Waikato Air New Zealand Cup Squad Named
21st July 2009 09:30AM
Waikato coach Chris Gibbes today announced the 2009 Waikato Air New Zealand Cup squad.
The 28-strong squad includes seven new players this season.
Gibbes said: "it is pleasing and exciting to name a Waikato squad after weeks of training and thorough assessments of players both on and off the field. It is a balanced squad. There are some very experienced campaigners in the mix, combined with players who are now into their second or third year of Air New Zealand Cup rugby, and finally there are a few guys who have fought their way in from the club rugby pathway."
"The balance is good. We have players who are ready and willing to get stuck in to ensure Waikato makes a mark in the Air New Zealand Cup competition."
There are seven new players to the Waikato squad this year including five forwards and two backs.
The new forwards are Ben May (prop), Kieran Ramage (prop), Jack Lam (loose forward), Ray Allen (openside flanker), Dominiko Waqaniburotu (loose forward). Note: May and Lam are not new to Air New Zealand Cup rugby both have transferred to Waikato from Tasman this season. Meanwhile Ray Allen is a former Manawatu representative.
The new backs are Sam Christie (midfield) and Savenaca Tokula (wing).
Note: both Christie and Tokula played for Waikato last year after being called in for injury cover.
Messam, who has played 61 games for the Mooloos, will captain the Waikato side for the second year.
"Liam has experienced a lot in the past 12 months. He has grown as a player and as a person. I expect Liam will now bring all that he has learnt into the Waikato environment and we'll see him build on his role as captain. He will also have the support of some key players who will be instrumental in adding to his leadership."
Gibbes also noted the return of Waikato prop Nathan White into the squad. White was absent from all rugby in 2008 while recovering from back surgery. The last time he played in the red, yellow and black jersey was his 40th game for the province in a round robin game against Hawke's Bay.
"Nathan epitomises a Waikato player. He is tenancious, gutsy, determined and through adversity has made a comeback. He is an experienced front rower who brings strength to this squad both on and off the field. It is great to have him back."
Gibbes enters into his first season as Head Coach of the Waikato Air New Zealand Cup team. He is no stranger to the Waikato environment having been Assistant Coach last year to Tony Hanks. He will be assisted by former Waikato player and All Black Scott McLeod, who was Skills Coach for the team last year. Stu Williams is the team manager.
The 2009 Waikato Air New Zealand Cup squad is:
Forwards:
Ole Avei (Hautapu)
Vern Kamo (Fraser Tech)
Hikairo Forbes (Hautapu)
Ben May (University)
Kieran Ramage (Te Awamutu Sports)
Nathan White (Te Awamutu Sports)
Kent Fife (Hautapu)
Romana Graham (Hautapu)
Toby Lynn (Te Rapa)
Kevin O'Neill (Hamilton Marist)
Ray Allen (Hamilton Marist)
Jack Lam (Hamilton Marist)
Sione Lauaki (Morrinsville Sports)
Liam Messam (Hautapu) - Captain
Jordan Smiler (Hautapu)
Dominiko Waqaniburotu (Fraser Tech)
Backs:
David Bason (Hautapu)
Josh Sutherland (Hamilton Marist)
Sam Christie (Fraser Tech)
Trent Renata (Hamilton Marist)
Callum Bruce (Hamilton Marist)
Roimata Hansell-Pune (Fraser Tech)
Jackson Willison (Hautapu)
Tim Mikkelson (University)
Henry Speight (Hamilton Old Boys)
Dwayne Sweeney (Morrinsville Sports)
Savenaca Tokula (Fraser Tech)
Sosene Anesi (Hamilton Marist)
Points of interest:
(1) Players unavailable for selection due to All Blacks committments were Aled de Malmanche, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Mils Muliaina, Brendon Leonard and Stephen Donald.
(2) Prop Toby Smith (shoulder) and centre Richard Kahui (shoulder) were not available for selection due to their injuries. Both are recovering from shoulder surgery.
(3) Waikato will play Taranaki on this Friday night (24 July) in their colours of red, yellow and black for this first time in 2009. Kick off is 3.00pm for this final pre-season match. Waikato's opening round match in the 2008 Air New Zealand Cup will be against Southland in Invercargill on Saturday 1 August at 7.35pm.
(4) Waikato first home game in the Air New Zealand Cup is against Manawatu on Saturday 8 August at 2.35pm at Waikato Stadium. For Waikato's 2009 draw check out www.mooloo.co.nz for more details. Waikato will play six round robin matches at home at Waikato Stadium. Waikato-only Season Memberships are currently available which include the All Blacks v Springboks Investec Tri-Nations Test Match. Check out www.mooloo.co.nz for more details.
