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9 All Blacks and an England international named in Canterbury NPC squad
By Ian Cameron
Nine current or former All Blacks and an ex England international have been named in the Canterbury NPC squad for the 2022 campaign.
Will Heinz, who won 13 caps for England and appeared at the 2019 Rugby World Cup, is included in Marty Bourke's squad. The 35-year-old left Worcester Warriors in March with immediate affect.
Exciting Fiji international Manasa Mataele is also named. There are three newcomers as well in the shape of former New Zealand Under 20 representatives George Bell, Seb Calder and Joel Lam.
“The talent that is in the Canterbury region is a testament to the work that’s going on at Club level and the pathways that are regularly producing players who are ready to take the next step in their careers,” said new Head Coach Marty Bourke. “I’m really excited about the next 14 weeks.”
“Whether it’s stepping up to NPC or tapping on the door of International or Super Rugby, there’s no better place to showcase your talent than NPC and I think that’s what excites me about this campaign. Bridgey and Braydon, along with the rest of the squad, have the chance to ensure people are taking notice of how capable they are.”
Breakdown coach Matt Todd spoke on immense talent within the group. “Reed, Tom, Cully and Billy are all born and bred Cantabrians. They are itching to pull that red and black jersey on and represent our people.”
CANTERBURY NPC SQUAD:
Liam Allen - Lincoln University
George Bell - Lincoln University
Finlay Brewis - HSOB
George Bridge - HSOB
Fergus Burke - University of Canterbury
Seb Calder - Lincoln University
Tom Christie - Christchurch
Sam Darry - HSOB
Mitchell Drummond - HSOB
Mitchell Dunshea - Springston
Braydon Ennor - University of Canterbury
Chay Fihaki - Burnside
Zach Gallagher - Burnside
Dominic Gardiner - Marist Albion
Cullen Grace - Lincoln University
Alex Harford - HSOB
Billy Harmon - New Brighton
Willi Heinz - Linwood
Oliver Jager - New Brighton
Corey Kellow - Lincoln University
Shilo Klein - HSOB
Joel Lam - Burnside
Daniel Lienert-Brown - HSOB
Manasa Mataele - Marist Albion
Brodie McAlister - Sydenham
Dallas McLeod - Christchurch
Richie Mo'unga - Linwood
Joe Moody - Lincoln
Fletcher Newell - Lincoln University
Rameka Poihipi - Lincoln University
Reed Prinsep - HSOB
Isaiah Punivai - Burnside
Ngatungane Punivai - Prebbleton
Luke Romano - Hurunui
Codie Taylor - Sydenham
Samuel Whitelock - Lincoln University
Tamaiti Williams - Burnside
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Latest Comments
Agreed. And I don't have much more to say on it, but I had been having one thought that sprang to mind at the tail of this discussion, and that is that it's not all about Razor.
It's not about any coach being "right". I think a lot of selections can become defense and while it doesn't really apply here I really enjoyed that Andy Farrell just gave into the public demands and changed out his team for the change that had been asked for. Like why not? This is the countries team, keep them engaged. The whole reason i've only just finished watching the game was because I wasn't interested in watching any of the selected players against a team like Italy (still actually enjoyed the first half with the contest Italy made of it).
Faz leap frogs a younger half back into start. He hands the golden child the game over July's golden child. He gives an old winger a go, a new flanker and hooker. None of them really did any good, certainly not enough to suggest they should have been promoted above others, but who cares? You won, and you gave the country what they wanted, that's all that matters after all. It's for the country, not the one in charge who thinks they have to have their own pied piper tune playing.
Go to commentsAs Naas would say... A win is a win.
It was not perfect and at times frustrating. All 3 tests were not the best by the Boks and they still found ways to win.
Rassie would have noted the sloppyness at times and silly mistakes. The 9's made amateur handling mistakes when clearing the rucks in all 3 tests.
Once the "stupid" mistakes are eliminated, this Bok team will be very very hard to beat.
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