ITM Cup Rugby 2012

The best of Subaru meets the best of New Zealand.

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We’ve learnt a thing or two about cars over the years and we’ve put it

all into the new Subaru XV. It’s a remarkably versatile SUV crossover

hatch perfectly suited to New Zealand’s diverse environment and its

just as diverse roads. To tackle such an extreme driving experience it

sports Subaru’s symmetrical All Wheel Drive, a low centre of gravity

Boxer engine, high ground clearance and superb fuel economy starting

from 7 litres/100km. It even has an Auto Start Stop system that turns

the car off when idling, saving petrol and our beautiful landscape.

To test drive the new Subaru XV contact your nearest Subaru

Authorised Dealer on 0800 SUBARU (782 278) or visit subaru.co.nz

SUB6313 - XV_DPS_Rugby_2012.indd 2-3 1/08/12 3:50 PM

The best of Subaru meets the best of New Zealand.

SUB6

313

We’ve learnt a thing or two about cars over the years and we’ve put it

all into the new Subaru XV. It’s a remarkably versatile SUV crossover

hatch perfectly suited to New Zealand’s diverse environment and its

just as diverse roads. To tackle such an extreme driving experience it

sports Subaru’s symmetrical All Wheel Drive, a low centre of gravity

Boxer engine, high ground clearance and superb fuel economy starting

from 7 litres/100km. It even has an Auto Start Stop system that turns

the car off when idling, saving petrol and our beautiful landscape.

To test drive the new Subaru XV contact your nearest Subaru

Authorised Dealer on 0800 SUBARU (782 278) or visit subaru.co.nz

SUB6313 - XV_DPS_Rugby_2012.indd 2-3 1/08/12 3:50 PM

RugbyAdvt_v2_OUT.indd 1 31/07/12 4:47 PM

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WINNING FEELING: Canterbury captain George Whitelock with the ITM Premiership Trophy.

Managing editor: oliver lee

editor: Peter WHite / [email protected]

PHotograPHY: photosport

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Printing: WeBStar, Masterton

PUBliSHer

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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.

SEASON PrEvIEW ........................... 6What’s ahead in the new ITM Premiership and ITM Championship.

THE INvESTEC rUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP .................... 9We preview the inaugural competition featuring the All Blacks, Wallabies, Springboks and Pumas.

ITM PrEMIErSHIP TEAM PrEvIEWS:CANTErBUrY .......................... 10AUCKLAND .............................. 11 BAY OF PLENTY ........................ 12WELLINGTON ............................ 12HAWKE’S BAY ........................... 14WAIKATO ................................... 15

ITM CUP FIXTUrE LIST .............16-17TArANAKI ................................. 18

ITM CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM PrEvIEWS:

COUNTIES MANUKAU ............... 21

SOUTHLAND ............................. 21

NOrTH HArBOUr ..................... 22

MANAWATU .............................. 22

NOrTHLAND ............................. 24

TASMAN .................................... 24

OTAGO ....................................... 26

rANFUrLY SHIELD ....................... 29Relive the history of our iconic rugby trophy and look ahead to this season’s challenges.

HEArTLAND FIXTUrES ................ 30All you need to know about this year’s Heartland Championship.

ITM CUP 2012 ContentS a heads-up on what’s inside this issue including competition draws, team profiles and the investec rugby Championship.

6 ITM RUGBY 2012 www.itm.co.nz | 0800 FOR ITM (0800 367 486)

RUgby PassIons to Fire in tHe ITM CUP BY PETER WHITE

last year’s itM Cup was a huge success with midweek and afternoon rugby. this season will follow the same format but will take a fortnight longer.

THE MArKETING HEADS at the big unions like to tell us about the public’s love of Super rugby, and of course there is huge support for it, but provincial rugby is where the passion really lies. It is the heart and soul of New Zealand rugby – always has been and always will be.

Last year’s extraordinary season enhanced the public’s love of the ITM Cup, when 72 matches were played over 13 rounds, crammed into just eight weeks. It was frenetic and at times chaotic, but the fans got right behind their teams, the players loved so many games and so little training, and it was a huge success from a marketing perspective.

The format generally seemed to work well, with the top seven teams vying for the Premiership title, the bottom seven for the Championship, and the return of the hugely popular promotion-relegation between divisions. Each team also played four cross over games between divisions that not only carried full competition points but brought back some full blooded derbies, where form and status were rendered meaningless. Fans loved the return of the Battle of the Bridge between Auckland and North Harbour, Otago v Southland, Manawatu v Taranaki and Counties Manukau v Waikato.

This season the competition will run an extra two weeks longer, with two mid-week matches per team rather than three each last year, and the introduction of semi-finals to really intensify the excitement. Games will be played every day of the week, except on Mondays, which proved to be a mixed success last season, as early evening midweek kick-offs proved problematic for supporters getting through rush hour traffic in the bigger cities.

But the biggest challenge with the new system was for coaches to try and put out quality teams twice a week. It is an aspect of the new system that coaches are not quite as positive about as the fans, players and sponsors do but they are all up for the challenge.

North Harbour head coach, Liam Barry, says managing players to be able to play just three or four days after their last game was a huge task.

“It was certainly a challenge from an injury perspective and trying to keep them as mentally fresh as possible. It was super positive for viewers, because they got quality rugby six days a week, but from a game-to-game perspective it is probably not the greatest vehicle to develop players for matches. What I have learned from last year is how to utilise as many of the players as possible, and this is where your depth definitely gets tested, as you prepare a team for Saturday and then have a team to play on the following Wednesday.”

The key on-field rugby issue in the 2012 ITM Premiership will be can anyone stop Canterbury? The red and blacks have won the last four provincial championships, which Auckland has done twice before from 1987 to 1990 and 1993 to 1996. But a fifth straight title? It would be an incredible performance but with the caliber of players and winning culture in Canterbury, they have every chance of doing it.

It should be a cracker of a season ahead for all supporters of the ITM Cup and the Heartland Championship. Bring it on!

FOUrPEAT: Canterbury players

celebrate after winning their fourth consecutive

title last season.

Terms and conditions: Travel is free with presentation of your game ticket and applies only to event buses and all train services on Saturday 25 August 2012 for the Bledisloe Cup match at Eden Park. Free travel on trains starts from 3 hours prior to kick-off and until the last train Saturday 25 August 2012. Free travel on event bus services starts from the published times, until no later than 1 hour after final whistle. For full terms and conditions visit maxx.co.nz. All services are funded by Auckland Transport, New Zealand Rugby Football Union and Eden Park. Train services are operated by Veolia Transport Auckland Ltd. Event bus services are operated by NZ Bus, Ritchies Transport Holdings Ltd, Bayes Coachlines and Howick and Eastern Buses.

Event trains run from 4.30pm, until the end of service.

Final event trains depart Waitakere at 6.26pm, Britomart at

6.45pm and Papakura at 5.39pm prior to kick-off. Services from

the city terminate at Kingsland and services from the west

terminate at Morningside.

Event buses depart:

• North Shore - Albany Bus Station approx.

every 10 mins between 4.30pm – 6.30pm,

stopping at all Northern Busway stations.

• Takapuna - 142-146 Hurstmere Rd approx.

every 15 mins between 4.30pm – 6.30pm.

• City Centre - Civic Theatre, Queen St approx.

every 5 mins between 5.00pm - 7.00pm.

• Newmarket/Mt Eden - 19 Remuera Rd approx. every 10

mins between 4.30pm - 7.00pm, and runs via Mt Eden Train

Station and Mt Eden Village.

• South/East - Manukau City Centre (Leyton Way) approx.

every 15 mins between 4.30pm – 6.30pm, running via

Botany Town Centre (Town Centre Drive) and Pakuranga

Plaza (outside Farmers).

Event buses depart for one hour after final whistle.

St Lukes Mall

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Key To Symbols

Train Station

Special Event Bus Stop

Taxi Drop Off (pre match)

Taxi Drop Off (from half time)

Coach Parking

Mobility Parking

No Stopping

Key to Road Closures

Road Closed (2.5 hrs pre match to 1 hr post match)

Road Closed (Half time to 2 hr post match)

Managed Access (Half time to 1 hr post match)

Road closure times are approximate

Zone A: Accredited Vehicle. Managed access only. Resident parking only.

Zone B: Resident parking only

No Vehicle EntryManaged Access Checkpoint

maxx.co.nz 09 366 6400

Following the Fan Trail from Auckland’s waterfront is a great way to get to the match. There will be entertainment and refreshments along the way.

Road closures and parking restrictions will affect streets around Eden Park on game day. Limited mobility parking areas available on Cricket Ave.

For more information about parking and road closures, see aucklandtransport.govt.nz or call 09 355 3553.

Free travel on trains and event buses with your game ticket

Get into eventsBledisloe Cup, 7.35pm,Saturday 25 August, Eden Park

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The InvesTeC rUgBY CHaMPionSHiP 2012a new era begins in Sydney on august 18 when the all Blacks and Wallabies open the investec rugby Championship. BY Peter WHite

THE ALL BLACKS completely dominated the Tri Nations since it began in 1996, winning 50 of their 72 games and 10 series wins, to just three each by South Africa and Australia. But there is no doubt the rugby public had become just a little jaded by the same format year after year, and the IrB wanted Argentina to be part of an expanded series once professionalism finally arrived in South American rugby. So now we have the 2012 Investec rugby Championship, featuring the old SANZAr rivals and Argentina.

Most of the Argentina players have had almost three months rest as a second-string side fronted against France in June. We saw how well they can compete at last year’s world cup and if they can keep their best players on the park, they will be hard to beat, especially in Buenos Aries. Players to look out for include captain and flanker Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe, winger Horacio Agulla, fullback Bustos Moyano, lock Patricio Albacete, prop Marcos Ayerza, first-five or centre Santiago Fernandez, hooker Agustin Creevy and first-five Marcelo Bosch.

They also drafted Graham Henry in as adviser to the Argentina management in the lead up to the Rugby Championship and he will have been an invaluable resource with his knowledge of the SANZAR teams.

The Springboks will be typically strong up front, with a big pack and their habit of playing monsters as loose forwards. Where they are vulnerable is at the breakdown if the games are played at the red hot pace favoured by both the All Blacks and the Wallabies. The Springboks learned plenty from their recent series win at home over England and are still smarting from their world cup semi-final loss last year. They have a new coach in former Bulls boss Heyneke Mayer who will stick with what he knows – big, tough forwards, fierce defenders, and a kicking first-five.

The Wallabies somehow managed to win all three tight tests against Six Nations Grand Slam champions Wales in June, after that shocking loss to Scotland. Their biggest concerns are injuries to key players Kurtley Beale, Berrick Barnes and James O’Connor in the backline and senior forwards James Horwill and Rocky Elsom. They will get some back for the Championship but depth and a mediocre scrum have always been the Wallabies’ Achilles heel. Former North Harbour star five-eighth, Michael Harris, is one Wallaby Kiwis will be hoping does well and his combination with Quade Cooper could be vital.

And so to the All Blacks. The three tests against Ireland revealed some wonderful new players who should be long term great All Blacks, like halfback Aaron Smith, first-fives Aaron Cruden and Beauden Barrett, plus the new wonder kid at openside flanker Sam Cane. The old crew of Dan Carter, Conrad Smith, Kieran Read and captain Richie McCaw have plenty left in the tank and form the nucleus of a seriously good squad. Any thoughts of post-world cup blues, and a settling in period under the new coaching group, were forgotten after Ireland were taken apart in the third test. It was gratifying to see how quickly the lessons were learnt from the desperate win in the second test.

The All Blacks will be favourites to take out The Investec Rugby Championship and should do so. The opportunity to see a new team and new faces will mean plenty of interest in Argentina’s performance, but they will need a few years competing against the three best teams in the world before they seriously threaten for the title.

WOrLD CLASS: Dan Carter was back to his

best against Ireland in June.

www.itm.co.nz | 0800 FOR ITM (0800 367 486) ITM RUGBY 2012 9 www.itm.co.nz | 0800 FOR ITM (0800 367 486) ITM RUGBY 2012 9

DATE MATCH VENUE KICK OFF NZ TIME

AUGUST 18: Australia v All Blacks (BC) Sydney ........................ 10.05 pmAUGUST 19: South Africa v Argentina Cape Town .................. 3.00 amAUGUST 25: All Blacks v Australia (BC) Auckland .................... 7.35 pmAUGUST 26: Argentina v South Africa Mendoza ..................... 7.10 amSEPTEMBER 8: All Blacks v Argentina Wellington .................. 7.35 pmSEPTEMBER 8: Australia v South Africa Perth .......................... 10.35 pmSEPTEMBER 15: All Blacks v South Africa Dunedin ...................... 7.35 pmSEPTEMBER 15: Australia v Argentina Gold Coast .................. 10.05 pmSEPTEMBER 30: South Africa v Australia Pretoria ...................... 4.00 amSEPTEMBER 30: Argentina v All Blacks La Plata ...................... 12.10 pmOCTOBER 7: South Africa v All Blacks Soweto ........................ 4.00 amOCTOBER 7: Argentina v Australia Rosario ....................... 12.10 amOCTOBER 20: Australia v All Blacks (BC)* Brisbane ..................... 10.00 pm* This match is not part of the Rugby Championship. (BC) = Bledisloe Cup match.

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Last Year Champions: Canterbury dropped four of their 10 games last year, and just made it to the final, but they were relentless in grinding down Waikato 12-3 in Hamilton. It was certainly not a great season by their impeccable standards in pool play, but once they got a sniff of another title they were unstoppable.

Key Players: The backline is outstanding and the loose for-wards depth almost embarrassing. It is a big season ahead for Matt Todd, Ryan Crotty, Robbie Fruean and Sean Maitland, who may have to decide whether they can wait for an All Blacks call-up or take the big offers overseas.

Young Gun: Patrick Osborne has played 15 games for Canter-bury but with so many super stars around him he is yet to dominate like he is capable of. Born in Suva, the 105kg winger has a background in 400m running and is set for a powerful season in the red-and-black jersey.

Season Prospects: Canterbury have won the last four titles and have so many quality players and a winning culture that it is naive not to back them to win again. The backline is better than many Super rugby sides field, the loose forwards nicely balanced and the front row is powerful – they will take some beating. With Rob Penney moving to Munster, the coaching reins are in the safe hands of two former All Blacks in head coach Tabai Matson and his assistant Scott Robertson. The heat will be on for renewed success but they are both laid back characters with red and black blood in the veins.

CANTERBURY

www.crfu.co.nz

THE FINISHEr: Sean Maitland is set to add to his impressive try-scoring record this season.

TeaM PrevieWSthe top seven teams will contest the Premiership.

Last Year 5th: Auckland once again could not win the games that mattered, when the pressure went on, and were closer to being relegated than making the final. It was generally a disappointing season after making up ground in 2010. Some of the new players failed to step up when needed.

Key Players: Daniel Braid has been a warrior for Auckland over the years and the champion openside flanker starts the season on 92 games. Reaching the century mark would be the ultimate reward for him. Fullback Charles Piutau played with great skill for the Blues at the end of their campaign, while experienced lock Andrew van Heijden will bolster the pack after two years playing in England.

Young Gun: Lock or blindside flanker Steven Luatua has the physical attributes to really make his mark in the ITM Cup. He looked com-fortable in every outing for the Blues and is a real find who came through the Auckland development system. The 21-year-old looks destined to take over the role filled so well by overseas-bound Chris Lowrey in recent seasons.

Season Prospects: With former Fiji and Auck-land coach Wayne Pivac back at the helm ex-pect a back to basics approach, and more attention to defensive systems and pride in wearing the blue-and-white hoops. Much may depend on a clutch of home games at Eden Park but it may be another frustrating year for the union.

AUCKLAND

INSPIrATIONAL: Daniel Braid could bring up 100 games for Auckland.

www.aucklandrugby.co.nz

ITM PReMIeRshIP TEAM PREVIEWS continued from Page 10

www.itm.co.nz ITM RUGBY 2012 11


Last Year 4th: The Steamers were looking good after four rounds, unbeaten and top of the table, before they lost their next four games in a dramatic form reversal. They finished with strong wins over Canterbury and Southland but dis-appointingly missed the final by just two points.

Key Players: Without missing All Blacks Sam Cane and Brodie Retallick, the Steamers still have a strong pack. Tanerau Latimer, Luke Braid and promising No 8 Carl Axtens are top class loosies, while lock Callum Retallick and prop Bronson Murray are powerful scrummagers. New signing from South-land, Kendrick Lynn, will form an excellent midfield combin-ation with Phil Burleigh.

Young Gun: Inspirational No 8 Colin Bourke has moved to Japan opening up a chance for Carl Axtens. The 21-year-old from Reporoa, and childhood friend of Sam Cane, has come through the NZ Schools and NZ Under-20s system. He is big enough to compete in the tight stuff and has great athletic ability.

Season Prospects: Kevin Schuler returns for his second stint as head coach and his no-nonsense style is just what the Steamers need to add some discipline, and composure, to their natural flair and attacking style. Last season should have ended with a place in the final and that will again be the goal this year.

WELLINGTON

HAPPY HOOKEr: Dane Coles will be one of Wellington’s key leaders this season.

BrAvE LEADEr: Luke Braid’s experience captaining the Blues will be a bonus for Bay of Plenty.

www.wrfu.co.nz


BAY OF PLENTY

U N I O N

www.boprugby.co.nz

Last Year 6th: The season was a poor one by Wellington’s standards. They finished just ahead of the relegation position, with five wins and five losses despite a strong squad, which resulted in coach Andre Bell losing his job. The Lions have not won the competition since 2000.

Key Players: Flanker Brad Shields should be a standout but Highlander’s first-five Lima Sopoaga will be a late starter due to a shoulder injury, so former Southland player Seminar Manu or Fa’atonu Fili, who last played for the Lions in 2010, are contenders for the No 10 jersey. Centre Marvin Karawana spent the last few years playing NRL for the Newcastle Knights.

Young Gun: Ope Pelesuema was one of the better performed players in the NZ Under-20s earlier this year and is equally comfortable in either the 10 or 12 jersey. He played outside TJ Perenara in the 2010 NZ Schools team. Ope should shine with regular game time.

Season Prospects: Former Wellington and Sharks assistant coach Chris Boyd is the new head coach. He has indicated a desire to play the running, attacking game the province is famous for. Will be interesting to see how the team goes but they are unlikely to push for a final’s spot.

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HAWKE’S BAYLast Year Promoted: After the heartbreak of just missing a place in the Premiership’s inaugural season, Hawke’s Bay made no mistake in 2011 and deservedly won promotion after beating Manawatu 35-30 in a rousing final in Palmerston North. It was a deserved farewell to Newcastle-bound coach Peter Russell.

Key Players: Hooker Hika Elliott will form part of a tough front row with Chiefs’ prop Ben Tameifuna and former Canterbury, Crusaders and Munster tighthead Peter Borlase. Andrew Horrell was the utility champion for the Chiefs but is likely to be second-five for the Magpies. Halfback Chris Eaton, winger Maritino Nemani and Karl Lowe are others expected to shine.

Young Gun: The recent increase in the depth of quality young first-fives throughout New Zealand continues with Ihaia West. The backline standout for the NZ Under-20s at this year’s world championships, he distributes well, is an excellent option taker and an outstanding goal kicker. The ITM Cup is the ideal format for the 20-year-old to showcase his talents.

Season Prospects: It will be a rebuilding season with many of last season’s players overseas and new coaches in Canterbury Colts coach for the past four years, Craig Philpott, and his assis-tant in former Magpies captain Danny Lee. After working so hard to get into the elite group avoiding relegation will be the key goal.

INSPIrATIONAL: Veteran flanker Karl Lowe will again lead the Hawke’s Bay pack.

Focused, Committed and RelentlessGallagher is a proud sponsor of the Mooloos and we look forward to a successful ITM Cup season with the team that shares the same values.

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WAIKATOLast Year 2nd: Waikato lost two of their first three games but then dropped just one more to lead the competition all the way to hosting the final. Canterbury proved to be too clinical and strong but overall it was a memorable season for the Mooloo men.

Key Players: The rise and rise of the gifted young Tawera Kerr-Barlow is set to continue for Waikato first and then a place on the All Blacks end-of-season tour likely for the chirpy halfback. Trent Renata has not quite fulfilled his immense promise as a schoolboy but is a quality first-five while Hurri-canes flanker Jack Lam is a fearless defender.

Young Gun: Joe Webber was picked in the NZ Sevens team from Hamilton Boys’ High School last year and the 18-year-old winger has not looked back since. He is an outstanding talent with plenty of pace and size but also the special skill to beat an opponent with little or no space to move.

Season Prospects: With rugby on a high in all of the feeder provinces to the Chiefs franchise, there will be high expecta-tions for Waikato to at least match last year and again host the final. Their squad is well balanced, with good depth in key positions, so Waikato will start as co-favourites with Canterbury.

FEArLESS: Flanker Jack Lam is one of the toughest competitors in the competition

www.mooloo.co.nz

ITM CUP PreMierSHiP and CHaMPionSHiP DRaW 2012 the 14 teams involved in the itM Cup will play 70 matches over 15 rounds in just 10 weeks… keep this draw close by to keep up with all the action.


ROUND 1: ThURSdAy AUGUST 23 – SUndAy AUGUST 26 DATE MATCH VENUE TIME

Thursday August 23 Hawke’s Bay v Auckland McLean Park, Napier 7.35 pm

Friday August 24 Manawatu v Wellington FMG Stadium, Palmerston North 6.05 pm

Tasman v Canterbury Trafalgar Park, Nelson 8.05 pm

Saturday August 25 Bay of Plenty v Taranaki Baypark Stadium, Mt Maunganui 2.35 pm

Otago v Northland Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin 4.35 pm

Sunday August 26 North Harbour v Waikato North Harbour Stadium, Albany 2.35 pm

Counties Manukau v Southland ECOLight Stadium, Pukekohe 4.35 pm

ROUND 2: TUESdAy AUGUST 28 – wEdnESdAy AUGUST 29Tuesday August 28 Wellington v Hawke’s Bay Westpac Stadium, Wellington 7.35 pm

Wednesday August 29 Canterbury v Auckland Rugby Park, Christchurch 7.35 pm

ROUND 3: ThURSdAy AUGUST 30 – SUndAy SEPTEMBER 2Thursday August 30 Bay of Plenty v Otago Rotorua Int’l Stadium, Rotorua 7.35 pm

Friday August 31 Hawke’s Bay v Counties Manukau McLean Park, Napier 7.35 pm

Saturday September 1 Canterbury v North Harbour Rugby Park, Christchurch 2.35 pm

Waikato v Northland Waikato Stadium, Hamilton 5.35 pm

Taranaki v Tasman (RS) Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth 7.35 pm

Sunday September 2 Auckland v Manawatu Eden Park, Auckland 2.35 pm

Wellington v Southland Westpac Stadium, Wellington 4.35 pm

ROUND 4: TUESdAy SEPTEMBER 4 – wEdnESdAy SEPTEMBER 5Tuesday September 4 North Harbour v Counties Manukau North Harbour Stadium, Albany 7.35 pm

Wednesday Sept 5 Northland v Manawatu Toll Stadium, Whangarei 7.35 pm

ROUND 5: ThURSdAy SEPTEMBER 6 – SUndAy SEPTEMBER 9Thursday Sept 6 Southland v Otago Rugby Park Stadium, Invercargill 7.35 pm

Friday Sept 7 Taranaki v Hawke’s Bay (RS) Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth 6.05 pm

Counties Manukau v Bay of Plenty ECOLight Stadium, Pukekohe 8.05 pm

Saturday Sept 8 Auckland v Waikato Eden Park, Auckland 2.35 pm

Canterbury v Wellington Rugby Park, Christchurch 4.35 pm

Sunday Sept 9 Manawatu v Tasman FMG Stadium, Palmerston North 2.35 pm

Northland v North Harbour Toll Stadium, Whangarei 4.35 pm

ROUND 6: TUESdAy SEPTEMBER 11 – wEdnESdAy SEPTEMBER 12Tuesday Sept 11 Waikato v Bay of Plenty Waikato Stadium, Hamilton 7.35 pm

Wednesday Sept 12 Tasman v Southland Lansdowne Park, Blenheim 7.35 pm

ROUND 7: ThURSdAy SEPTEMBER 13 – SUndAy SEPTEMBER 16Thursday Sept 13 North Harbour v Manawatu North Harbour Stadium, Albany 7.35 pm

Friday Sept 14 Bay of Plenty v Auckland Rotorua Int’l Stadium, Rotorua 6.05 pm

Counties Manukau v Otago ECOLight Stadium, Pukekohe 8.05 pm

Saturday Sept 15 Taranaki v Canterbury (RS) Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth 2.35 pm

Wellington v Waikato Westpac Stadium, Wellington 4.35 pm

Sunday Sept 16 Tasman v Northland Lansdowne Park, Blenheim 2.35 pm

Southland v Hawke’s Bay Rugby Park Stadium, Invercargill 4.35 pm

ROUND 8: TUESdAy SEPTEMBER 18 – wEdnESdAy SEPTEMBER 19 Tuesday Sept 18 Otago v North Harbour Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin 7.35 pm

Wednesday Sept 19 Auckland v Taranaki Eden Park, Auckland 7.35 pm

ROUND 9: ThURSdAy SEPTEMBER 20 – SUndAy SEPTEMBER 23Thursday Sept 20 Manawatu v Counties Manukau FMG Stadium, Palmerston North 7.35 pm

Friday Sept 21 Hawke’s Bay v Bay of Plenty McLean Park, Napier 7.35 pm

Saturday Sept 22 North Harbour v Southland North Harbour Stadium, Albany 2.35 pm

Auckland v Wellington Eden Park, Auckland 5.35 pm

Northland v Taranaki Toll Stadium, Whangarei 7.35 pm

ITM CUP EXPLAINED2012 ITM CUPPREMIERSHIP

CanterburywaikatoTaranaki

Bay of PlentyAuckland

wellingtonhawke’s Bay

2012 ITM CUP CHAMPIONSHIP

SouthlandManawatu

OtagoCounties Manukau

northlandnorth harbour

TasmanAll 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

ROUND 9 CONTINUED: SUndAy SEPTEMBER 23 DATE MATCH VENUE TIME

Sunday Sept 23 Waikato v Canterbury Waikato Stadium, Hamilton 2.35 pm

Otago v Tasman Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin 4.35 pm

ROUND 10: TUESdAy SEPTEMBER 25 – wEdnESdAy SEPTEMBER 26Tuesday Sept 25 Bay of Plenty v Wellington Baypark Stadium, Mt Maunganui 7.35 pm

Wednesday Sept 26 Southland v Northland Rugby Park Stadium, Invercargill 7.35 pm

ROUND 11: ThURSdAy SEPTEMBER 27 – SUndAy SEPTEMBER 30Thursday Sept 27 Waikato v Tasman Waikato Stadium, Hamilton 7.35 pm

Friday Sept 28 Auckland v Counties Manukau Eden Park, Auckland 7.35 pm

Saturday Sept 29 Taranaki v Manawatu (RS) Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth 2.35 pm

Wellington v North Harbour Westpac Stadium, Wellington 5.35 pm

Hawke’s Bay v Otago McLean Park, Napier 7.35 pm

Sunday Sept 30 Canterbury v Southland Rugby Park, Christchurch 2.35 pm

Bay of Plenty v Northland Baypark Stadium, Mt Maunganui 4.35 pm

ROUND 12: TUESdAy OCTOBER 2 – wEdnESdAy OCTOBER 3Tuesday October 2 Manawatu v Otago FMG Stadium, Palmerston North 7.35 pm

Wednesday October 3 Taranaki v Waikato (RS) Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth 7.35 pm

ROUND 13: ThURSdAy OCTOBER 4 – SUndAy OCTOBER 7Thursday October 4 Tasman v Bay of Plenty Trafalgar Park, Nelson 7.35 pm

Friday October 5 Northland v Canterbury Toll Stadium, Whangarei 7.35 pm

Saturday October 6 Manawatu v Hawke’s Bay FMG Stadium, Palmerston North 2.35 pm

Counties Manukau v Waikato ECOLight Stadium, Pukekohe 5.35 pm

Otago v Wellington Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin 7.35 pm

Sunday October 7 Southland v Taranaki Rugby Park Stadium, Invercargill 2.35 pm

North Harbour v Auckland North Harbour Stadium, Albany 4.35 pm

ROUND 14: TUESdAy OCTOBER 9 – wEdnESdAy OCTOBER 10Tuesday October 9 Counties Manukau v Tasman ECOLight Stadium, Pukekohe 7.35 pm

Wednesday October 10 Hawke’s Bay v Canterbury McLean Park, Napier 7.35 pm

ROUND 15: ThURSdAy OCTOBER 11 – SUndAy OCTOBER 14Thursday October 11 Otago v Auckland Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin 7.35 pm

Friday October 12 Southland v Manawatu Rugby Park Stadium, Invercargill 7.35 pm

Saturday October 13 Northland v Counties Manukau Toll Stadium, Whangarei 2.35 pm

Waikato v Hawke’s Bay Waikato Stadium, Hamilton 5.35 pm

Tasman v North Harbour Trafalgar Park, Nelson 7.35 pm

Sunday October 14 Wellington v Taranaki Westpac Stadium, Wellington 2.35 pm

Canterbury v Bay of Plenty Rugby Park, Christchurch 4.35 pm

SEMI-fINALS: FRIdAy OCTOBER 19 – SATURdAy OCTOBER 20Friday October 19 ITM CUP PrEMIErSHIP SEMI ONE

Saturday October 20 ITM CUP CHAMPIONSHIP SEMI ONE

Saturday October 20 ITM CUP CHAMPIONSHIP SEMI TWO

Saturday October 20 ITM CUP PrEMIErSHIP SEMI TWO

fINALS: FRIdAy OCTOBER 26 - SATURdAy OCTOBER 27

Friday October 26 ITM CUP CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL

Saturday October 27 ITM CUP PrEMIErSHIP FINAL

ITM CUP PreMierSHiP and CHaMPionSHiP DRaW 2012 the 14 teams involved in the itM Cup will play 70 matches over 15 rounds in just 10 weeks… keep this draw close by to keep up with all the action.

www.itm.co.nz | 0800 FOR ITM (0800 367 486) ITM RUGBY 2012 17

RADIO SPORTNOW ON FMAUCKLAND 98.2FMTAURANGA 99.0FMHAWKE’S BAY 96.7FMWELLINGTON 104.5FM

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Last Year 3rd: Taranaki finished just two points outside making last year’s final and had they done so would certainly have given Canterbury a run for their money. A mid-season loss to Manawatu proved costly for the team but winning the Ranfurly Shield was a huge boost to the province.

Key Players: Former All Blacks locks Jarrad Hoeata and Jason Eaton, Highlanders fullback Kurt Baker and the Hurricanes brilliant attacker Andre Taylor are key men in a Naki side packed full of talent. Former North Harbour captain Chris Smylie is a key signing at halfback, with the loss of the experienced Tyson Keats (Italy) and Brett Goodin (injury).

Young Gun: Hurricanes wider training group member and NZ Sevens rep Jackson Ormond is a highly competent winger who can also cover fullback and centre. The 21-year-old has been out of all rugby since he had surgery on his shoulder in February but should be fully fit for the opening match.

Season Prospects: Winning the Premiership and retaining the Ranfurly Shield is Taranaki’s goal but one very few teams have managed over the years. The home crowd fervour for the Shield matches will make them almost impossible to beat at home but they will be vulnerable on the road with the pressure off.

TARANAKI

www.trfu.co.nz


ATTACKING FOrCE: Kurt Baker will be a key part of Taranaki’s offensive play from deep.

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COUNTIES MANUKAU

HUGE TALENT: Fullback Tim Nanai-Williams is certain to be a crowd pleaser.


Last Year 4th: The season started promisingly but four straight losses in rounds four to seven put paid to their play-off chances. Injuries hurt a young side lacking depth but there was a pleasing return in faith from the home fans and expectations are high for a better season in 2012.

Key Players: Manu Samoa skipper and Chiefs hooker Mahonri Schwalger is an outstanding signing who will offer so much on and off the field. Frank Halai, a finalist for this year’s IRB Sevens Player of the Year, comes home from Waikato to add to the proven talent out wide including Ahsee Tuala, Sherwin Stowers and Tim Nanai-Williams.

Young Gun: Blindside flanker Jimmy Tupou had a very good tournament with the NZ Under-20s at the recent Junior World Championships. He had not made the usual rep teams but repaid the selectors’ faith with some excellent form. Jimmy looks a good one for the future.

Season Prospects: Inspirational new coach Tana Umaga was not happy with last year’s fourth place, as he wants to get out of the Championship and take on the top teams in the Premiership. It will be a heck of a battle but they will be a chance with some quality players and plenty of spirit.

www.steelers.co.nz

SOUTHLAND

COUNTEr ATTACKEr: Robbie Robinson is one of the best running fullbacks in the ITM Cup.

Last Year 7th: Relegation from the Premiership and losing the Ranfurly Shield made it a season to forget. The Ranfurly Shield tenure was counter-productive in the end as the team could not produce any form away from home.

Key Players: Former All Black Jimmy Cowan is set to play 100 games for Southland and he will be a massive figure in how the Stags bounce back from last year’s disappointments. Cardiff Vaega and Matt Saunders are solid midfielders, while fullback Robbie Robinson is capable of moments of brilliance. NZ Under-20 reps Marty McKenzie and first-five or halfback Scott Eade will be looking for game time.

Young Gun: Promising fullback Marty McKenzie was the only fullback picked for the NZ Under-20s team and he came through the tournament with his reputation enhanced. The 19-year-old has an outstanding kicking game and can also play first-five and wing. He played three games for the Stags off the bench last year.

Season Prospects: Financial difficulties have meant some long serving players have left, opening the door for some of the young talent coming through. It is hard to see the Stags pushing for a place back in the Premiership and without the Ranfurly Shield the crowds will be down this year.

www.rugbysouthland.co.nz

ITM ChaMPIonshIP teaM PrevieWSautomatic promotion up to the itM Premiership next year is the goal for these seven unions.

NORTH HARBOURLast Year 6th: New coach Liam Barry stepped into the breach to replace Craig Dowd and found it a frustrating season. Their final placing in the Championship was not good enough and the players lacked consistency, but they were unlucky not to bring the Ranfurly Shield home from Southland.

Key Players: Hooker James Parsons fought his way into the Blues starting lineup and looked comfortable at that level. Ben Afeaki is a feared tighthead prop and definite All Black prospect, while NZ Under-20s reps Bryn Hall and Pita Ahki are exciting talents. Blues lock Filo Paulo should be more dominant at this level.

Young Gun: Francis Saili is regarded as a potential long term All Black after his outstanding performances for the NZ Under-20s in 2010 and his assured form stepping up to Super rugby this year with the Blues. Watch out for this superbly conditioned centre to make a real impact.

Season Prospects: The new coaching trio of Barry, Jeff Wilson and Greg Somerville looks a good mix and there is greater depth in the key five-eighths positions now with Michael Hobbs and James Semple. Harbour is a big union and overdue to start performing consistently. A crack at promotion is well within their capabilities.

DOMINANT FOrCE: Filo Paulo is a key to Harbour winning the set pieces.

MANAWATULast Year 2nd: The Turbos had a fine season, with a memorable run of five straight wins before hosting a thrilling final which Hawke’s Bay won 35-30. Only Canterbury and Hawke’s Bay scored more tries than Manawatu, who played some exciting rugby and were unbeaten at home until the final.

Key Players: United States Eagles prop Eric Fry will team up in the front row with David Te Moana, Highlanders tighthead Ma’afu Fia and loosehead Grant Polson. Solid second-five Frankie Bryant and halfback Karl Bryson will be important, with Bryson likely to start with Aaron Smith on All Blacks duty. A season ending injury to Doug Tietjens leaves Nick Crosswell as the senior loosie and a chance for Callum Gibbins at openside.

Young Gun: Jason Emery was at Palmerston North Boys’ High School last year and the 18-year-old was the youngest player in the NZ Under-20s team at the world championships. He played at second-five at the tournament but may feature at first-five for the Turbos.

Season Prospects: New coach Jason O’Halloran replaces Dave Rennie and will want to keep the winning momentum from last year. As a former All Blacks centre he will encourage the attacking flair that made the Turbos so popular to watch last year. They should be finals favourites again.

LINEOUT WINNEr: Nick Crosswell is the pack leader for the Manawatu Turbos.

www.manawaturugby.co.nz

www.harbourrugby.co.nz

ITM ChaMPIonshIP TEAM PREVIEWS continued from Page 21


NORTHLANDLast Year 5th: Things looked positive indeed in the far north when Northland knocked over previously unbeaten Bay of Plenty in round five, but three losses followed to end the promotion dream. Northland played high risk, high reward rugby, which made them hugely popular with the neutral fans, but they lacked composure at key moments.

Key Players: Coaches Adriaan Ferris and Derren Witcombe have signed some top class players. Veteran Southlanders Hale T-Pole and David Hall, Tongan Sevens captain Jack Ram and ex-Crusader Tone Kopelani should beef up the pack, while classy first-five Orene Ai’i will guide the backline. The enigmatic Rene Ranger has plenty to play for and should be too good at this level.

Young Gun: Young hooker Ross Wright is highly rated by assistant coach and former All Blacks rake Witcombe, who considers him unlucky not to make the Blues. A strong season for Northland will certainly make the Blues and other franchises take note.

Season Prospects: With a beefed up squad and plenty of young talent, there is real hope this could be the season for Northland. To get into the promotion play-off match they will need to curb some of their attacking flair and take a more pragmatic approach to win the tight games. Good promotion chances.

MATCH WINNEr: Rene Ranger will be Northland’s go-to man for tries this season.

TASMANLast Year 7th: Wooden spooners Tasman were better than their record of two wins and eight losses showed, with four games lost by four points or less. They never recovered from losing their first four games but enjoyed memorable wins over Auckland and promoted Hawke’s Bay.

Key Players: Andrew Goodman should reach 50 games for Tasman and the 29-year-old goalkicking midfielder will again be captain. Crusaders lock Joe Wheeler is fit after a horror run with injuries, and the experienced duo of Filipo Levi and former All Black Campbell Johnstone will add plenty of steel to the pack. NZ Sevens centre Bryce Heem joins from Northland.

Young Gun: James Lowe is the youngest player in the squad at 19 and is a try-scoring utility back, equally at home at centre, wing or fullback. He was devastated to miss selection for the NZ Under-20s earlier this year but has bounced back well.

Season Prospects: The draw has given Tasman an unexpected boost to the intensity of pre-season training, with Canterbury at home to start the campaign and a Ranfurly Shield challenge against Taranaki the following week. After last year’s lackluster start it is just the tonic the Makos need for a better season.

Mr rELIABLE: Captain Andrew Goodman is Tasman’s record point’s scorer.

www.taniwha.co.nz

www.makos.co.nz



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OTAGO

www.orfu.co.nz

Last Year 3rd: The season began well with a win over North Harbour at home, followed by their first win over Auckland at Eden Park in 35 years. Otago played some good rugby at times, and tried right until the end, but ended just five points off the promotion play-off spot.

Key Players: The Otago rugby union has had a tumultuous year to say the least and a mostly new squad of players will wear the famous jersey. They include three members of Japan’s team at the World Cup in former Otago B lock Justin Ives, halfback Tanaka Fumiaki and hooker Shota Horie, who are all high quality players.

Young Gun: Openside flanker Hugh Blake is a classic southern man and performed well for NZ Under-20s at the recent world junior championships. His form has been so good Otago may play him and captain Eben Joubert as dual opensides in an expansive game plan.

Season Prospects: This will be a major rebuilding season, with the team’s best players likely to be on All Blacks duty and the majority of the squad picked from club rugby. There are question marks over the tight five and player depth, but the fans are likely to support a home grown side.

FEArLESS LEADEr: Captain Eben Joubert is an inspirational figure for Otago.


IN CINEMAS AUGUST 23Rating TBC

7456 SON Total Recall RugbyMagazine FP FA2.indd 1 31/07/12 11:48 AM

RanFURLy shIeLD 2012Since 1904 provincial unions have battled to get their hands on the famous log o’ Wood. Peter WHite looks ahead to this season’s challenges and the shield’s great history.

TArANAKI’S dramatic 15-12 win over Southland last August meant the most prized possession in New Zealand’s provincial rugby, the ranfurly Shield, was going back to New Plymouth for the fifth time in history.

Young Beauden Barrett kept his nerve to kick five penalties and win the match 15 years from the day when Taranaki beat Auckland 42-39 at Eden Park for their last shield victory. Taranaki have successfully defended the Shield 36 times in five tenures, which is the sixth most defences by a union. The list is headed by rugby heavyweights Auckland (148) and Canterbury (129).

Taranaki’s latest reign got underway last year when they defended the shield against Hawke’s Bay, who will be primed for another crack on September 7 after the opener against Tasman.

If Taranaki get past the Magpies they will have their biggest challenge of the season in the form of the red-and-black Canterbury machine on September 15. Manawatu and Waikato have the last two cracks at the shield but only if Taranaki can beat Canterbury of course.

The history of the Ranfurly Shield is full of heartache and near misses. Counties Manukau have never held the shield, but have twice drawn challenges and are regarded as unlucky to lose to Canterbury in 1982 and Auckland in 1985. The Canterbury result is still hard to take for diehard Counties fans as they were leading 15-12 with minutes remaining. Winger Robert Kururangi intercepted a pass and ran away to score, only to be ruled offside in a highly contentious call. The reliable Robbie Deans stepped up to kick the penalty to draw the match.

Bay of Plenty suffered the curse of the shield for decades until they finally lifted the Log o’ Wood in 2004 at Eden Park. On the same ground in 1996 they lost one of the more remarkable challenges ever. The Steamers were well ahead 29-11 with just eight minutes remaining but somehow managed to lose 30-29 deep into injury time. The irony of that result was Bay of Plenty were in the old second division in those days, so had they won that day the shield might still be in the Heartland Championship today, with the big boys unable to get their hands on it.

It is the biggest union of all Auckland who have dominated the shield. They have won 153 out of 194 shield matches and had three notable shield eras. 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 1985 to 1993.

The other unions with special shield reigns are Canterbury, who defended 25 challenges from 1982 to 1985, and Hawke’s Bay, who managed 24 victories from 1922 to 1927.

Only time will tell whether Taranaki will start another famous shield run in 2012. But whatever the outcome for them, one thing is certain – the lure and passion for the Ranfurly Shield is as strong today as it ever has been.

ULTIMATE PrIZE: Taranaki players celebrate victory over Southland to win the ranfurly Shield.

SATURdAy SEPTEMBER 1: Taranaki v Tasman ................................. New Plymouth .......................................... 2.35 pm

FRIdAy SEPTEMBER 7: Taranaki v Hawke’s Bay ......................... New Plymouth .......................................... 6.05 pm

SATURdAy SEPTEMBER 15: Taranaki v Canterbury ........................... New Plymouth .......................................... 2.35 pm

SATURdAy SEPTEMBER 29: Taranaki v Manawatu ............................. New Plymouth .......................................... 2.35 pm

wEdnESdAy OCTOBER 3: Taranaki v Waikato ................................. New Plymouth .......................................... 7.35 pm

2012 RAnFURly ShIEld FIXTURES


CoMPeTITIon ForMat For tHe heaRTLanD ChaMPsthe 2012 Heartland Championship gets under way on the same weekend as the itM Cup.

LAST YEAr’S Meads Cup champions, Wanganui, head south to play Mid Canterbury in the season opener on August 25.

This year the Heartland teams will compete for top four playoff spots, determined by finishing positions after eight weeks of regular competition. The four-home, four-away format of the 2011 season has been retained, including traditional derby action between neighbouring provinces. Teams ranked fifth to eighth at the end of the regular season will compete in the Lochore Cup semi-finals, while those ranked first to fourth will vie for Meads Cup semi-finals. The Lochore Cup semi-finals will be held on October 20 with the Meads Cup semi-finals on October 21. The Meads Cup final is on October 27 and the Lochore Cup final on the following day.

Visit www.allblacks.com for all your news on the Heartland Championship.

CELEBrATION TIME: Wanganui players

celebrate after winning the Meads Cup title over

East Coast at Wanganui last season.


MATCH SCHEDULE:Home team listed first.

wEEk 1 SATURDAy AUgUST 25Wairarapa Bush v South Canterbury Masterton 1.00 pmMid Canterbury v Wanganui Ashburton 2.30 pmHorowhenua Kapiti v Poverty Bay Levin 2.30 pmBuller v Thames Valley Westport 2.30 pmEast Coast v West Coast Ruatoria 2.30 pmKing Country v North Otago Te Kuiti 2.30 pm

wEEk 2 SATURDAy SEPTEMBER 1Thames Valley v Mid Canterbury Paeroa 2.00 pmSouth Canterbury v East Coast Timaru 2.30 pmPoverty Bay v Wairarapa Bush Gisborne 2.30 pmWest Coast v King Country Greymouth 2.30 pmWanganui v Horowhenua Kapiti Wanganui 2.30 pmNorth Otago v Buller Oamaru 2.30 pm

wEEk 3 SATURDAy SEPTEMBER 8East Coast v Buller Ruatoria 2.30 pmWest Coast v Wairarapa Bush Greymouth 2.30 pmWanganui v Poverty Bay Wanganui 2.30 pmSouth Canterbury v Thames Valley Timaru 2.30 pmKing Country v Horowhenua Kapiti Taupo 2.30 pmMid Canterbury v North Otago Ashburton 2.00 pm

wEEk 4 SATURDAy SEPTEMBER 15North Otago v South Canterbury Oamaru 2.00 pmWairarapa Bush v Wanganui Masterton 2.30 pmHorowhenua Kapiti v Thames Valley Paraparaumu 2.30 pmBuller v King Country Westport 2.30 pmPoverty Bay v West Coast Gisborne 2.30 pmMid Canterbury v East Coast Ashburton 2.30 pm

wEEk 5 SATURDAy SEPTEMBER 22Thames Valley v King Country Te Aroha 2.00 pmHorowhenua Kapiti v West Coast Levin 2.30 pmSouth Canterbury v Buller Timaru 2.30 pmEast Coast v Wanganui Ruatoria 2.30 pmNorth Otago v Poverty Bay Oamaru 2.30 pmWairarapa Bush v Mid Canterbury Masterton 2.30 pm

wEEk 6 SATURDAy SEPTEMBER 29Thames Valley v East Coast Paeroa 2.00 pmWanganui v North Otago Wanganui 2.30 pmKing Country v Wairarapa Bush Taupo 2.30 pmWest Coast v Mid Canterbury Greymouth 2.30 pmBuller v Horowhenua Kapiti Westport 2.30 pmPoverty Bay v South Canterbury Gisborne 2.30 pm

wEEk 7 SATURDAy OCTOBER 6Mid Canterbury v Horowhenua Kapiti Ashburton 2.00 pmThames Valley v Poverty Bay Paeroa 2.00 pmWest Coast v South Canterbury Greymouth 2.30 pmEast Coast v King Country Ruatoria 2.30 pmWairarapa Bush v North Otago Masterton 2.30 pmWanganui v Buller Wanganui 2.30 pm

wEEk 8 SATURDAy OCTOBER 13Buller v West Coast Westport 2.30 pmPoverty Bay v East Coast Gisborne 2.30 pmHorowhenua Kapiti v Wairarapa Bush Levin 2.30 pmKing Country v Wanganui Te Kuiti 2.30 pmSouth Canterbury v Mid Canterbury Timaru 2.30 pm North Otago v Thames Valley Oamaru 2.30 pm

wEEk 9 SEMI-fINALSSaturday October 20 – SEMI-FINALS FOr LOCHOrE CUP

Top ranked team from pool round Venue tbc TBA v 4th ranked team from pool round2nd ranked team from pool round Venue tbc TBA v 3rd ranked team from pool roundSunday October 21 – SEMI-FINALS FOr MEADS CUP

5th ranked team from pool round v Venue tbc 1.05 pm 8th ranked team from pool round6th ranked team from pool round v Venue tbc 3.35 pm 7th ranked team from pool round

wEEk 10 fINALSSaturday October 27 – FINALS FOr MEADS CUP

Winner Semi-Final 1 v Winner Semi-Final 2 1.35 pmSunday October 28 – FINALS FOr LOCHOrE CUP

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

You should not go home after the game and drink and fry. That is bad news, bad news all round.’’

‘‘

Hamish, turkey gobbler, 3am

A word from the wise.

Don’t Drink & Fry.Eat before you head home.

NZF0247 Turkey Gobbler Rugby Mag FP_03.indd 1 31/07/12 9:03 AM

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