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A Taniela Moa fan - Source: Photosport -
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The 2010 Super 14 team announcements on Wednesday revealed few surprises but there are 10 players that can consider themselves extremely unlucky.
1. Taniela Moa (Auckland)
Taniela Moa's incredible fall from grace was confirmed on Wednesday when the Blues opted for North Harbour halfback Chris Smylie as the backup to Alby Mathewson for 2010. Indeed the writing was on the wall for Moa when the Auckland franchise made a move for Mathewson in the first place, but it wasn't so long ago that Moa was flown to South Africa as cover for the All Blacks. When on form, the 24-year-old remains one of the most talented number nines in the country but his best prospects, after not being picked up in the draft, are now seemingly overseas.
2. Onosa'i Auva'a (Auckland)
It's hard to believe that Auckland tearaway Onosa'I Auva'a is not among the top 10 openside flankers in the country. The much touted draft-man, Serge Lilo, and promising Harbour scavenger Tom Chamberlain are the Blues' number seven options for 2010 but chuck a ball on the ground and Auva'a would quite possibly beat both of them to it.
3. Ryan Shortland (Otago)
Michael Witt may have grabbed all the headlines when he switched to rugby but his Otago team-mate, Ryan Shortland, was the league convert that really impressed this season. The centre or wing three-quarter has a good eye for a gap and the pace to back it up - was unlucky to not be a Highlander.
4. Karne Hesketh (Otago)
Talking of Highlanders what does Karne Hesketh have to do to land a Super 14 contract? This guy, with his low centre of gravity, is one the hardest guys to tackle in New Zealand and has that x-factor that cannot be taught.
5. Mark Bright (Tasman)
The burly number eight is a dynamic ball carrier, much in the mould of Thomas Waldrom, and his form in the Air NZ Cup was influential in the Tasman Makos making a brave charge for the playoffs. Bright deserved a Super 14 spot for 2010 but at the end of the day his age, 31, probably counted against him.
6. Jack Lam (Waikato)
Waikato's find of the season was snubbed by the Chiefs, perhaps predictably, for Bay of Plenty's two tearaways: Tanerau Latimer and Luke Braid. However Lam clearly has a bright future and should be in the picture, somewhere, come 2011.
7. George Naoupu (Hawke's Bay)
Drafted to the Highlanders last year but the rise and rise of the Southland pack clearly did him no favours this time round. Was played out of position as a lock forward a lot this season and this ultimately derailed his chances.
8. Lachie Munro (Northland)
Lachie Munro may have his detractors, particularly in the Auckland region, but the former Blues first five-eight still had a fine Air NZ Cup season in a struggling team. David Holwell's third coming shifted Munro to the wing for the latter part of the season but, like Colin Slade, showed he had the skills that the modern day game demands. Still only 22 years old, the message to Munro should be: Bulk up and don't give up.
9. Scott Cowan (Southland)
The shadow of Jimmy must have come close to be preferred over Otago's Sean Ramos as the Highlanders' back-up halfback. While Scott doesn't offer the robust defence his brother brings to the table, he undeniably possesses a snappier pass and in some people's books this make him better than his namesake.
10. James King (North Harbour)
The Harbour man was a tower of strength this season in a struggling team. Has the core skills of a top lock and rips around the field with the intent of a loose-forward. Surely his time will come.
Who do you think was the most unlucky to miss out on a Super 14 contract? Feel free to comment below.
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Post new commenttalkstuff said on 2009-11-13 @ 09:39 NZDT: Report abusive post
I think that Charlie Ngatai was incredibly unlucky, and mainly because of the ridiculous NZRFU rules on 18 year olds. Had he had the time on the feild, he would have easily made a super 14 squad. As it is, he has to wait another year to play super 14 when players like Zac Guildford have had a lot more oppurtunity at the same age.
Sixties said on 2009-11-13 @ 09:21 NZDT: Report abusive post
I agree, forget Moa, but Munro and King should have got a go!
Bryce83 said on 2009-11-13 @ 08:39 NZDT: Report abusive post
What about Jonny Leota from the Turbos? A solid performer in both Super 14 and Air New Zealand Cup.
Stag Man said on 2009-11-12 @ 16:04 NZDT: Report abusive post
Forget Moa but I think the Stags Glen Horton and Pehi Te Wahre should have been in there!