New Zealand derbies announced for Super Rugby 2012 - Rugby News
All five New Zealand Super Rugby derbies have publicised their squads for the forthcoming season of the Super Rugby championship kicking of next year. Super Rugby 2012 will get underway with the inaugural match between Blues and Crusaders on February 24,
in Eden Park Auckland. General Manager New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) Neil Sorensen confirmed on November 2, that all the domestic sides have unveiled their combinations for the six month long event. Some 28 new players have been lined up by franchises including
five overseas players.
Super Rugby 15 is one of the largest tournaments of Rugby Union that lasts for more than five months without any intervals. The event is largely criticised by various circles for its longevity and intensity, which often results an immense numbers of injuries.
Super Rugby championship, played in 2011, had created similar situation for the Sanzar nations in general and for Springboks in particular.
At least 23 Boks’ players sustained various injuries at the end of this years’ championship and ultimately they were sidelined from the Tri-Nations Cup. Apart from the extra ordinary length, the event has become very popular in the member countries and large
numbers of supporters follow the whole season.
Neil Sorensen told the media about the fresh status of NZRU’s derbies and said that, teams look stronger than the previous tournament. He added that, “These five Investec Super Rugby teams are the strongest and most exciting we have ever seen straight off
the back of a Rugby World Cup year.”
The general manager also stated that, “It's reassuring that while some of our senior players are taking the next phase of their rugby careers offshore - the depth of talent available to Super Rugby selectors this year has been impressive.”
Among the new faces included for the first time in the championship, five players have been imported from abroad whereas others have been selected from ITM Cup 2011 performers.
Highlanders were the latest side to be publicised on November 2.
Highlanders: Kurt Baker, Josh Bekhuis, Jimmy Cowan, Nick Crosswell, Elliot Dixon, Tamati Ellison, Ma'afu Fia, Hosea Gear, John Hardie, James Haskell, Jarrad Hoeata, Andrew h**e, Chris King, Kendrick Lynn, Jamie Mackintosh, Nasi Manu, Bronson
Murray, Chris Noakes, Siale Piutau, Kade Poki, Culum Retallick, Jason Rutledge, Colin Slade, Aaron Smith, Ben Smith, Lima Sopoaga, Adam Thomson, Doug Tietjens, Shaun Treeby, Telusa Veainu
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