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MANAGING EDITOROliver lee

EDITORPeTer WHiTe

PROOFREADINGelise McDOWell

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COPYRIGHT: Reproduction in whole or in part by any means is prohibited.

DIsClaImeR: The opinions expressed in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Although all material is checked for accuracy, no liability is assumed by the publisher for any loss due to use of material in this magazine.

ThE INVESTEC RUGBY ChAMPIONShIP ..... 6We preview the 2014 Investec Rugby Cham-pionship featuring the All Blacks, Wallabies, Springboks and Pumas.

ITM CUP SEASON PREVIEW ......................... 8What’s ahead in the ITM Cup Premiership and Championship.

ITM CUP PREMIERShIP PREVIEWSaUCKlaND ............................................. 10TasMaN ................................................... 11

WelliNGTON ........................................... 12COUNTies MaNUKaU .............................. 12CaNTerbUrY .......................................... 14WaiKaTO .................................................. 15TaraNaKi ................................................ 19

ITM CUP FIXTURE LIST ............................... 16ITM CUP ChAMPIONShIP PREVIEWS

MaNaWaTU ............................................. 20HaWKe’s baY ......................................... 20NOrTH HarbOUr .................................... 22sOUTHlaND ............................................ 22NOrTHlaND ............................................ 25baY OF PleNTY ....................................... 25OTaGO ...................................................... 26

RANFURLY ShIELD ........................................ 28Will Counties Manukau retain the Ranfurly Shield? We look ahead to this season’s challenges.

PINK® BATTS® hEARTLAND ChAMPIONShIP FIXTURES ... 30All you need to know about this year’s Pink® Batts® Heartland Championship.

RUGBY 2014

CONTENTSA heads-up on what’s

inside this issue including competition draws and team profiles.

WINNING MOMENT: Canterbury's head coach scott robertson, left, and captain George Whitelock celebrate winning the iTM Premiership after last year’s final victory over Wellington.

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RUGBY 20146 w w w . A L L B L A C K S . C o M

The All Blacks total dominance of south Africa, Austra-lia and Argentina continued unabated in 2013 with another clean-sweep of the Investec Rugby championship.

The tone was set in the opening fixture against the hopeful Wallabies in sydney; the All Blacks ran in six tries to two during an emphatic 47–29 victory. Ben smith made a major impact with three tries, while captain Richie Mccaw crossed for a try to become the first New Zealand forward to score 100 test points.

Although the All Blacks marched on unbeaten with six wins from as many starts, the remaining games after the sydney opener were much more competitive. Winning scores of 27–16 over Australia, 28–13 over Argentina and 38–27 over south Africa attest to that.

The All Blacks finished on 28 points, comfortably ahead of south Africa (19), Australia (9) and Argentina (2) to defend their title.

Of great intrigue to rugby followers were Argentina’s performances. While inconsistency is likely to be an ever-present factor for a few seasons to come, they can be a difficult team to beat at home.

Winning their first game in this third Investec Rugby championship will be their goal, but a poor build-up in the June window will not help in this regard. The Pumas lost both tests against Ireland, before a 21–19 loss to scotland, who are coached by Kiwi vern cotter.

This year’s Investec Rugby championship kicks off on August 16 with another mouth-watering clash in sydney between the Wallabies and All Blacks. There is greater confidence within Australian rugby following the super Rugby competition, and Wallabies coach Ewen

the 2014 investec RUGBY CHamPIONsHIPThe Investec Rugby Championship kicks off on August 16 with a clash between the All Blacks and Wallabies in Sydney. BY PETER WHITE

SIMPLY ThE BEST: The all blacks will

hope KIERAN READ, the 2013 irb Player of the Year,

is back to full fitness.

DATE MATCH VENUE KICK OFF NZ TIME

AUGUST 16: Australia v all blacks (Bc) sydney ................................ 10.05 pmAUGUST 17: south Africa v Argentina Pretoria .............................. 3.05 amAUGUST 23: all blacks v Australia (Bc) Auckland ............................ 7.35 pmAUGUST 24: Argentina v south Africa salta .................................... 7.40 amSEPTEMBER 06: all blacks v Argentina Napier ................................. 7.35 pmSEPTEMBER 06: Australia v south Africa Perth ................................... 10.05 pmSEPTEMBER 13: all blacks v south Africa Wellington .......................... 7.35 pmSEPTEMBER 13: Australia v Argentina Gold coast .......................... 10.05 pmSEPTEMBER 27: Argentina v all blacks La Plata .............................. 12.00 amSEPTEMBER 28: south Africa v Australia cape Town .......................... 4.05 pmOCTOBER 05: south Africa v all blacks Johannesburg .................... 4.05 amOCTOBER 05: Argentina v Australia Mendoza ............................. 11.40 am(Bc) = Bledisloe cup match.

2014 investec rugby championship & bledisloe cup DRAw

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McKenzie seems to have unified the inter-state rivalries that often hold them back.

The Wallabies have won seven tests straight, their best winning run since they were last world champions in 1999, and impressed with a 3–0 whitewash of France in June.

The All Blacks had a profitable June themselves, beat-ing a cocky England side 3–0 in a series at home. They will have a lot of motivation for the opening test in sydney as victory will give them a world-record 18th- consecutive test win.

Home tests against Australia and Argentina follow for the All Blacks before things get much tougher. Fierce rivals south Africa take them on in Wellington, then two daunting away matches follow; the first against Argen-tina in La Plata, and the second versus south Africa in Johannesburg.

senior All Blacks Richie Mccaw, Dan carter and Kieran Read are all back in the fold after time on the sideline, and there is an exciting look to the attacking balance of the team. New centre Malakai Fekitoa, Ben smith and Julian savea proved irresistible against England.

south Africa thumped a World Xv 47–13 before taking on Warren Gatland’s Wales in June. The first test was a conclusive 38–16 win, but Wales can consider them-selves unlucky to lose the second test 31–30. The spring-boks then thrashed scotland 55–6.

The All Blacks finish the year off in November with a test against UsA in chicago, on their way to the UK for a tough finale against England, scotland and Wales; this will also serve as a dress rehearsal for next year’s Rugby World cup.


OCTOBER 18: all blacks v Australia Brisbane ............................ 9.00 pm


NOVEMBER 2: all blacks v UsA chicago ............................. 8.30 am NOVEMBER 9: all blacks v England London .............................. 3.30 amNOVEMBER 16: all blacks v scotland Edinburgh ......................... 6.30 amNOVEMBER 23: all blacks v Wales cardiff ............................... 6.30 am

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RUGBY20148 w w w . I T M C U P. C o . n z

PROvinciAL PRiDe ON ThE lINe IN THe itM cUP

The ITM cup is rightly regarded as the world’s best provincial rugby championship and every season sees new names thrown around of players destined to be our next All Blacks.

It is a breeding ground of excellence the rest of the rugby world can only dream about.

Over the course of 11 weeks, and more than 70 match-es, 14 teams battle for provincial pride; then, the pulsat-ing play-offs begin where the prospect of both promo-tion and relegation between the ITM Premiership and the ITM championship adds late-season drama.

Plus, there is the iconic Ranfurly shield, which over the last few seasons has clearly proven to be just as impor-tant today as it was in its inception in 1904.

canterbury began last year’s ITM cup season as the team to beat after winning their fifth consecutive title. Despite providing more All Blacks than any other union, canterbury still had a remarkable depth of players to win title number six.

The final against Wellington, who topped the round robin ahead of canterbury, was held at Westpac stadi-um and long-suffering Wellington supporters were confident they could win their first title since 2000.

But, canterbury scored four tries to Wellington’s one to give yet another rugby lesson.

Auckland have twice won four titles in succession, in the 1980s and 1990s, but canterbury’s six straight is a record for all ages.

Looking ahead to the 2014 ITM cup, the obvious ques-tion is can any team stop the marauding cantabs from making it seven in a row? Auckland and Wellington will fancy their chances, but the red-and-blacks will go into the campaign as red-hot favourites.

Perhaps the biggest issue facing all the other unions is how to get over the psychological advantage canterbury has at finals time because of their remarkable record.

Head coach scott Robertson does have his own distinc-tive style, but expect to see canterbury continue with the no-nonsense tactics and defensive might that has served them so well.

In the ITM championship, the Bay of Plenty steamers could be the team to beat after they slipped through the relegation trap door last year.

Head coach Kevin schuler has assembled a handy team that will be hard to beat at their dual home venues of Mount Maunganui and Rotorua. But, the key to success in such a competitive competition is winning on the road.

Hawke’s Bay, Otago and southland also loom as real promotion contenders with this year’s ITM champion-ship set to be one of the most evenly contested.

New Zealand Rugby is rightly proud of the way the ITM cup has come through some difficult teething prob-lems with many unions living way beyond their means with player payments.

chief Executive steve Tew announced late last year that all unions were set to record surpluses for 2013, which is a clear indicator of the healthy state of the provincial game.

crowd numbers outside the super Rugby host cities were up last season and that trend is expected to con-tinue this year.

With counties Manukau such enthusiastic Ranfurly shield holders and the usually intense Heartland champion-ship also set for another memorable campaign, there is much to look forward to over the coming rugby months.

Last year’s competition saw Canterbury claim their sixth consecutive national title, Bay of Plenty relegated and Tasman promoted to the ITM Premiership. BY PETER WHITE

SIXPEAT: The CaNTerbUrY

players celebrate after winning their sixth

consecutive title last season.

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PlaCeD THirD iN 2013: Auck-land started superbly winning their opening five games, but then won just two more in the second-half of the season. Inexperience and injuries played a part in that, and their eventual third-place finish was a reasonable result considering how young their key players were.

KeY PlaYers: First-five simon Hickey had a superb debut season in the ITM cup, and then step- ped up for the Blues. Gareth Ans-combe is another top class first- five who will be keen to impress before he goes to Wales. Fullback Lolagi visinia also had a fine Blues campaign and has rare attacking talents. Loose forwards steven Luatua, sean Polwart and Peter saili are as good as any in the com-petition, lock Liaki Moli continues to improve and Angus Ta’avao is an underrated scrummager.

YOUNG GUN: vince Aso, at 18, was the youngest player in last year’s team and he made a huge impres-sion in his seven games. Power-fully built, and at around 100kg, Aso is a formidable presence in the midfield and can also play winger and fullback. He made quite an impression with his standout performances for New Zealand Under-20s and with that experi-ence should excel in the ITM cup.

seasON PrOsPeCTs: Last year they fielded one of the youngest teams in the competition, but they will be stronger for the experience. There is so much talent in the squad that on paper they appear to be the biggest threat to canterbury winning another title. A new coach-ing duo of Paul Feeney and former Auckland captain Xavier Rush should bring added enthusiasm. Luke Braid (out to recover from shoulder surgery) will be missed.

AUcKLAnD

teAM PR eVIeWs fOr 2014The top seven teams will contest the Premiership.

BACKLINE GENERAL: blues first-five

siMON HiCKeY will be a key player for auckland.

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w w w . o L I v e r L e e . C o . n z RUGBY2014 11

PrOMOTeD iN 2013: Promotion to the Premiership was the end result of a truly outstanding season of attacking rugby by the Makos. They scored more than 40 points five times and beat every team that held the Ranfurly shield in 2013 – sadly none in direct challenges.

KeY PlaYers: Tom Marshall, James Lowe, Liam squire and Tevita Koloamatangi all benefited from playing for the chiefs. High-landers Joe Wheeler and shane christie will be key men for the Makos, while record point-scorer Marty Banks is a key figure. Form-er southland and All Blacks half-back Jimmy cowan has joined the Makos after a two-year stint with Aviva Premiership side Glouces-ter. At a bruising 1.93m and 110kg, Jeff Lepa prefers blindside flanker but can also play number eight, while David Havili is a promising 19-year-old outside back, who played for New Zealand Under-20s this year.

YOUNG GUN: Tasman has picked up athletic loose-forward Peter samu from the Waratahs’ wider training group. The 22-year-old has been quite a revelation in club rugby and his athletic ball-run-ning style and speed should be well suited to the up-tempo approach of the Makos. His brother Lua vai-loaloa played 20 games for Tasman in 2007 and 2008.

seasON PrOsPeCTs: coaches Kieran Keane and Leon MacDonald have 10 super Rugby players in their well-balanced squad. Tasman always plays an expansive game and this campaign they move up to the Premiership with consis-tently harder opposition to combat than they had last season. If they can recreate their winning form at home, they will enjoy their first season in the top grade. AT.govt.nz/events

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w w w . o l i v e r l e e . c o . n zRUGBY201412

Placed second in 2013: Until the final at Westpac Stadium against Canterbury, it was shaping up as season to remember for the Wellington Lions. They lost just one game in 10 pool games, thrashed Counties Manukau 41–10 in the semi-final, only to fall at the final hurdle losing 29–13.

Key Players: Utility Riki Flutey will play for Wellington in this year’s ITM Cup. He last played for Wellington in 2005, before making his name with England and the British and Irish Lions. He is likely to slot into midfield. Multi-talented loose forwards Ardie Savea, Victor Vito and Brad Shields should dominate the tackled ball area, while TJ Perenara will look to claim an All Blacks berth from halfback.

young gun: Fullback Jason Woodward is an excellent addition to the Lions back-three talent depth. Woodward, at 24, has some experience under his belt, but in the last 12 months particularly has lifted his performance levels to a career high with the Melbourne Rebels.

season ProsPects: Nothing changes in the capital city. Every season is an expectant one for the Lions supporters, but so often the team falls at the crucial time. The same high-tempo game will be played and there is no reason why the Lions cannot go all the way to the final again in 2014.

WELLINGTON

COUNTIES MANUKAUPlaced fourth in 2013: The Steelers started slowly in the top division after being promoted the season before. They lost three of their four opening games, but then came that history-making Ranfurly Shield win over Hawke’s Bay and everything changed. An away loss to Canterbury was the only blip on an otherwise wonderful second-half of the season that saw three successful defences of the Shield.

Key Players: Tana Umaga has assembled a quality squad with top-class Super Rugby players Baden Kerr, Tim Nanai-Williams, Frank Halai, Augustine Pulu and Bundee Aki in the star-studded backline. Former Blues flanker Onasai’i Auva’a, Jordan Taufua and Chiefs prop Pauliasi Manu are new to the pack.

young gun: US-college-based South African lock Mike Lawrenson, at 112kg and 2-metres tall, has the size to hold his own in the top grade. He has impressed with his athletic ability and will be worth watching.

season ProsPects: The Steelers should get off to a flying start with the Ranfurly Shield on the sideline at home. There is a better than evens chance they will be riding high up until round six when they meet Canter-bury at home. Wellington follow a week later and Auck-land in round nine, but ITM Premiership status should be safe by then.

GREAT TALENT: Wellington flanker ardie

savea is set to make a major impact.

PLAYMAKER: first-five Baden Kerr

is a key player for counties Manukau.

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ITM PREMIERSHIP TEAM PREVIEWS continued from page 11

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itM PReMieRshiP TEAM PREVIEwS continued from pAgE 12

cAnteRBURYCHaMPiONs iN 2013: canterbury claimed their sixth consecutive ITM cup title – a national record – after beating home-team Wellington 29–13 in the final. They scored the most tries (48) in the round-robin play and blooded many new players who will go on to be house-hold names in years to come.

KeY PlaYers: Kaveinga Finau, Richie Mo’unga and Tom sanders showed out at the recent Junior World champion-ships. Luke Whitelock is set for a big season at number eight, fullback Johnny McNicholl has rare attacking skills, and colin slade is a world-class first-five, who is a dom-inant figure on attack and kicking for goal, at this level.

YOUNG GUN: First-five Richie Mo’unga scored 27 points on debut against Manawatu last year. It put the 19-year-old on the rugby map and he played consistently well in his seven other appearances in the ITM Premiership. This year he played every game for New Zealand at the Junior World championship.

season prospects: The bad news for the other teams is canterbury will be as strong as ever this campaign. The systems in place within the union are followed religious-ly from age-group rep teams through to scott Robert-son’s ITM Premiership champions, meaning a continuity of style unique to canterbury. This is why new faces slot into the top team so seamlessly, as they grow-up within this system of playing. Robertson will blood the Under-20 boys he coached at the World championship but will rely on a core of experienced players. canterbury will take some beating.

WORLD CLASS: COliN slaDe will

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NEW LEADER: Halfback braD Weber will captain Waikato.

PlaCeD FiFTH iN 2013: For the second consecutive season, Waikato finished a disappointing fifth. Just four wins from 10 games was a poor return for such a signi-ficant union. Defence was the major problem with the Mooloos conceding the most tries (36).

KeY PlaYers: Halfback Brad Weber will captain the squad. It features 13 uncapped players, including full-back Albert Nikoro and centre Jordan Payne from Auckland. chiefs prop Josh Hohneck returns home from Bay of Plenty, while Maori All Black Luke Katene and David Morgan are quality locks. chiefs and New Zealand Under-20 midfielder/winger Anton Lienert-Brown is highly regarded.

YOUNG GUN: Damian McKenzie was one of seven Wai-kato-registered players in the New Zealand Under-20 squad this year. The southlander became one of the major attacking weapons for New Zealand from full-back, and thrilled crowds with his courageous catching of the high ball. He has all the attributes to be a star of the ITM Premiership.

seasON PrOsPeCTs: The cow bells are ringing loud and clear from supporters that they expect to be in action come semi-finals time this year. coach John Walters will need to get his team fired-up with a tough start against Wellington (away) and canterbury (home). The return to the Mooloo colours of prop Josh Hohneck, and locks Luke Katene and David Morgan, will be hugely beneficial to Walters, as they are proven performers at ITM cup level.

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WeeK 1: THURSDAy AUGUST 14 – SUNDAy AUGUST 17 DATE MATCH VENUE TIME

Thursday August 14 Taranaki v counties Manukau Yarrow stadium, New Plymouth 7.35 pm

Friday August 15 southland v Bay of Plenty Rugby Park stadium, Invercargill 7.35 pm

Saturday August 16 Otago v North Harbour Forsyth Barr stadium, Dunedin 2.35 pm

canterbury v Auckland AMI stadium, Addington 4.35 pm

Wellington v Waikato Westpac stadium, Wellington 6.35 pm

Sunday August 17 Tasman v Hawke's Bay Lansdowne Park, Blenheim 2.35 pm

Northland v Manawatu Toll stadium, Whangarei 4.35 pm

WeeK 2: THURSDAy AUGUST 21 – SUNDAy AUGUST 24Thursday August 21 North Harbour v southland QBE stadium, Albany 7.35 pm

Friday August 22 Waikato v canterbury Waikato stadium, Hamilton 6.05 pm

Hawke’s Bay v Taranaki McLean Park, Napier 8.05 pm

Saturday August 23 Northland v Wellington Toll stadium, Whangarei 2.35 pm

counties Manukau v Otago (Rs) EcOLight stadium, Pukekohe 4.35 pm

Sunday, August 24 Manawatu v Auckland FMG stadium, Palmerston North 2.35 pm

Bay of Plenty v Tasman AsB stadium, Baypark, Tauranga 4.35 pm

WeeK 3: wEDNESDAy AUGUST 27 – SUNDAy AUGUST 31Wednesday August 27 Waikato v Taranaki Waikato stadium, Hamilton 7.35 pm

Thursday August 28 canterbury v Northland AMI stadium, Addington 7.35 pm

Friday August 29 Wellington v Manawatu Westpac stadium, Wellington 7.35 pm

Saturday August 30 counties Manukau v Hawke’s Bay (Rs) EcOLight stadium, Pukekohe 2.35 pm

southland v Otago Rugby Park, Invercargill 5.35 pm

North Harbour v Waikato QBE stadium, Albany 7.35 pm

Sunday August 31 Taranaki v Bay of Plenty Yarrow stadium, New Plymouth 2.35 pm

Auckland v Tasman Eden Park, Auckland 4.35 pm

WeeK 4: wEDNESDAy SEPTEMBER 3 – SUNDAy SEPTEMBER 7Wednesday Sept 3 Manawatu v Bay of Plenty FMG stadium, Palmerston North 7.35 pm

Thursday Sept 4 Otago v canterbury Forsyth Barr stadium, Dunedin 7.35 pm

Friday Sept 5 Tasman v Waikato Trafalgar Park, Nelson 6.05 pm

Northland v Hawke’s Bay Toll stadium, Whangarei 8.05 pm

Saturday Sept 6 Auckland v Wellington Eden Park, Auckland 2.35 pm

Taranaki v southland Yarrow stadium, New Plymouth 4.35 pm

Sunday Sept 7 Manawatu v counties Manukau FMG stadium, Palmerston North 2.35 pm

Bay of Plenty v North Harbour International stadium, Rotorua 4.35 pm

WeeK 5: wEDNESDAy SEPTEMBER 10 – SUNDAy SEPTEMBER 14Wednesday Sept 10 Otago v Northland Forsyth Barr stadium, Dunedin 7.35 pm

Thursday Sept 11 Tasman v Taranaki Trafalgar Park, Nelson 7.35 pm

Friday Sept 12 North Harbour v Manawatu QBE stadium, Albany 6.05 pm

canterbury v Wellington AMI stadium, Addington 8.05 pm

Saturday Sept 13 Bay of Plenty v Auckland International stadium, Rotorua 2.35 pm

southland v Northland Rugby Park, Invercargill 4.35 pm

Sunday Sept 14 Waikato v counties Manukau Waikato stadium, Hamilton 2.35 pm

Hawke’s Bay v Otago McLean Park, Napier 4.35 pm

WeeK 6: wEDNESDAy SEPTEMBER 17 – SUNDAy SEPTEMBER 21Wednesday Sept 17 southland v Tasman Rugby Park, Invercargill 7.35 pm

Thursday Sept 18 Northland v Taranaki Toll stadium, Whangarei 7.35 pm

itm cup eXplained2014 itm cuppremiership

Auckland Canterbury

Counties ManukauTaranakiTasman waikato

wellingtonThe 7th placed team is

automatically relegated to the 2015 iTM Cup championship.

2014 itm cup championship

Bay of PlentyHawke’s Bay Manawatu

North Harbour Northland

OtagoSouthland

The winner of the ITM cup championship

is automatically promoted to the 2015 iTM Cup Premiership.

All premiership teams will play each other once, and all championship teams will play each other once (three home,

three away matches).

In addition, all 14 teams will play four crossover matches

(two home, two away matches) where premiership and

championship teams meet.All matches will carry

full competition points.FOR UP-TO-DATE

INFORMATION GO TO www.itmcup.co.nz

itM cUP PRemIeRsHIP & CH amPIONsHIP DRAW 2014 The 14 teams involved in the ITM Cup will play 70 matches before the pla yoffs in just nine weeks... visit www.itmcup.co.nz to keep up with all the action.

www.ITMCUP.co.nz

http://www.itmcup.co.nz

RUGBY2014 17w w w . I T M . C o . n z

WeeK 6 continued: wEDNESDAy SEPTEMBER 17 – SUNDAy SEPTEMBER 21 DATE MATCH VENUE TIME

Friday Sept 19 counties Manukau v canterbury (Rs) EcOLight stadium, Pukekohe 7.35 pm

Saturday Sept 20 Hawke’s Bay v Bay of Plenty McLean Park, Napier 2.35 pm

Auckland v North Harbour Eden Park, Auckland 5.35 pm

Manawatu v southland FMG stadium, Palmerston North 7.35 pm

Sunday Sept 21 Otago v Waikato Forsyth Barr stadium, Dunedin 2.35 pm

Wellington v Tasman Westpac stadium, Wellington 4.35 pm

WeeK 7: wEDNESDAy SEPTEMBER 24 – SUNDAy SEPTEMBER 28Wednesday Sept 24 North Harbour v canterbury QBE stadium, Albany 7.35 pm

Thursday Sept 25 Bay of Plenty v Northland AsB stadium, Baypark, Tauranga 7.35 pm

Friday Sept 26 Taranaki v Auckland Yarrow stadium, New Plymouth 7.35 pm

Saturday Sept 27 Waikato v Manawatu Waikato stadium, Hamilton 2.35 pm

counties Manukau v Wellington (Rs) EcOLight stadium, Pukekohe 5.35 pm

North Harbour v Hawkes Bay QBE stadium, Albany 7.35 pm

Sunday Sept 28 Tasman v Otago Trafalgar Park, Nelson 2.35 pm

canterbury v southland AMI stadium, Addington 4.35 pm

WeeK 8: wEDNESDAy OCTOBER 1 – SUNDAy OCTOBER 5

Wednesday October 1 Hawke’s Bay v Wellington McLean Park, Napier 7.35 pm

Thursday October 2 Auckland v Waikato Eden Park, Auckland 7.35 pm

Friday October 3 Northland v North Harbour Toll stadium, Whangarei 7.35 pm

Saturday October 4 southland v counties Manukau Rugby Park, Invercargill 2.35 pm

Bay of Plenty v Otago AsB stadium, Baypark, Tauranga 5.35 pm

canterbury v Tasman AMI stadium, Addington 7.35 pm

Sunday October 5 Manawatu v Hawke’s Bay FMG stadium, Palmerston North 2.35 pm

Wellington v Taranaki Westpac stadium, Wellington 4.35 pm

WeeK 9: wEDNESDAy OCTOBER 8 – SUNDAy OCTOBER 12Wednesday October 8 counties Manukau v Auckland (Rs) EcOLight stadium, Pukekohe 7.35 pm

Thursday October 9 Waikato v Bay of Plenty Waikato stadium, Hamilton 7.35 pm

Friday October 10 Otago v Manawatu Forsyth Barr stadium, Dunedin 7.35 pm

Saturday October 11 Wellington v North Harbour Westpac stadium, Wellington 2.35 pm

Hawke’s Bay v southland McLean Park, Napier 5.35 pm

Auckland v Northland Eden Park, Auckland 7.35 pm

Sunday October 12 Taranaki v canterbury Yarrow stadium, New Plymouth 2.35 pm

Tasman v counties Manukau Lansdowne Park, Blenheim 4.35 pm

semi-Finals:: FRIDAy OCTOBER 17 – SUNDAy OCTOBER 19

Friday October 17 iTM CUP PreMiersHiP seMi-FiNal ONe TBc

Saturday October 18 iTM CUP CHaMPiONsHiP seMi-FiNal ONe TBc

Saturday October 18 iTM CUP CHaMPiONsHiP seMi-FiNal TWO TBc

Sunday October 19 iTM CUP PreMiersHiP seMi-FiNal TWO TBc

Finals: FRIDAy OCTOBER 24 – SATURDAy OCTOBER 25

Friday October 24 iTM CUP CHaMPiONsHiP FiNal 7.35 pm

Saturday October 25 iTM CUP PreMiersHiP FiNal 7.35 pm

itM cUP PRemIeRsHIP & CH amPIONsHIP DRAW 2014 The 14 teams involved in the ITM Cup will play 70 matches before the pla yoffs in just nine weeks... visit www.itmcup.co.nz to keep up with all the action.

www.ITM.co.nz

http://www.itmcup.co.nz

AvAilAble FRee ONliNeoliverlee.co.nz

We take concussion seriously. So should you.Concussion can occur after any impact to the body that causes the brain to shake inside the skull. It doesn’t have to be an impact to the head. Players, referees and coaches must do everything they can to minimise or avoid situations that puts players at risk of concussion. But it’s also really important to take the aftercare seriously. Here’s how:

Level Activity Undertaken Time Post Concussion

1 No activity, complete restOnce symptom free and cognitive recovery is demonstrated, proceed to level 2

2 – 3 days

2 Light aerobic exercise such as walking or stationary cycling 4 – 10 days

3 Sport-specific training (e.g. running activity, ball-handling activity) 11 – 15 days

4 Non-contact training activities 16 – 20 days

5 Full-contact training after medical clearance 21 days

6 Game play 21 + days

The minimum stand-down period for concussed players is three weeks plus a medical clearance - this applies at all levels of New Zealand community rugby. Don’t compare this with what you might see when the All Blacks are playing. They play in a professional environment and have trained specialists around them. So, unless you’ve got a neurologist on hand, ready to put you through heaps of tests, stick to these return to play guidelines. It could save your life.

tARAnAKi

www.trfu.co.nz

leaD bY eXaMPle: Taranaki captain KaNe barreTT

in full cry.

PlaCeD siXTH iN 2013: With only three wins from 10 games, and an inability to get across the try-line, it was hardly a vintage season for Taranaki. The team only stayed up in the ITM Premiership because Bay of Plenty was even worse. It was a disappointing season as 11 super Rugby players were in the squad.

KeY PlaYers: captain Kane Barrett had limited game-time with the Blues but is a proven leader and fearless number eight for Taranaki. chiefs hooker Rhys Marshall and Hurricanes lock Blade Thomson are set for a big season, while highly regarded forward Riki Hoeata joins from Tasman. chiefs midfielder charlie Ngatai and Blues prop Angus Ta’avao are quality players who have joined the fold.

YOUNG GUN: Iopu Iopu, 22, was Taranaki Development’s most promising player last year and has played for the All Blacks sevens and samoa Under-20s. He is a specialist number eight, but can play both flanker posi-tions and at lock.

seasON PrOsPeCTs: Reliable performers over several seasons Andre Taylor and Jarrad Hoeata will be sorely missed, but there is still a good percentage of super Rugby players in the squad. Regaining the team’s attacking mojo will be paramount for head coach colin cooper; last year Taranaki scored just 14 tries, which is the lowest recorded by the union since 1921. Avoiding relegation will be the first objective this season.

itM PReMieRshiP TEAM PREVIEwS continued from pAgE 15

www.trfu.co.nz


itM chAMPiOnshiP TEAM PREVIEWSAutomatic promotion up to the ITM premiership next year is the goal for these seven unions.

hAWKe’s BAYPlaCeD seCOND iN 2013: In Ihaia West’s sideline conversion attempt, it was the width of the post that was the difference between promotion and another season in the ITM championship for the Magpies, during their dramatic final loss to Tasman. The Ranfurly shield was won off Otago, but lost in the first defence to counties Manukau.

KeY PlaYers: Midfielder Robbie Fruean could be the signing of the year. First-five Ihaia West had a stunning ITM cup season last year and starred for the Blues when finally selected. Matt Berquist and Jason shoemark return from overseas, Richard Buckman and Brendon O’connor have strong super Rugby experience, while canadian tighthead prop Jason Marshall will strength-en the front row.

YOUNG GUN: Blindside flanker/lock Geoff cridge show-ed his mettle for New Zealand Under-20s at the recent IRB Junior World championship. The 18-year-old came north to Hawke’s Bay last season from christchurch Boys’ High and is definitely seen as a player of the future.

seasON PrOsPeCTs: Last year, the Magpies won the Ranfurly shield for the first time in 44 years, played some wonderfully inventive rugby and were oh-so-close to pro-motion. Head coach craig Philpott and his quality squad should make the promotion final again this year.

MAnAWAtUPlaCeD FiFTH iN 2013: It was a bizarre season for the Turbos. At home they were very good, winning four games and nearly beating Auckland, but they were shocking on the road, conceding more than 40 points per game.

KeY PlaYers: First-five Jade Te Rure, centre Jason Emery and hooker/prop Nick Grogan all made New Zealand Under-20s last year, and proved they are more than capable playing at ITM cup level. Auckland number eight so’otala Fa’aso’o, 19, has joined on loan; at 117kg and 1.95m tall, he is a powerful ball runner and tackler. Much will depend on how well the returning super Rugby players perform.

YOUNG GUN: Jade Te Rure impressed in his debut sea-son in the ITM championship. The talented first-five kicked accurately for goal, scoring 72 points from 10 games, and proved to be an elusive attacking runner. His game has developed along with his confidence after making the New Zealand Under-20 team.

seasON PrOsPeCTs: Popular head coach Jason O’Hallo-ran decided to stay with Manawatu Rugby and turned down a contract with the Hurricanes as a skills coach under new head coach chris Boyd. The Turbos have lost 62-game flanker Hamish Gosling to Bay of Plenty but should be worth watching, especially in Palmerston North.

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www.manawaturugby.co.nz

GOOD SKILLS: Young Manawatu first-five JaDe Te rUre in action for the Turbos.

INSPIRATIONAL:

Flanker breNDON O’CONNOr will be

a key player for Hawke’s bay.

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RUGBY201422 w w w . o l i v e r l e e . c o . n z

Intro BYLINENORTH HARBOURPlaced seventh in 2013: Once again Harbour finish-ed dead last out of all teams in the ITM Cup, with just one win and one draw to offset the losses. The catch-ment pool of players is relatively strong, with a success-ful development side, so it remains a mystery why the top team cannot perform better.

Key Players: Harbour’s Super Rugby players have to deliver. Bryn Hall, Tevita Li, Pita Ahki, Nafi Tuitavake, plus new signing of Southland’s Robbie Robinson, are an awesomely talented backline. James Parson, Ben Afeaki and Greg Pleasants-Tate form a top class front row, while Blues lock Hayden Triggs is an experienced campaigner.

young gun: Blues Development first-five Matt Mc- Gahan has a chance in Harbour’s talented backline. The 20-year-old has returned after three successful sea-sons playing for the Melbourne Storm Under-20s. He also played for New Zealand Schools against Australia in 2010.

season ProsPects: The new coaching duo of Steve Jackson and Alex O’Dowd will try to turn around the recent forgettable period in the union’s history. The backline looks very strong, so if the pack can secure a good supply of front-foot ball, they will be dangerous. It surely is time for the “harbourmaster” to roar.

Placed fourth in 2013: The Stags made the semi-finals after finishing fourth, exactly as they did in 2012, with a four win – six loss ratio. They were unlucky to run into a red-hot Tasman team in the semi-final in Blen-heim, which Tasman won 49–28.

Key Players: The signing of Highlanders’ first five-eighth Lima Sopoaga for two years is highly significant, as he has real international class about him. Sopoaga has represented Wellington in the ITM Cup since 2010 and the Highlanders in Super Rugby since 2011. Other Highlanders Josh Bekhuis, John Hardie and Elliot Dixon will form the nucleus of an exciting Stags outfit that should threaten in 2014.

young gun: The battle of the 20-year-old halfbacks, in Tayler Adams and Scott Eade, will again be intense, as it was last season for the Stags. Adams has made quite an impact after moving south, after captaining national champions Kelston Boys’ High School. Last season he made the New Zealand Under-20 side.

season ProsPects: The Stags are renowned for their forwards, but it may be their backline that drives them to their play-offs goal. New signing Lima Sopoaga is top class and will play outside halfbacks Scott Eade and Tayler Adams, and join up with midfielders Willis Hala-holo and Cardiff Vaega. Good promotion chances.

www.rugbysouthland.co.nz

SOUTHLAND

NATURAL LEADER:

halfback Bryn hall had a fine campaign

with the Blues.

FEARLESS: southland’s elliot dixon

is one of new Zealand’s top number eights.

ITM CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM PREVIEWS continued from page 21

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GET OFF YOUR COUCH & GET

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Thursday 21st August 7.35pm

vs. SouthlandSaturday 30th August 7.35pm

vs. WaikatoWednesday 24th September 6.05pm

vs. Canterbury

Friday 12th September 6.05pm

vs. ManawatuSaturday 27th September 7.35pm

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w w w . I T M . C o . n z RUGBY2014 25

nORthLAnDPlaCeD siXTH iN 2013: Northland started the season well with a win and a draw from their opening three games but did not win again until the last game of the season. The depth of players with ITM cup experience was just too thin, which particularly showed on defence, but they scored some cracking tries.

KeY PlaYers: Young hookers Matt Moulds and Robbie Abel, and useful props in Welshman Will-Griff John and Ross Wright will give the Taniwha a solid front row. High quality flanker Dan Pryor and halfback sonatane Taku-lua were good value last year. Dan Hawkins is a capable first-five and Winston stanley will bring plenty of experience to the midfield.

YOUNG GUN: Australian Under-20 lock Tom Murday played 10 games in last year’s ITM championship and impressed everyone who saw him play. At 2m tall and 112kg, Murday has the physical attributes to take on all comers.

seasON PrOsPeCTs: Head coach Derren Witcombe has pulled off a master stroke in attracting former Northland coaching guru Bryce Woodward into the ITM cup group as a technical adviser. The Taniwha will need all the help they can get as they lack playing resources and continue with a locals-first selection process, which deserves plaudits as it is helping to develop talent in the region.

releGaTeD iN 2013: For the steamers, it was a season to forget. One win was all they could manage, and sever-al games were lost in the final 10 minutes. They lost key super Rugby players at the start with season-ending injuries and further injuries knocked the stuffing out of Kevin schuler’s squad.

KeY PlaYers: The steamers have recruited well. Auck-land midfielder Teddy stanaway, Manawatu flanker Hamish Gosling and ex-New Zealand Under-20 halfback Jono Kitto have all excelled in club rugby. Highlanders prop Kane Hames and chiefs hooker Nathan Harris should star in a solid pack, led by new captain culum Retallick.

YOUNG GUN: First-five Dan Hollinshead was a star for Tauranga Boys’ college last year; he has an excellent work ethic and has made the transition to the bigger stage with composure. He played for New Zealand Barbarians schools, chiefs Development and enjoyed a profitable club season outside new halfback Kitto.

seasON PrOsPeCTs: Expectations are high within the union’s far-flung borders of an immediate return to the top division. The squad has greater depth to it than last year, and will not be short of possession from a top-quality forward pack. Both first-fives and four midfielders selected have not worn the steamers jersey so how they settle in to the competition may dictate the final outcome.

www.taniwha.co.nz

GOOD PROSPECT: sONaTaNe TaKUlUa has all the attributes to be a top halfback.

BAY OF PLentY

hARD RUNNER: steamers winger TiNO NeMaNi is a proven try-scorer.

U N I O N

www.boprugby.co.nz

itM chAMPiOnshiP TEAM PREVIEwS continued from pAgE 22

www.ITM.co.nz

www.boprugby.co.nz

http://www.taniwha.co.nz

OTAGO

www.orfu.co.nz

Placed second in 2013: For the second consecutive year, Otago finished runners-up in pool play with a six win – four loss result. They had home semi-final advantage at their indoor stadium against Hawke’s Bay, but despite scoring three tries to two, they lost 24–29 in a hugely disappointing result.

Key Players: Hooker Liam Coltman, loose forward Lee Allan and first-five Hayden Parker will be essential to the success of Otago in 2014. Waikato fullback Trent Renata, a member of the Highlanders’ wider training group this season, has joined Otago and will be a can-didate to play either first five-eighth or fullback.

young gun: Josh Dickson was one of the standout players in the NZ Under-20 side at the recent IRB Junior World Championship. The 19-year-old came through the Otago Boys’ High School system and is a talented lock who can also play blindside flanker.

season ProsPects: Otago were unquestionably one of the most attractive attacking sides in the ITM Cup last year under coach Tony Brown. The semi-final loss to Hawke’s Bay put a dent in their promotion chances but they will be one of the favoured teams to go up this season. Several younger players have been blooded by the Highlanders, which can only help Otago’s chances.

TOP QUALITY: loose forward

lee allan is one of otago’s on-field leaders.

leavingschool.co.nz

AvAilAble FRee ONliNe

ITM CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM PREVIEWS continued from page 25

http://www.orfu.co.nz

C

M

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CM

MY

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ITM_cup_print_2014_v04.pdf 1 31/07/2014 1:13:41 p.m.

w w w . I T M C U P. C o . n z

At the start of last season, counties Manukau had never once held the Ranfurly shield in their proud history and seemed to have a curse hanging over them ruining their every attempt.

But on saturday september 7 in Napier, Tana Umaga’s boys finally did what no other steelers side had achieved.

Their 27–24 win over Hawke’s Bay was received with genuine affection by rugby supporters through the country, except Hawke’s Bay, of course. Their win continued the revolving door of shield holders losing within weeks of their triumph, but counties Manukau had waited too long to throw it away. Taranaki, Waikato and southland were put away in some style and the Ranfurly shield spent the summer happily locked away in Pukekohe.

In July, counties Manukau warmed up for tougher days ahead with two successful defences at EcOLight stadium. First, the Thames valley swamp Foxes travel-led the short distance north and were soundly defeated 68–0. Mid canterbury’s Hammers made a much longer journey a week later, and the Heartland championship Meads cup winners played with plenty of spirit in the first half to trail 22–10 at halftime. But, any thoughts of a fairytale result for the ages were dashed in the second half, as counties Manukau ran in 24 unanswered points to win 46–10.

counties Manukau have five more shield challenges scheduled at home, beginning with Otago on August 23, and Hawke’s Bay a week later. The two ITM cham-pionship teams have recent shield success, but counties Manukau should have seven successful defences to

wEDNESDAy JULy 2: counties Manukau v Thames valley ........ Pukekohe ...................................

wEDNESDAy JULy 9: counties Manukau v Mid canterbury ...... Pukekohe ...................................

SATURDAy AUGUST 23: counties Manukau v Otago ...................... Pukekohe .................... 4.35 pm

SATURDAy AUGUST 30: counties Manukau v Hawke’s Bay ........... Pukekohe .................... 2.35 pm

FRIDAy SEPTEMBER 19: counties Manukau v canterbury ............. Pukekohe .................... 7.35 pm

SATURDAy SEPTEMBER 27: counties Manukau v Wellington .............. Pukekohe .................... 5.35 pm

wEDNESDAy OCTOBER 8: counties Manukau v Auckland ................. Pukekohe .................... 7.35 pm

2014 ranFurly shield FIXTURES VENUE TIME SCORE

their name when they face canterbury on Friday september 19.

Neutral New Zealand will be praying the steelers can overcome the odds in this massive challenge. Indeed it has happened many times before in the unique history of the Ranfurly shield.

If counties Manukau manages to get up over canter-bury, their final two defences are against the other heavyweights of New Zealand rugby – Wellington on september 27, and Auckland on October 8.

It is Auckland that has the greatest Ranfurly shield record of any union.

There have been three notable shield eras for Auckland. From 1905 to 1913 they repelled 23 challenges, another 25 between 1960 and 1963, and the record unlikely to ever be matched of 61 successful defences from 1983 to 1995.

Other unions with significant shield reigns are canter-bury, who defended 25 challenges from 1982 to 1985, and Hawke’s Bay who managed 24 victories from 1922 to 1927.

The great thing about the Ranfurly shield is it still means as much to the rugby public today as it ever did. Winning it has been a career highlight for players for 110 years.

Who knows what the outcome will be for the brave counties Manukau team in the season to come, but we can all be assured that once again the Ranfurly shield will hold the nation’s attention at every home defence this season.

Just like it always has since 1904.

RUGBY201428

RAnFURLY sHIelD 2014 BY PETER WHITESince 1904 provincial unions have battled for the famous Log o’ Wood. Let’s look ahead to this season’s challenges for Counties Manukau.

WINNING FEELING: COUNTies MaNUKaU

celebrate after defending the raNFUrlY sHielD

against Mid Canterbury in July.

WON 68-0

WON 46-10

www.ITMCUP.co.nz

GRANT LUDEMANN // OTAGO

JIM HORE // CENTRAL OTAGO

KEVIN HOOPER // GISBORNE

GRAHAM COGHLAN // MANGATAWHIRI

CLINT GRAHAM // HAWKES BAY

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JAMIE ANDERSON // MANAWATU

RAY MONK // HELENSVILLE

ROSS RILEY // NELSON

CHRIS LEWIS // WAIKATO

ROB BLACKWELL // MANGAOTEA

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30 w w w . H e A r T L A n D C H A M P I o n S H I P. C o . n z

heADinG HeaDINGIntro BYLINE

The ninth edition of the hugely popular Pink® Batts®

Heartland championship gets underway on August 23 when King country and Wairarapa Bush meet at Taupo’s Owen Delaney Park.

It was founded in 2006 as one of two successor competitions to the country’s former domestic com-petition, the National Provincial championship (NPc), and has gone from strength to strength.

Last year’s competition was the best yet; bumper crowds attended and the viewer rating figures for the Meads cup and Lochore cup finals shown live on sky Tv were excellent.

The evenness of the competition is evident by the number of teams that have won titles. Last year’s championship (Meads cup) winners Mid canterbury won for the first time, but were the fifth province to taste success.

It was the third year of the current format, and the same structure is in place for 2014. The Meads cup and

match schedule: Home team listed first.

wEEK 1 saturday august 23King country v Wairarapa Bush Taupo 2.00 pmMid canterbury v West coast Ashburton 2.30 pmPoverty Bay v East coast Gisborne 2.30 pmsouth canterbury v Wanganui Timaru 2.30 pmBuller v North Otago Westport 2.30 pmHorowhenua Kapiti v Thames valley Levin 2.30 pm

wEEK 2 saturday august 30Thames valley v King country Te Aroha 2.00 pmWairarapa Bush v Mid canterbury Masterton 2.30 pmWanganui v Horowhenua Kapiti Wanganui 2.30 pmWest coast v south canterbury Greymouth 2.30 pmEast coast v Buller Ruatoria 2.30 pmNorth Otago v Poverty Bay Oamaru 2.30 pm

wEEK 3 saturday september 6south canterbury v Wairarapa Bush Timaru 1.30 pmThames valley v Mid canterbury Paeroa 2.00 pmWanganui v North Otago Wanganui 2.30 pmHorowhenua Kapiti v East coast Otaki 2.30 pmKing country v Buller Te Kuiti 2.30 pmPoverty Bay v West coast Gisborne 2.30 pm

wEEK 4 saturday september 13Buller v south canterbury Westport 2.30 pmEast coast v Thames valley Ruatoria 2.30 pmMid canterbury v Wanganui Ashburton 2.30 pmNorth Otago v King country Oamaru 2.30 pmWairarapa Bush v Poverty Bay Masterton 2.30 pmWest coast v Horowhenua Kapiti Greymouth 2.30 pm

wEEK 5 saturday september 20Thames valley v North Otago Paeroa 2.00 pmWanganui v East coast Wanganui 2.30 pmHorowhenua Kapiti v Wairarapa Bush Levin 2.30 pmKing country v West coast Taupo 2.30 pmMid canterbury v Buller Ashburton 2.30 pmsouth canterbury v Poverty Bay Timaru 2.30 pm

wEEK 6 saturday september 27Wairarapa Bush v Thames valley Masterton 2.30 pmWest coast v Wanganui Greymouth 2.30 pmBuller v Horowhenua Kapiti Westport 2.30 pmEast coast v Mid canterbury Ruatoria 2.30 pmPoverty Bay v King country Gisborne 2.30 pmNorth Otago v south canterbury Dunedin 2.30 pm

wEEK 7 saturday october 4Thames valley v Poverty Bay Paeroa 2.00 pmHorowhenua Kapiti v south canterbury Levin 2.30 pmMid canterbury v North Otago Ashburton 2.30 pmWanganui v Wairarapa Bush Wanganui 2.30 pmBuller v West coast Westport 2.30 pmEast coast v King country Ruatoria 2.30 pm

wEEK 8 saturday october 11King country v Wanganui Te Kuiti 2.30 pmNorth Otago v East coast Oamaru 2.30 pmPoverty Bay v Horowhenua Kapiti Gisborne 2.30 pmsouth canterbury v Mid canterbury Timaru 2.30 pmWairarapa Bush v Buller Masterton 2.30 pm West coast v Thames valley Greymouth 2.30 pm

wEEK 9 semi-Finalssaturday October 18 – seMi-FiNals FOr MeaDs CUP

Top ranked team from pool round venue tbc 2.30 pm v 4th ranked team from pool round2nd ranked team from pool round venue tbc 2.30 pmv 3rd ranked team from pool round saturday October 18 – seMi-FiNals FOr lOCHOre CUP

5th ranked team from pool round venue tbc 2.30 pm v 8th ranked team from pool round6th ranked team from pool round venue tbc 2.30 pm v 7th ranked team from pool round

wEEK 10 Finalssaturday October 25 – MeaDs CUP FiNal

Winner semi-Final 1 v Winner semi-Final 2 1.35 pmsunday October 26 – lOCHOre CUP FiNal

Winner semi-Final 1 v Winner semi-Final 2 2.35 pm

For all up-to-date information about the Pink® batts® HearTlaND CHaMPiONsHiP please visit www.heartlandchampionship.co.nz

PINK® BaTTs® heARtLAnD chAMPiOnshiP DrAW

RUGBY2014

Lochore cup semi-finals will be played on October 18 between the top eight placed teams, with the Meads cup final to be played on saturday October 25, and the Lochore cup final on sunday October 26.

The Heartland championship is an amateur competition, and it has galvanised rugby supporters throughout the 12 provinces that truly are the heartland of New Zealand rugby.

The standards are increasing, particularly at the semi-final stage of both competitions, and so are opportunities for players to be noticed.

The Marty Banks story is that of a fairytale come true. In 2012, Banks was a goal-kicking success story for Buller as they won the Lochore cup. He was spotted by judicious talent scouts at Tasman, who signed him for last year’s ITM championship.

Banks rewrote the Tasman records with 170 points for the season and 28 points in one match. In 2014, he was re-cruited by the Hurricanes. He has progressed from Heart-land championship to super Rugby in just three seasons.

www.HEARTLANDCHAMPIONSHIP.co.nz

www.heartlandchampionship.co.nz

Register for your experience at hondamotorbikes.co.nz/experience

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ITM Cup 2014

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