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Young talent to watch in this year’s Mitre 10 Cup
Every year new talent emerges on this domestic platform, before accelerating onto higher honours quickly.
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That is the beauty of the Mitre 10 Cup, where careers can be launched to the pinnacle of the sport. After one season with Canterbury in 2016, Jordie Barrett was playing for the All Blacks the following year. Last year’s sensation, Asafo Aumua was catapulted into the All Blacks before he’d even played Super Rugby.
With New Zealand’s domestic competition kicking off this week, here are some of the top young talents to watch in this year’s Mitre 10 Cup that are destined for higher honours.
Quinn Tupaea – Waikato – Second-five
Tupaea was named in Waikato’s squad and could assume a starting role in a resurgent Waikato team. The Hamilton Boys High School product was the New Zealand schoolboys captain last year and was called over to France as cover for the New Zealand under-20s during the Junior World Cup campaign.
The midfielder possesses upper body strength and fleet-footed agility, making him a powerful carrying option that can find space and the gain line. Even at such a young age, Tupaea has the potential breakthrough the Mitre 10 Cup and push for a Chiefs squad spot next year with the departure of Charlie Ngatai.
Ngane Punivai – Canterbury – Centre/Wing
Punivai is two years removed from playing at Christs College in Christchurch where he was a standout alongside his younger brother Isaiah in the backs. He played fullback for the New Zealand schoolboys in 2016 and has been involved with the New Zealand under-20s.
The Crusaders have nurtured the local product through their academy, and he now is ready for his debut provincial season with Canterbury. Head coach Joe Maddock gave an indication that he expects Punivai to get plenty of game time on the wing this season.
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“At just 19, Ngane has come through the schools’ and academy system and while he’s a natural centre, we believe he also has plenty of potential to be a powerful winger for us this year,” Maddock said.
Will Jordan – Tasman – Fullback
The Christchurch Boys High fullback had a breakout Mitre 10 Cup campaign in 2017 with Tasman last year, after returning from the World under-20 championships with New Zealand.
Jordan was a star for the Makos, showing an unbelievable ability to shed tackles and break open a game.
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He was signed to the Crusaders Super Rugby squad for 2018 but wasn’t able to see any game time this year. He will be fizzing to get back on the field and with the arrival of Chiefs star Solomon Alaimalo, the Makos will have an electrifying back three with the Fainganuuku brothers that will be one of the best in the competition.
Ere Enari – Canterbury – Halfback
The nephew of All Blacks Michael Jones and Eroni Clarke has been a highly touted prospect for a while, but hasn’t yet had the chance to shine. He made nine appearances for Canterbury in 2016, but wasn’t to be seen last year as he dealt with a broken leg.
The 21-year-old also spent time with the New Zealand under-20’s squad under Scott Robertson, but was unable to see playing time. A former St Kentigern pupil, Enari could finally breakout in this year’s Mitre 10 Cup with another halfback Jack Stratton leaving.
Mitch Drummond will likely start for the defending champions, but Enari could see more time off the bench and deputise for Drummond should they rest him.
Leicester Faingaanuku– Tasman – Wing
The younger of the Faingaanuku brothers, Leicester, signed his first full-time professional contract while still at school at Nelson College. The winger was in the Tasman academy at such a young age, and has been fast-tracked due to the talent he possessed.
With NRL teams lurking, the Makos put a plan in place to proactively keep their young local star. The hulking left wing is a similar mould to Julian Savea, with power running and finishing among his strongest traits. He played for the New Zealand schoolboys last year and will be an intriguing prospect to watch in his first season of Mitre 10 Cup.
Luke Jacobson – Waikato – Loose Forward
Jacobson has been an age grade representative since his schoolboy days, going on to captain the New Zealand under-20’s to a title last year at the World Rugby under-20 championships.
The 21-year-old was able to debut in Super Rugby this year following a serious injury toll that struck the Chiefs, playing in 13 games. Heading into his second Mitre 10 Cup campaign, Jacobson looks placed to have a great season after gaining Super Rugby experience.
The young loose forward will also benefit from the tutelage of new head coach and former loosie Jono Gibbes.
Devan Flanders – Hawkes Bay
The Hawkes Bay have a large contingent of young stars, bolstered by Hastings Boys High School who have set the standard of 1st XV rugby in the last two seasons.
One of those players is Number 8 Devan Flanders, who was the youngest player in the New Zealand under-20’s this year. A former 100-metre sprint champ, Flanders is an athletic Number 8 that provides a lineout option at set piece. He is dangerous with ball in hand, capable of making tough carries in tight or featuring out wide.
After a World Rugby under-20 championship campaign, Flanders is ready for a debut Mitre 10 Cup season just one year after finishing school.
Etene Nanai-Seturo – Counties
A prodigious talent, 18-year-old Etene Nanai-Seturo will likely be an immediate star should he debut for Counties this season.
One of the best athletic talents seen in a generation, the young fullback could embarrass a few elder statesmen should he get on the field.
His first year of professional rugby has seen him fly around the globe on the World Sevens circuit with New Zealand. He was ruled out of the Sevens World Cup in San Francisco but could feature for Counties after being named in their squad last week.
These are just a handful of the young, intriguing prospects who will be fast-risers in the New Zealand system.
They won’t be the only ones however, with names like Kini Naholo, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Tom Christie and Danny Toala all possible stars of the future featuring in this year’s Mitre 10 Cup.
Comments on RugbyPass
Some dumb selections there. Not Porecki Not Donaldson Not Gordon Not Lonegran - both Not Nic White - Fines instead Not Liam Wright Not Paisami Definitely not Vunivalu Other than that not bad.
1 Go to commentsI've never been convinced that Patty T is a test match all black. Otherwise I probably agree it's the best side available to beat the poms. Caveat that Codie Taylor is yet to be seen and could very likely warrant selection by June. I hope that Razor brings the young loosies, half backs and locks into the training squad and develops/ selects the best
7 Go to commentsYou doing the same thing I disliked about the example of Samisoni Taukei'aho, Nick. He’s great the way he is, you’re trying to do what modern-day coaches frustrate me doing, turning everyone into the perfect athlete. Next thing you’ll be telling me you’ll bench him until he’s hit that arbitrary marker, and can’t overtake the current guy who’s doing all his workons. He’s a young Kieran Read, through and through, plays wide and has threat, mainly (and evident in your clips) through his two hand carry and speed. Just let him work on that, or whatever he wants, and determine his own future. Play God and you risk the players going sideways, like Read did, instead of being a Toutai Kefu. I mean I was in the same camp for a while, wanting our tight five to have the size, and carry ability, as the teams they were getting beat by. Now I’m starting to believe those teams just have better skilled and practiced individuals, bigger by upwards of 5kg sometimes, sure, but more influentially they have those intrinsic skills of trust and awareness. Basically our guys just didn’t know wtf they were doing. Don’t think I’m trying to prove a point here but hasn’t Caleb Clarke been in much better form this year, or does he just ‘look’ better now that he’s not always trying to use his size?
44 Go to commentsThe pack lacks a little in height for the line out and I wouldn’t be completely convinced by some of the combinations till we see it in action.
7 Go to commentsThe side is good but lacks experience. International playing bona fides udually trumps super rugby form for good reason. And incumbents are usually stuck with. Codie Taylor should start or come off the bench. B Barrett will start at fullback. Blackadder has not earned the position, Finau has. TJs experience and competitiveness earns him a starting role, Christie or Ratima off the bench
7 Go to commentsPretty good side. Scott Barrett should be the captain. Ethan Blackadder a great choice at blindside. He is going to go from strength to strength having made a couple of starts for the Crusaders. Scott Robertson rates him highly. Perenara could start a no 9.
7 Go to commentsI question and with respect. Was enough done over the last few years to bring through new blood knowing the Whitelocks and co couldn’t last forever. There should have been more done to future proof the team. New squad new coach, he and they weren’t set up well. IMO
6 Go to commentsJacobsen will definitely be in the 23
7 Go to commentsLots of discussion points, Ben, but two glaring follies IMO: 1. Blackadder at 6. Has done nothing so far this season to justify his selection. Did you see him going backwards in contact at the weekend? Simply has not got the physical presence at 6: we need a Scott Barrett or a Finau (or wildcard Ah Kuoi), beasts who are big enough to play lock, like Frizzell. If Barret played at 6, Paddy could be joined at lock by Vai’i or one of the young giants we need to promote, like Darry or Lord (if he ever gets on the field). Blackadder best left to join the queue for 7. 2. Not even a mention for Christie? Ratima gets caught at crucial times at the back of the ruck when he hesitates on the pass. The only way he starts would be if Christie and TJ are injured.
7 Go to commentsWhat a dagg in more ways than one
6 Go to commentsRegroup come back next year but sack some of the coaching team and don't be like the ABs last minute sacking. If Crusaders don't do well ABs don't do well.
5 Go to commentsProctor Definitely inform again this year had a hell of a season last year and this year is looking even better. Still mixed feelings about Ioane tho.
4 Go to commentsDagg is still trying to get enough headlines to make himself relevant enough to get a job. The Crusaders went back to square one at all levels. Shelve this season and nail the next one.
6 Go to commentsHe was in such great form. Sad for him but only a short term injury and it will be great to see him back for the finals.
1 Go to commentsAfter their 5/0 start, I had the Crusaders to finish Top 4 only…they lost the plot in Perth but will reload and back themselves vs 4th placed Rebels…
5 Go to commentsBoth nations missed a great opportunity to book a game that would have had a lot of interest from around the world. I understand these games can’t be organised in 5 minutes but they should have found a way to make it happen. I don’t think Wales are ducking anyone but it’s a bad look haha.
3 Go to commentsIt will be fascinating to see the effect that Jo Yapp has. If they can compete with Canada and give BFs a run for their money that will be progress
1 Go to commentsFollowing his dream and putting in the work. Go well young fella!
3 Go to commentsPerhaps filling Twickenham is one of Mitchell’s KPIs. I doubt whether both September matches will be at Twickenham on consecutive weekends. I would take the BF one to a large provincial stadium so as not to give them the advantage and experience of playing at Twickenham before a large crowd prior to the RWC.
3 Go to commentsvery unfortunate for Kitshoff, but big opportunity potentially for Nché to prove he is genuinely the best loosehead in the world, rather than just a specialist finisher. Presuming that if Kitshoff is out, it will also give Steenekamp a chance to come into the 23? Or are others likely to be ahead of him?
1 Go to comments