Last years game Canterbury thumped Auckland 35-16 this year the odds are a little bit different with Auckland heavy favourites. These two will likely be fighting it out at the end of the season. Hopefully Canterbury will take this one out.
Any news on the teams?
Have Canterbury announced this seasons ITM squad? Not seen it on their website.
Looks like it will be a cracker, should either confirm Colin slade for the year or set off some discussion.
Where's Liaki Moli? He still around, looked like he would be a real prospect for this year and beyond.
There are actually 4 players from the U20 tournament, you missed out Anscombe of all players.The Auckland team has three players from the recent under 20 tournament in their starting 15 (Saili, Piutau, Luatua). The certainly have a lot of talent on the bench too, but with the exception of Mailau and Rokocoko they are lacking a bit of experience there.
There are actually 4 players from the U20 tournament, you missed out Anscombe of all players.
Auckland look good this year. The bench has some kids there, but Ta'avao, Polwart and Faleali'i have proven they can play at this level.
Dissapointed to see that Takeri Norton is not on the bench. Has SBW signed ITM for someone else as he does not appear in the Canterbury squad list?
I'm not to sure on the squad rules for the ITM cup but wouldn't Nasi Manu and Colin Slade play for like a Highlanders feder club, ie. Otago & Southland?