away from being big enough to handle the big boys at the breakdown, mind you he is only 18 so I think we can wait. I do think he'll get a S15 contract next year and am looking forward to see how he goes.

 

[hawktrain]

Savea Jr is another 7's product isn't he? Also Johnny McNichol from Canterbury, he's been in sparkling form playing at 15 the last couple of games (against Southland and Northland), definite S15 potential.

 

[Dan54]

I think McNichol has been signed by Crusaders Hawk, and they have dropped Sean Maitland (which surprised the hell out of me)

 

[en_force_er]

I think McNichol has been signed by Crusaders Hawk, and they have dropped Sean Maitland (which surprised the hell out of me)

Maybe he's a bit of a duffer off the field?

Has he been signed somewhere else or is he off to play for Scotland?

 

[SuperGrover]

I've also heard that Kirwan has cut Gareth Anscombe from the Blues squad for 2013 and the Chiefs have picked him up. The way Gareth has been playing in the ITM (leading point scorer I think) this seems both a strange decision from Kirwan and an astute pick-up by Rennie.

 

[Dan54]

Yep SG, mind you Anscombe was hardly flash in S15.
ef mate I just think that Maitland was left out because they wanted to sign McNichol, Maitland could still be picked up by Saders in draft!

 

[SuperGrover]

Yep Antony, I think mini is going to be seriously good, although still a couple of years away from being big enough to handle the big boys at the breakdown, mind you he is only 18 so I think we can wait. I do think he'll get a S15 contract next year and am looking forward to see how he goes.

Savea Jr has signed for two years with the Hurricanes.

Hurricanes sign Savea junior

18-year-old Ardie Savea will join older brother Julian in the Super Rugby ranks next season, after signing with the Hurricanes for two years.

The loose forward has signed with the franchise while competing in his first ITM Cup campaign with the Wellington Lions, and after starring on the World Sevens Series circuit with New Zealand.

In his debut provincial season, he has scored six tries in his eight appearances for Wellington - bringing some of that Sevens flair to his style of play.

"It's awesome to be a part of the Hurricanes. When I was little I watched Jonah and some greats in the Canes jersey, so I feel very honoured to get this opportunity," said Ardie.

http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,16024_8154014,00.html

 

[Dan54]

I really like this, I a Canes man anyway, but will be great to see him on a bigger stage, and will be interested to see what others think of him over next couple of years.

 

[hawktrain]

Semi Final weekend - backing Counties, Canterbury and Wellington to win their games...tonights Otago vs Tasman game is a toss of a coin for me.

 

[ACR]

Otago 38 - 34 Tasman. Great game, the Makos lead by 13 points halfway through the second half thanks to two long field intercept tries. Otago lifted the intensity finally and rumbled over them. Good stuff. We'll probably meet Counties next week and cop a smacking. lol.