Kurow prop Cameron Keech scores a try during the Citizens Shield final against Valley last year. PHOTOS: REBECCA RYANNorth Otago will be one of the few unions to get its club rugby competition going this weekend, though it might be a fractured start. Hayden Meikle takes a look at the six teams chasing the Citizens Shield.
KUROW
Coaches: Tim Anderson, Andrew Fisher.
Last year: Champion.
Star men: Midfield back Matt Faddes, flanker Josh Reid, lock Angus Foster, prop Cameron Keech.
The oil: How to top the fairy tale? Kurow qualified only third last year but staged a marvellous winning run to get its hands back on the Citizens Shield for the first time since 1982. Going back to back will be challenging, especially as the backline has been gutted by the departures of Alipate Tuipolotu (Athletic Marist), Taniela Samita (left district), Sam MacDonald (Australia) and Ben Nowell (allegedly retired). But the arrival of former Highlanders utility Faddes is a massive boost, and the two star Haydens (Parker and Todd) could well be back in red jerseys by the second half of the season. Former Waitaki Boys’ lock Lachie Mee and new halfback Jacob Beal-Harris are newcomers to watch.
VALLEY
Coaches: Shane Carter, Barry Matthews, John Clunie.
Last year: Beaten finalist.
Star men: Halfback Jake Matthews, utility forward Sam Sturgess, lock Blake Welsh, flanker Jacob Pledger.
The oil: Valley has had a good run, winning the Citizens Shield in 2020 and reaching the final last year. The backline has lost some dependable veterans (Dylan Edwards, Brad Fleming, Glen Sturgess) as well as English all-rounder Owen Davey, and depth might be a concern. But the forward pack looks solid and Matthews, centre-fullback Ben Paton and exciting winger Asesela Ravuvu could flourish in the backs.
Hayden Parker is wrapped up by Valley defenders (from left) Logan Dunlop, Jacob Pledger and Cameron Rowland. Parker will be vital to Kurow’s chances of defending the title if he returns from Japan.OLD BOYS
The oil: Still annoyed about last year when they qualified top but lost the 1v2 game against Valley then fell to Kurow in the semifinal. Toni Taufa — the star Old Golds flanker is trying his luck in Dunedin — is a massive loss, and depth could be an issue, but there is still plenty of talent over the park. Fakatoufifita will be an early favourite for player of the season if he gets the ball. Robbie Breen stands down as head coach after three years so club great Lemi Masoe directs the coaching team.
MAHENO
Coach: Chris Jennings.
Last year: Beaten quarterfinalist.
Star men: Utility forward Hayden Tisdall, flanker Marcus Balchin, halfback Robbie Smith, five-eighth Lachie Kingan.
The oil: Country rugby clubs often start the season slowly so there is no point fully judging Maheno until July, but right now it is battling. Pre-season has been virtually non-existent, and the club may not even be able to front for the opening round due to Covid. Sam Tatupu is a massive loss, and Jennings — back as coach after a three-year break — will be desperate to find some more players, potentially from overseas. Smith is the best general in the district, and Tisdall will run all day, but they are going to need some help.
EXCELSIOR
Coaches: Hamish McKenzie, Thomas Shields.
Last year: Sixth.
Star men: Flanker Mat Duff, utility back Josh Phipps, prop Thomas Shields.
The oil: The only way is up for Blues, who really battled in 2021. Player numbers look good, though a couple of injuries in the pre-season have depleted the front row. The forward pack will be fine if Shields is able to pull on his boots every week. Nale Fifita is a handy pick-up from across Centennial Park at Athletic Marist, and former St Kevin’s College lock Reece Bradley is a welcome addition. New halfback Olly Bugden will form a handy inside-back combination with Tyrone Davies.
ATHLETIC MARIST
Coach: Tama Loper, Palenapi Mafi, Tony Frew.
Last year: Fifth.
Star men: Lock Oliver Kinzett, prop Lisivani Tu’ifua, utility back Ryley MacColl.
The oil: It has been a slow but steady rebuild for the former powerhouse club. Losing star first five Abel Magalogo (returned to Auckland) and vigorous No8 Mosese Aho (Timaru) is not ideal. But former talisman Jared Whitburn is back in the second row, and another year of development should continue to reveal Kinzett as a star of the future. Alipate Tuipolotu is a welcome arrival from Kurow, and he should form a nifty combination with Mason Kinzett and MacColl.
