Aussies in the ITM (the competition formerly known as the NPC)

[RugbyReg]

I don't have fox so don't get to watch the ITM, but thought it'd be handy to have a thread on our the Aussies playing in it are going.

I picked up the latest Rugby News and came across the following:

Former Force (originally from QLD) lock Pat O'Connor is playing lock for Northlands. This could be great for him. He's still young, so hopefully he comes back a little tight forward hardened.

Luke Rooney playing fullback for Hawke's Bay. Interested to hear how he fares.

Brumbies Academy prop Jono Owen is playing THP for Counties and in fact was named in the ITM team of the week, which is an excellent sign. I think he's 24 and around 125kgs, so that's handy. Perhaps we should be looking at him now-ish?

Josh Tatupu is now over playing for Otago, and played opposite Tana Umaga last weekend. Anyone know his plans? I think he's been cut by the Force right? He was in great form for Southern Districts.

Anyone else? Am also interested to hear who Rebels signing Tom Chamberlain, former Red Daniel Braid and possible Force flyhalf Willie Ripa go.

 

[Scorz]

Rooney was poop at fullback vs BOP. He needs to play wing or... water boy.

 

[TOCC]

former Red Tasi Luafutu is over playing for someone, cant remember who, he is playing number 8 and seems to be going ok

 

[DPK]

Rooney was poop at fullback vs BOP. He needs to play wing or... water boy.

Caught the second half of this game at a mates place accidently, I thought Rooney was average too. But then again the BoP defense was very impressive the whole game. Shut down pretty much every Hawkes Bay attack convincingly.

Rooney would have set up a try but his 9. dropped the pass...

 

[RugbyReg]

former Red Tasi Luafutu is over playing for someone, cant remember who, he is playing number 8 and seems to be going ok

you are right. He's playing for Tasman, and picked up "1" in the 3-2-1s for that match.

Also I overlooked Lealiifano who is playing fullback for Waikato, who got "2" in their 3-2-1s

 

[MrTimms]

I caught the end of the auckland v waikato game, noticed lealiifano. I have it recorded and will give it a browse.

The ranfurly challenge is on now, tatupu made a nice little run earlier in the half.

 

[Mehrts]

It still is called the NPC (national Provincial Competition), it's just no longer called the Air NZ cup.
Only Auzzie i have seen in any depth playing is Rooney for the maggies and i haven't been to impressed with him in his two game thus far. Hopefully he improves by the time he gets to Melbourne

 

[Scorz]

Caught the second half of this game at a mates place accidently, I thought Rooney was average too. But then again the BoP defense was very impressive the whole game. Shut down pretty much every Hawkes Bay attack convincingly.

Rooney would have set up a try but his 9. dropped the pass...

Not so much his attack that looked poke.

 

[en_force_er]

I only saw Rooneys 1st game in which it seemed like he has a league fullback mentality of running the ball back always. He doesn't even run at holes of go for the bump off, he just runs up and surrenders to the tackle.

I'm sure he'll come good. He has plenty of time and I think it's terrific that he is playing NPC to bridge the gap between French style rugger and Aussie style rugger. Macqueen doesn't select too many duds.