What's to Come in Round One of the ITM Cup?
The first round of the ITM Cup marks the beginning of the competition and competitive rugby season in New Zealand. Every match counts, as the teams only play 13 games before the competition moves into the second round. Canterbury will be looking to make it three straight titles in a row, while last year’s runners-up, Wellington, will be interested in finally getting their name on the trophy.
Canterbury vs. Hawke’s Bay
Canterbury will open up their title defence against Hawke’s Bay at home in Christchurch on Friday. This may be the best chance Hawke’s Bay will get to defeat the strong Canterbury side, as they are suffering from a number of injuries. Both teams are expected to finish in the top six this season, and this will be a quick test for both sides.
Manawatu vs. Southland
Manawatu will be at home to open the season against Southland in FMG Stadium in Palmerston North. Manawatu may have trouble with the Southland side as they also are suffering from injury woes. Southland has been improving every year, and they should be able to take the match-up in time for next week’s derby.
Counties Manukau vs. Otago
Counties finds themselves at home in Pukekohe to open 2010 against Otago. Otago possesses a better core of forwards heading into the match, but have had a great deal of trouble defeating a tough Counties team at home over the past few seasons. This should be a tight match-up as Manukau looks to have put together their strongest side in some time.
Waikato vs. Bay of Plenty
In one of the weeks premier match-ups, Waikato takes on the Bay of Plenty. Waikato will enjoy home field advantage at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton.
In the seasons first derby, Bay and Waikato are expected to storm out of the gate in the 2010 season. With local pride, and bragging rights up for grabs, expect these two sides to bring their A-game.
Bay of Plenty had a great pre-season, winning all three of their match-ups, while Waikato did not have such an easy time, beating Auckland, but losing to Taranaki.
It should be a hard fought match, with Waikato possessing the edge on paper. The home side should take this meeting. However, anticipate a very close finish; perhaps the tightest of the weekend.
North Harbour vs. Auckland
North Harbour welcomes Auckland to North Shore City to open their season. North Harbour could be a surprise this season as they have welcomed a great deal of youngsters from the under-20 side. If these young-guns are able to pull it together early on in the round-robin, they could provide the cup season with a couple of upsets.
Auckland looks poised to challenge for third position this year and is hoping they can return to the form that earned them the Air New Zealand Cup in 2007.
This will be a hard fought match, as both teams will be challenged early in the season. Although the Auckland side looks better on paper, and has fewer question marks, North Harbour should benefit from being at home. Expect a tight match, that Auckland may be able to take on.
Wellington vs. Tasman
Wellington will open up their season in Westpac stadium, at home in the nations capital. The Makos have not been able to put together a good season since they finished 6th in 2006. Conversely, Wellington has a strong side every year and look to be outstanding at the back end this year.
In the last game of the week, expect Wellington to handle Tasman easily, using the match to prepare for their all important derby next week with Southland.
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