2011 New Zealand Nationals – players to watch

There seems to be a growing pool of Sevens talent in New Zealand at the moment and most of it will be on display this weekend at the National Provincial Sevens in Queenstown.

Here are some of the players that we think will feature prominently.

Tomasi Cama (Manawatu)

Tomasi Cama senior played sevens for Fiji and his son has become one of the best sevens players in the world. He is creative, tricky and plays with vision.

The Fiji Times recently reported that this would be Cama’s last season of sevens because he will be concentrating on securing a 15-a-side contract.

If this is true, then you just have to watch this guy I’m action for his province, Manawatu.

Bryce Heem (Auckland)

Heem burst onto the scene for the NZ Barbarians against the NZ Maori in the middle of last year showing great pace and elusiveness.

With his height, in sevens, he plays in the forwards but with his speed he can finish half breaks from anywhere.

He was included as one of 6 newcommers in Gotdon Teitjens New Zealand sevens team for the opening 2 events of the IRB World Series this season. He made the most of the opportunity scoring 7 tries in Dubai and South Africa.

Heem will be looking to add to that tally but will need to regain selection first by continuing his good form in Queenstown.

Matt Hodson (Bay of Plenty)

Hodson is a key play maker who combines very well with Bay of Plenty’s other little men. He is never far from the ball and has pace to go with vision and skill.

Hodson was selected in Gordon Teitjens’ Emerging NZ team that played the final at the Gold Coast Sevens. He was also a central figure in the Penguins side that won the Singapore Sevens in November.

With international experience and a solid track record, Hodson will be pushing for higher honors.

Paula Kinikinilau (Otago)

Like his older brother Roy, Paula has size, speed and strength. He plays at Centre in 15-a-side but is usually found doing the hard yards in sevens.

Kinikinilau was part of the Penguins team that won the Singapore Sevens. He showed great strength and defense to bold out the physical South African forwards.

He will combine with exciting backs Buxton Popali’i and Fetu Vainakolo in Queenstown and should be a big performer.

Warwick Lahmert (Taranaki)

Lahmert is a regular at the nationals. He led the Horowhenua-Kapiti attack superbly last year to an upset over Auckland in the Bowl final.

He has good pre-Christmas form with Taranaki, winning the Gold Coast 7s and then with Horowhenua-Kapiti making the semis at the Singapore 7s.

Combining with new international Jackson Ormond, Beauden Barrett and Cody Rei, Lahmert should blossom with the amber and blacks.

Johnny Leota (Manawatu)

Leota is a powerful centre in the 15-a-side game who experienced super rugby with the Highlanders in 2009.

Injury stifled his progress in 2010 but will be keen to resurrect his career in 2011.

That said, Leota was in need of a little more fitness when we saw him last week in Mt Maunganui. Perhaps he was a little slow to get back to training after his off-season marriage to netball star, Liana Barrett-Chase.

But with Tomasi Cama playing for Manawatu, and last week under his belt, this could be a great stage for Leota to progress his comeback.

Willie McGoon (Canterbury)

McGoon has a distinctive haircut with a handful of rats tails out the back. Perhaps they help his balance because he is quick.

Canterbury have not been particularly committed to sevens in recent yeas but the team they sent to the Bay of Plenty tournament last week was very capable and McGoon was a standout, scoring a bunch of tries.

He is quick and strong and we are likely to see more of this guy – starting with the Nationals this weekend.

David Raikuna (Counties-Manukau)

Raikuna was a star at the Singapore Sevens in early November and continued that form in Mt Maunganui last week.

He joined the Steelers last year and plays on the wing where he is just another who has speed and strength but in sevens he is a potential star.

Unfortunately, Fritz Lee and Sherwin Stowers are now with suer rugby franchises and so not available for sevens but hopefully Cou ties-Manukau will find ways of getting the ball to Raikuna in space.

Cody Rei (Taranaki)

The young Taranaki wing is a great sevens player. He was part of the Taranaki team that won the Gold Coast Sevens in November.

He is likely to get several opportunities this week, benefitting from the space created by Warwick Lahmert and Beauden Barrett around the ruck.

Casonova Soane (North Otago)

I haven’t seen this guy play but felt he should be included for no other reason than to put a face to the name …

Michael Tambour (Horowhenua Kapiti)

Tambour is rangy, quick and strong. He had a good showing at the Singapore Sevens before Xmas and again last week in Mt Maunganui.

He will not have Warwick Lahmert to feed off this time around but with an experienced and committed team, he will find space. He will also put the tackles in and chase down most of those who try to go around him.

Nafi Tuitavake (North Harbour)

Tuitavake is a great player. He is very strong and has a wicked sidestep.

The powerful winger has been in and out of the New Zealand 7s team for the past 2 years and captained the Penguins to victory at the Singapore 7s.

Tuitavake was selected in the Blues super rugby training squad for 2011 but looks to be available for the Nationals.

He will combine with new international Jack McPhee and Ken Pisi in one of the most formidible backines in the tournament.

Fetu Vainakolo (Otago)

Vainakolo is not a large man but he is very quick and exciting.

He is a threat from anywhere on the field with a wicked side-step and the pace to score from 100 metres out.

Otago have a strong side this year so he should see plenty of ball with Paula Kinikinilau making breaks and Buxton Popali’i inside him.

Vainakolo is a good bet to score a lot of tries this weekend.

The full team lists as published on the National Sevens website are:

North Harbour
Coach: Geoff Alley
Managaer: Gavin Leonard
Trainer: Carl Gooding
Physio: Pete Matheson

2 Jimmy Tuivaiti
3 Jerome Niumata
4 Chris Smith
5 Theo Hermans
8 Ben Botica
9 Phillip Tuigamala
10 Luke Hamilton (C)
10 Jack McPhee
12 Marc Camburn
13 Nafi Tuitavake
14 Ken Pisi
15 Dennis Pili

North Otago
Coach: Jason Forrest
Asst Coach: Barry Mathews Medic: Alister Murdoch
Manager: Duncan Kingan

6 Taula Fonokalafi
7 Uilisoni Tahitua
8 Iti Tofigala
9 Omega Masoe
11 Tyron Davies
12 Roma Sefo
13 Faaitu Tuamoheloa
14 Sione Pangata’a
15 Billy Guyton(C)
20 Casonova Soane
21 Chris Toalanoa
22 Fiaosi Folau

Otago
Coach: Mike Moeahu
Ass Coach: Dean Moeahu
Manager: Sean Wheeler Physio: Adam Lin
Trainer: Andrew Keen

6 Simon Knight,
7 Logan Moore
8 Josh Clark
9 Buxton Popoali
10 Jone Paumau (C)
11 Fetu Vainikolo
12 Matt Faddes
13 Marshall Suckling
14 Paula Kinikinilau
15 Peter Breen
17 Hanipale Galo
22 Tony Ensor

South Canterbury
Coach: Mick Smale
Asst Coach: Greg de Joux
Manager: Cam Kilgour
Medical Manager:
Michael Lang
Water: Willie Wright
Logan Surridge

4 Kali Latu
5 Andrew Scarlett
9 Sekope Maea
10 Jarad Trevathan (C)
11 Tevita Latu
12 Pat Tupola
13 Kurt Rooney
14 Maile Iongi
15 James Owen
20 Nick Strachan
21 Davie Taufa / Miles Medlicott
22 Steven Burt

Tasman
Coach: Gary Stevens
Manager: Mike Kerrisk
Trainer: Simon Thomas
Physio: Debra Betsworth

2 Shane Christie
7 Jack Umaga
8 Joe Stewart
9 Willis Scott
10 Dan Hawkins
11 Faou Tiueti
12 Sione Holani
14 Matt Jackett
15 Eliot Smith
19 Mitchell Scott
20 Kim Bateman
21 James Lowe

Taranaki
Coach: Clark Laidlaw
Manager: Mike Collins
Physio: Andrew Larkim

1 Riki Hoeata
2 Heiden Bedwell Curtis
3 Kane Barrett
4 Warwick Lahmert
5 Brett Goodin
6 Jackson Ormond
7 Waisake Naholo
8 Kylem O’Donnell
9 Cody Rei (C)
10 Beauden Barrett
13 Kelvin Smith
15 Samu Vunisa

Waikato
Coach: Waisiki Masirewa
Coach: Roger Randle
Manager: David Fox
Asst Manager: Naru Miyaura Physio: Pip McCracken
Trainer: Todd Barker

6 Steve Ketu (C)
8 Rory Grice
9 David Bason
10 Trent Renata
11 Ryan Meacham / Uwa Tawala
12 Declan O’Donnell
13 Mark Murray
14 Frank Halai
15 Glen Robertson
19 Jordan Smiler
20 Jono Malo
21 Tyron Childs

Wellington
Coach: Tom Martin
Coach: Hannes Venter
Trainer: Mark Bradshaw
Physio: Glen Ward
Manager: Greg Waugh

1 Leka Tuapula
2 Ofa Pongi
3 Mitch Andrews
5 George Tilsley
6 Matt Proctor
7 Tipene Kamakorewa
8 Paris Winiata
9 Knox Delaicautata
10 Luke Harvey
11 Ryan Setafano
12 Api Naikatini

Auckland
Coach: Wayne Pivac
Manager: Derek Sampson
Physio: Candice Erkkila
William Geel

1 Ed Cocker
2 Hadleigh Parkes
3 Bryce Heem
4 Iosua Timoteo
5 Rocky Khan
6 Malakai Fetitoa
7 Jonah Tuitoga
8 Joe Tupo
9 Tom Iosefo
10 Russell Dobbie
11 Tenina Sauileoge
12 Jarek Goebel

Bay of Plenty
Coach: Peter Woods
Manager: Ray Peacock
Physio: Damian Banks
Trainer: James Porter

1 Lance McDonald
2 Scott Curry
3 Dan Waenga
4 Adam McGarvey
5 Chad Tuoro
6 Mathew Hodson
7 Ruki Tipuna
8 Jason Hona
9 Sekeli Bola
10 Chris Elvin
11 Solomon King
12 Wayne Hughson

Canterbury
Coach: Chris Neill
Manager: Paul Fremaux
Trainer: Jason Tiatia
Physio: Michael Ravenwood

Jack Wilson
Matt Moulds
Bernie Hall
Lawerence Babe
Mike Davis
Sam Lemalie
Nathan Robinson
Sam Monaghan
Patrick Osborne
Willie McGoon
Johnny McNicoll
Junior Salevao

Counties Manukau
Coach: Reon Graham
Assistant Coach: Joeli Vendiri
Physio: Kev McQuoid
Manager: Craig Wilcox

1 Mark Selwyn
2 Siose Tuatau
3 Tekori Leturu
4 Manoa Lesavua
5 Sekili Nabou
6 Viliami Fihaki
7 Ray Lee Lo
8 David Raikuna
9 Jamie Jerry Taulagi
10 Kaino Kaino
11 Richie Achong
12 Hayden Steed

Hawkes Bay
Coach: Murdoch Paewai
Manager: Conrad Waitoa
Asst Manager: Leighton Ashcroft
Trainer: Karl Bloxham
Physio: Mark Nicol

1 Mathew Gordon
2 Billy Ropiha
3 Adam Bradey (c)
4 Brad Weber
5 Star Timu
6 Gillies Kaka
7 Jacob Kennedy (vc)
8 Ihaia West
9 Brad Nicol
10 Isaac Paewai
11 Michael Ruru
12 Tivaini Fomai

Horowhenua Kapiti
Coach: Charles Aliva
Manager: Brett Karipa
Asst Manager: Hayden Beissel
Physio: Jason Milburn

1 Ashley Drake
2 Antony Fox
4 Kenny Edwards
5 Adam Vardey
6 Manaia Osborne
7 Michael Tambour
8 Gary Phelps
9 Anaru Haerewa
10 Willie Paia’aua
11 Carter Hirini
12 James Ross
13 Hayden Davis

Manawatu
Coach: Paul Claridge
Manager: Mike Dravitski
Hydrologist: Stu Ross
Trainer: Scott Pinfold

1 Callum Gibbons
2 Adrian Curry
3 Bertus Mulder
4 Aseli Tikoirotuma
5 Tomasi Cama
6 Lloyd Carter
7 Johnny Leota
8 Paul Tietjens
9 Lewis Marshall
10 Caleb Kahupukuroa
11 Karl Bryson
12 Daniel Smith

Northland
Coach/Manager: JT Thomas Manager: Peter Nock
Trainer: Nick Collins

1 Reece TeNana
2 Brodie Marron
3 Sam Collins
4 Cam Goodhue
5 Troy Lobendan
6 Dan McCully
7 Iwi Hauraki
8 Kolio Hifo
9 Zar Lawrence
10 Saxon Samuels
11 Brook Gilmore
12 Matt White