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.
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.
“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.
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
Ardie’s preferred position 7? Where do they get these writers from? I've no idea where he's playing in Japan, but the previous two seasons he wore the 7 jersey exactly twice.
17 Go to commentsNot good to hear Ulster described as “financially troubled”. Did not think it was getting to that level. I would hope the Irish system of spreading players of talent away from Leinster would kick in now. Better to have a Leinster fringe player with Ulster or Connacht, then getting only a few games a season in Dublin. 10, for example, would seem to be a case for spreading the talent. I would not be at all adverse to a SA man coming in as head coach/DR. Ludeke is worth trying. Certainly got a long and impressive coaching career at this level…..149 games in SR, then Japan, 30 years experience. And Ulster’s ledger of successful SA coaches and players is on the positive side. Is talk of Ruan Pienaar interested in coming back as a coach…..could be a good combination with Ludeke. And Pienaar and family would have no settling in to do, one would judge. He loved life in Ulster when there, by all reports.
1 Go to commentsSome thoughts to consider here, Sam. Thanks
2 Go to commentsI think he is right, SBW is respected in RSA. The guy who never stood up is a worm. Sseems lots of NZ SBW hate, you do the crime do the time.
11 Go to commentsAfter missing the curfew, the player was simply too “Shagged” to stand up.
11 Go to commentsVernier is probably the best 12 in the world though she has some English competition these days . I am nervous for England because it is unpredictable France and who knows which team will turn up, but they have not yet shown anything that should worry England, Saturday could be a different day. I would be more confident against the BFs.
1 Go to commentsWhat a difference Rodda and Carter made. Rodda has been out for ages but he is really the only world class lock in Australian rugby. Him, Carter and Beale made a huge difference on the weekend. If only they had a few decent props they’d be a much more dangerous team. Hamish Stewart was excellent last week as well. His carrying has improved significantly and has to be next in line after Paisami at 12 for the Wallabies. He’ll benefit hugely with Beale at fullback, there’s just no better communicator in Australian rugby than him and his experience will make a huge difference for the Force. No one sees space like Beale and he’s still sharp. I can see Force making a late charge into the top 8 if they can get some consistency.
2 Go to commentsRodda will be a walk up starter at lock. Frost if you analyse his dominance has little impact and he’s a long way from being physical enough, especially when you compare to Rodda and the work he does. He was quite poor at the World Cup in his lack of physicality. Between Rodda and Skelton we would have locks who can dominate the breakdown and in contact. Frost is maybe next but Schmidt might go for a more physical lock who does their core work better like Ryan or LSL. Swain is no chance unless there’s a load of injuries. Pollard hasn’t got the scrum ability yet to be considered. Nasser dominated him when they went toe to toe and really showed him up. Picking Skelton effects who can play 6 and 8. Ideally Valetini would play 6 as that’s his best position and Wilson at 8 but that’s not ideal for lineout success. Cale isn’t physical enough yet in contact and defence but is the best backrow lineout jumper followed by Wright, Hanigan and Swinton so unfortunately Valetini probably will start at 8 with Wright or Hanigan at 6. Wilson on the bench, he’s got too much quality not to be in the squad. Paisami is leading the way at 12 but Hamish Stewart is playing extremely well also and his ball carrying has improved significantly. Beale is also another option based on the weekend. Beale is class but he’s also the best communicator of any Australian backline player and that can’t be underestimated, he’ll be in the mix.
8 Go to commentsWhy do people keep on picking Ardie at 7 when he's a ball in hand 8? A modern 7 is the lead tackler and ruck clearer which isn't his strength.
14 Go to commentsSly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
11 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
2 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
2 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
8 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
8 Go to commentsYeah but who was it?
11 Go to commentsThink you might have written this just before the Brumbies got thrashed last weekend
8 Go to commentsI really do believe that Billy Proctor should be selected at least in the larger squad but also it would be my choice at 13, much more a center than Ioane who can still play at wing. Roigard if fit should play, otherwise it should be Perenara or Christie. Also, Iose could deserve a spot at blindside. Of course, being a Canes supporter I’m biased but I really believe that at least Billy P is deserving a chance and being Holland one of the Selectors, I’m having a little hope he could grab it.
14 Go to commentsI would not play Swinton I’d pick Wright or Hanigan. The rest are decent starters, but can’t agree on any subs except Tupou. My take on the subs: Gibbon, Ueslese, Tupou, LSL, Wilson, White, Will Harrison, and Petaia.
8 Go to commentsSBW the biggest moron to pull on a black jersey a park footy player at best
11 Go to comments