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

[Hugh Jarse]

Every time I watch Counties Manukau play I'm getting more and more respect for Umaga, he's put in excellent structures and patterns in their side. We should snap him up before the ABs do.

Yeah but when we sign Umanga up, would you push AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) out to wing or Fullback?

 

[Hugh Jarse]

Referee from Japan in Counties vs Otago.

Doing a good job as well.

I'm liking the ITM cup more and more.

 

[ACR]

Counties were just too bloody good. Excellent defensive system and they make all their important tackles. Otago weren't even that bad and we got smashed.

The Ranfurley Shield is on RIGHT NOW!

12.30pm Taranaki vs Canterbury. Go the Naki!
2.35pm Wellington vs Waikato
5.35pm All Blacks vs Springboks
8.00pm Shackle Draggers vs Argies

I love Saturdays, oh yeah I do.

 

[Hugh Jarse]

Bit of rain over there then ACR?

Add to your list the Shute Shield Grand Final.

3:00 pm ABC TV The Hobbits vs The Students.

 

[ACR]

Bit of rain over there then ACR?

Add to your list the Shute Shield Grand Final.

3:00 pm ABC TV The Hobbits vs The Students.

Sweet, I'll be doing a bit of flicking between games then.

No surprises about the weather, looks to be raining in New Plymouth and reports from Dunedin have said it's been miserable weather there all week. Oh the joys of having a roof over your pitch.

My sister was in the hospital because of her daughter during the week, and a few of the Springboks dropped by. She got a photo with Frans Steyn and Lwazi Mvovo so I hope they only lose by 20 points now instead of 30.

 

[ACT Crusader]

But what is happening with Auckland Rugby?

What do you mean? Their side is young, very young. They are going to get a few lessons taught to them this season, especially with Braid sidelined.

 

[si_rangi]

What do you mean? Their side is young, very young. They are going to get a few lessons taught to them this season, especially with Braid sidelined.

It was a legitimate question....I live in China and want to know what is happening with Auckland Rugby, look at the Blues and now the ITM cup side. I posted the question after they lost to the BoP (who are usually worth an upset or too). In the old days they would put a side like BoP away with ease.

Anyway, you answered my question. They are a young team. But you have to expect more from a team with such a talent pool to draw from.

I will look forward to game v Taranaki this week. As a Taranaki local, the benchmark for me was always Auckland.

 

[si_rangi]

Very happy with the Shield result over the weekend. Only two more challenges to go...tough ones though.

 

[ACR]

Very happy with the Shield result over the weekend. Only two more challenges to go.tough ones though.

I think everyone is. Manawatu and Waikato. They'll take care of Manawatu at least.

Will they have to put it up in the finals as well (assuming they make it)? Would have to be a top two finish in the table to have a home semi. I'd say they shouldn't have to.

 

[si_rangi]

I think everyone is. Manawatu and Waikato. They'll take care of Manawatu at least.

Will they have to put it up in the finals as well (assuming they make it)? Would have to be a top two finish in the table to have a home semi. I'd say they shouldn't have to.

I am not 100% sure, but if we are lucky enough to hang onto it, I don't think we need to put it up in the semis.

 

[AngrySeahorse]

Very good game between Auckland & Taranaki so far. More excellent running Rugby.

 

[Hugh Jarse]

The ITM blokes, as a general oversimplification, actually take risks on attack in their game.

Their flair hasn't been templated out of them. Sure there are planty of mistakes and turnovers, but it is exciting to watch.

Best of all, there is no Kearns, Marto, Canno or any other Clowno commentators from Foxtel spoiling it with their attempted humour and colour.

 

[qwerty51]

DJ Forbes and Tomasi Cama just went head to head which begs the questions, why are our 7s not allowed to play 15 man rugby??

 

[GaffaCHinO]

Whats the go with the players all having different sponsers on their jumpers?

Sent from my GT-I9300T using Tapatalk 2

 

[ACT Crusader]

Whats the go with the players all having different sponsers on their jumpers?

Sent from my GT-I9300T using Tapatalk 2

Part of it is that the players have individual sponsors and the clubs have lots of very "small" local sponsors.

 

[Hugh Jarse]

^^^^^^ I think it is a good idea for raising funds, and making the players and teams feel part of the community and vice versa.

Plenty of small businesses don't mind kicking in a small amount of money to sponsor 1 player.

It is quite tough to find a major sponsor who will willingly provide the same total sponsorship $ that 22 individual sponsors are prepared to pay, particularly in regional centres.

 

[Dan54]

Yep been in ITM/NPC rugby for a while Gaffa, as ACT and HJ say they can get quite a few sponsors paying a smaller amount, I know of a couple of local clubs in NZ do similar thing,in a small club for example may cost $5-700 and players fees etc are covered and usually player is charged with keeping his sponsor up todate on club pomos etc.
Just add enjoyed Manawatu/Counties game last night, great to see first try scored by young kid first year out of Waipehu college, a small school in town I come from, don't have to be from big rugby schools to get noticed.

 

[Hugh Jarse]

The battle of "The Bay". HB vs BOP

Anyone see my ITM teams Gillies Kaka try at about 25 minutes?

Freakishly lucky to score but beautiful to watch. That is how to regather a dribbly little grubber kick!!!

 

[qwerty51]

Again, penalty try + yellow card. Such bullshit. One or the other, not both.

 

[Hugh Jarse]

Isn't there also provision buried somewhere in the Laws that also provides for the scoring team to restart with a PK on halfway?

Seems a bit harsh on the Steamers, but as Chez Jarse has adopted the Bay, then good job.