With the start of the 2020 Super Rugby season fast approaching, the five New Zealand-based teams have locked in their final squads. Beauden Barret’s move from the Hurricanes to the Blues headlines all signings while position swaps and an increase in young talent will make for an intriguing start to the season.
While there weren’t an abundance of blockbuster signings, the Blues’ acquisition of Barret – the former World Rugby Player of the Year – was significant.
The Auckland-based side, who haven’t seen playoff action in eight years, also granted the request of Reiko Ioane to move from No.11 to No.13. The move comes only four years into the promising career of Ioane, who lost his spot as a winger in the All Blacks Test side after an underwhelming year.
Meanwhile, the reigning three-peat champion Crusaders, have suffered a myriad of losses including Ryan Crotty, Kieran Read, Matt Todd, Israel Dagg and former captain Sam Whitelock.
This experience loss of a combined 497 Test caps may make the team from Christchurch an easier beat in 2020 as their future success now rests on the shoulders of returning youngsters such as Will Jordan, Sevu Reece, Ethan Blackadder, and Billy Harmon.
The Highlanders are another team that will be without key players from previous years of success. Ben Smith and Waisake Nahalo are the most notable of these departures among several other All Blacks that have moved on for various reasons.
The 2015 champions have been on a steady decline, barely scraping into the playoffs last season, although have made some strong additions in Teariki Ben-Nicholas, Zane Kapeli, Jesse Parete and Sione Misiloi.
Without a direct replacement for Barret at flyhalf, the Hurricanes have instead bolstered other areas with the signing of South African Kobus Van-Wyke – a rare cross-border switch within Super Rugby.
Also suffering a significant loss are the Chiefs, whose forward lineup will be weakened with the absence of Brodie Retallick in the second row. But an exciting backline revamp including the likes of Quinn Tupaea, Kini Naholo and Kaleb Trask will make the Chiefs a fun team to watch in season 2020.
Backs
Finlay Christie (15), Sam Nock (22), Jonathan Ruru (27), Beauden Barrett (125), Otere Black (36), Jack Heighton (*), Stephen Perofeta (15), Harry Plummer (16), TJ Faiane (30), Rieko Ioane (48), Joe Marchant (*), Tanielu Tele’a (9), Caleb Clarke (13), Matt Duffie (41), Jordan Hyland (7), Emoni Narawa (*), Jared Page (*), Mark Telea (*).
Forwards
Kurt Eklund (*), Ray Niuia (1), James Parsons (105), Alex Hodgman (33), Ezekiel Lindenmuth (2), Sione Mafileo (41), Marcel Renata (8), Karl Tu’inukuafe (26), Ofa Tuungafasi (79), Gerard Cowley-Tuioti (43), Josh Goodhue (18), Jacob Pierce (2), Patrick Tuipulotu (67), Baden Wardlaw (*), Blake Gibson (40), Akira Ioane (64), Tony Lamborn (4), Dalton Papalii (21), Waimana Riedlinger-Kapa (*), Tom Robinson (15), Hoskins Sotutu (1), James Tucker (*).
Backs
Lisati Milo-Harris (*), Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi (42), Brad Weber (71), Aaron Cruden (114), Tiaan Falcon (3), Damian McKenzie (72), Kaleb Trask (*). Midfielders: Orbyn Leger (9), Anton Lienert-Brown (68), Tumua Manu (20), Alex Nankivell (21), Bailyn Sullivan (5), Solomon Alaimalo (37), Sam McNicol (12), Kini Naholo (*), Etene Nanai-Seturo (11), Shaun Stevenson (33), Quinn Tupaea (*), Sean Wainui (35).
Forwards
Nathan Harris (58), Bradley Slater (2), Samisoni Taukei’aho (22), Ryan Coxon (4), Nepo Laulala (64), Atu Moli (36), Reuben O’Neill (*), Aidan Ross (24), Angus Ta’avao (79), Naitoa Ah Kuoi (*), Tyler Ardron (26), Michael Allardice (40), Laghlan McWhannell (*), Lachlan Boshier (42), Mitchell Brown (31), Sam Cane (111), Pita Gus Sowakula (15), Luke Jacobson (21), Mitchell Karpik (19), Dylan Nel (*).
Backs
Jamie Booth (11), TJ Perenara (127), Jonathan Taumateine (10), Jackson Garden-Bachop (20), James Marshall (53), Fletcher Smith (22), Vince Aso (44), Jordie Barrett (48), Ngani Laumape (60), Jonah Lowe (3), Billy Proctor (1), Danny Toala (2), Peter Umaga-Jensen (5), Kobus Van Wyk (*), Wes Goosen (37), Ben Lam (38), Salesi Rayasi (5), Chase Tiatia (11).
Forwards
Asafo Aumua (15), Dane Coles (110), Ricky Riccitelli (56), Fraser Armstrong (22), Alex Fidow (4), Tyrel Lomax (30), Ben May (124), Xavier Numia (9), Pouri Rakete-Stones (*), James Blackwell (23), Devan Flanders (*), Kane Leaupepe (10), Liam Mitchell (12), Scott Scrafton (22), Isaia Walker-Leawere (18), Gareth Evans (67), Vaea Fifita (57), Du’Plessis Kirifi (15), Reed Prinsep (44), Ardie Savea (91), Murphy Taramai (*).
Backs
Mitchell Drummond (79), Ereatara Enari (5), Bryn Hall (84), Fergus Burke (*), Brett Cameron (6), Richie Mo’unga (57), Braydon Ennor (25), Jack Goodhue (44), Dallas McLeod (*), George Bridge (49), Leicester Faingaanuku (1), David Havili (75), Inga Finau (*), Will Jordan (9), Manasa Mataele (23), Fetuli Paea (*), Sevu Reece (14).
Forwards
Andrew Makalio (33), Brodie McAlister (*), Codie Taylor (77), Michael Alaalatoa (69), Harry Allan (12), George Bower (10), Oliver Jager (15), Joe Moody (82), Isileli Tuungafasi (4), Scott Barrett (68), Mitchell Dunshea (9), Luke Romano (123), Quinten Strange (25), Ethan Blackadder (7), Tom Christie (*), Whetukamokamo Douglas (22), Cullen Grace (*), Billy Harmon (8), Sione Havili (*), Ethan Roots (*), Tom Sanders (28).
Backs
Folau Fakatava (3), Kayne Hammington (42), Aaron Smith (137), Bryn Gatland (20), Mitchell Hunt (43), Joshua Ioane (22), Michael Collins (29), Ngane Punivai (2), Rob Thompson (50), Patelesio Tomkinson (21), Teihorangi Walden (34), Connor Garden-Bachop (*), Scott Gregory (*), Karisi Kuridrani (*), Josh McKay (6), Tevita Nabura (3), Jona Nareki (*), Thomas Umaga-Jensen (7).
Forwards
Liam Coltman (101), Ash Dixon (87), Ricky Jackson (1), Ethan De Groot (*), Josh Iosefa-Scott (1), Ayden Johnstone (15), Daniel Lienert-Brown (74), Jeff Thwaites (11), Siate Tokolahi (67), Josh Dickson (17), Pari Pari Parkinson (7), Manaaki Selby-Rickit (*), Jack Whetton (9), Teariki Ben-Nicholas (*), Shannon Frizell (27), Dillon Hunt (31), Zane Kapeli (*), James Lentjes (35), Marino Mikaele-tu’u (7), Sione Misiloi (*), Jesse Parete (24).
Anibal Pyro
Roar Rookie
Best 10s of SH, 1-BB, 2-JD, 3-Pollard, 4-Mounga, 5-Toomua, 6-Miotti. For me DM is a FB. Only one of the top three was a starter at 10 in the WC, and that team won.
BledisloeAsUsual
Guest
He also played 10 when Chiefs beat the Crusaders, so that’s some rarefied air
Anibal Pyro
Roar Rookie
Excellent question, for me, JD should be Wallabies 10 BY FAR!! I saw him against Jaguares. I just Google about him and I could not find anything
BledisloeAsUsual
Guest
Where’s Debreczeni gone? Was hoping he had some time to develop in NZ systems
ClarkeG
Roar Guru
No doubt they have the Robertson situation covered.
CUW
Roar Rookie
they are going to 7S i think next year Olympics and everyone will want to go for GOLD !!!
CUW
Roar Rookie
thats the problem with Blues - lots of bees but hardly a Hornet !!! :P
CUW
Roar Rookie
Mataele will get the easier games i think - i mean how can u not start a current all black ?? there is also Faingaanuku as the biggest wing :D but then there is that elephant in the room - what if RAZOR becomes the NZ coach come december ?? :D
CUW
Roar Rookie
Havili in the matches i saw played 12 for Tasman he has played there before and Jordan is very quick - just that he has been injured a lot in the last couple of years. and he has the same kicking boots Dagg had - easily hits it to 50meters ++
ClarkeG
Roar Guru
I recall Rennie saying, when he was still in NZ, that it was becoming increasingly hard to put together an adequate Super Rugby squad. Well, as hard as it was in his time, it must be a lot harder now.
ClarkeG
Roar Guru
Don't forget Mataele whose injury last season created the space for Reece.
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
So looking forward to seeing Seven's star Scott Gregory hopefully linking up with fellow Seven's campaigner Jona Nareki at the Landers.
Tooly
Roar Rookie
So what have we got ?
Old Bugger
Guest
And I stumble in no-one's shadow but I suspect, BB will go to FB and OB, will remain at No10. Oh, that's a lot of B's......
Old Bugger
Guest
Gees, I dunno CUW about Havili into No12 - they already have Braydon Ennor who is really a centre and not, a winger along with Jack Goodhue. It's gonna be a tough call for Razor.
CUW
Roar Rookie
i think this list is more clear - specially with players in each position segregated :D The 2020 Super Rugby season officially kicks off on 31 January. The full squads are (with Super Rugby caps): Blues Hookers: Kurt Eklund (*), Ray Niuia (1), James Parsons (105). Props: Alex Hodgman (33), Ezekiel Lindenmuth (2), Sione Mafileo (41), Marcel Renata (8), Karl Tu'inukuafe (26), Ofa Tuungafasi (79). Locks: Gerard Cowley-Tuioti (43), Josh Goodhue (18), Jacob Pierce (2), Patrick Tuipulotu (67), Baden Wardlaw (*). Loose forwards: Blake Gibson (40), Akira Ioane (64), Tony Lamborn (4), Dalton Papalii (21), Waimana Riedlinger-Kapa (*), Tom Robinson (15), Hoskins Sotutu (1), James Tucker (*). Halfbacks: Finlay Christie (15), Sam Nock (22), Jonathan Ruru (27). First five-eighths: Beauden Barrett (125), Otere Black (36), Jack Heighton (*), Stephen Perofeta (15), Harry Plummer (16). Midfielders: TJ Faiane (30), Rieko Ioane (48), Joe Marchant (*), Tanielu Tele'a (9). Outside backs: Caleb Clarke (13), Matt Duffie (41), Jordan Hyland (7), Emoni Narawa (*), Jared Page (*), Mark Telea (*). Chiefs Hookers: Nathan Harris (58), Bradley Slater (2), Samisoni Taukei'aho (22). Props: Ryan Coxon (4), Nepo Laulala (64), Atu Moli (36), Reuben O'Neill (*), Aidan Ross (24), Angus Ta'avao (79). Locks: Naitoa Ah Kuoi (*), Tyler Ardron (26), Michael Allardice (40), Laghlan McWhannell (*). Loose forwards: Lachlan Boshier (42), Mitchell Brown (31), Sam Cane (111), Pita Gus Sowakula (15), Luke Jacobson (21), Mitchell Karpik (19), Dylan Nel (*). Halfbacks: Lisati Milo-Harris (*), Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi (42), Brad Weber (71). First five-eighths: Aaron Cruden (114), Tiaan Falcon (3), Damian McKenzie (72), Kaleb Trask (*). Midfielders: Orbyn Leger (9), Anton Lienert-Brown (68), Tumua Manu (20), Alex Nankivell (21), Bailyn Sullivan (5). Outside backs: Solomon Alaimalo (37), Sam McNicol (12), Kini Naholo (*), Etene Nanai-Seturo (11), Shaun Stevenson (33), Quinn Tupaea (*), Sean Wainui (35). Hurricanes Hookers: Asafo Aumua (15), Dane Coles (110), Ricky Riccitelli (56). Props: Fraser Armstrong (22), Alex Fidow (4), Tyrel Lomax (30), Ben May (124), Xavier Numia (9), Pouri Rakete-Stones (*). Locks: James Blackwell (23), Devan Flanders (*), Kane Leaupepe (10), Liam Mitchell (12), Scott Scrafton (22), Isaia Walker-Leawere (18). Loose forwards: Gareth Evans (67), Vaea Fifita (57), Du'Plessis Kirifi (15), Reed Prinsep (44), Ardie Savea (91), Murphy Taramai (*). Halfbacks: Jamie Booth (11), TJ Perenara (127), Jonathan Taumateine (10). First five-eighths: Jackson Garden-Bachop (20), James Marshall (53), Fletcher Smith (22). Midfielders: Vince Aso (44), Jordie Barrett (48), Ngani Laumape (60), Jonah Lowe (3), Billy Proctor (1), Danny Toala (2), Peter Umaga-Jensen (5), Kobus Van Wyk (*). Outside backs: Wes Goosen (37), Ben Lam (38), Salesi Rayasi (5), Chase Tiatia (11). Crusaders Hookers: Andrew Makalio (33), Brodie McAlister (*), Codie Taylor (77). Props: Michael Alaalatoa (69), Harry Allan (12), George Bower (10), Oliver Jager (15), Joe Moody (82), Isileli Tuungafasi (4). Locks: Scott Barrett (68), Mitchell Dunshea (9), Luke Romano (123), Quinten Strange (25). Loose forwards: Ethan Blackadder (7), Tom Christie (*), Whetukamokamo Douglas (22), Cullen Grace (*), Billy Harmon (8), Sione Havili (*), Ethan Roots (*), Tom Sanders (28). Halfbacks: Mitchell Drummond (79), Ereatara Enari (5), Bryn Hall (84). First five-eighths: Fergus Burke (*), Brett Cameron (6), Richie Mo'unga (57). Midfielders: Braydon Ennor (25), Jack Goodhue (44), Dallas McLeod (*). Outside backs: George Bridge (49), Leicester Faingaanuku (1), David Havili (75), Inga Finau (*), Will Jordan (9), Manasa Mataele (23), Fetuli Paea (*), Sevu Reece (14). Highlanders Hookers: Liam Coltman (101), Ash Dixon (87), Ricky Jackson (1). Props: Ethan De Groot (*), Josh Iosefa-Scott (1), Ayden Johnstone (15), Daniel Lienert-Brown (74), Jeff Thwaites (11), Siate Tokolahi (67). Locks: Josh Dickson (17), Pari Pari Parkinson (7), Manaaki Selby-Rickit (*), Jack Whetton (9). Loose forwards: Teariki Ben-Nicholas (*), Shannon Frizell (27), Dillon Hunt (31), Zane Kapeli (*), James Lentjes (35), Marino Mikaele-tu'u (7), Sione Misiloi (*), Jesse Parete (24). Halfbacks: Folau Fakatava (3), Kayne Hammington (42), Aaron Smith (137). First five-eighths: Bryn Gatland (20), Mitchell Hunt (43), Joshua Ioane (22). Midfielders: Michael Collins (29), Ngane Punivai (2), Rob Thompson (50), Patelesio Tomkinson (21), Teihorangi Walden (34). Outside backs: Connor Garden-Bachop (*), Scott Gregory (*), Karisi Kuridrani (*), Josh McKay (6), Tevita Nabura (3), Jona Nareki (*), Thomas Umaga-Jensen (7).
Waxhead
Roar Rookie
ok interesting to see the NZ centralised contract system at work again to even up the provinces. Aust needs same urgently imo. No doubt NZ will uncover another 20 new Test standard champions in 2020.
CUW
Roar Rookie
isnt it so funny - that OB came to Blues to get out of BB's shadow at Hurricanes. and now lightening has struck twice :D its also interesting that Blues have a lot of first 10 then 15 players - like BB , Plummer , Black - but not a single first 15 maybe 10 players. their only 15 Nanai has left for europe i think - so it is likely that Black and BB will play 10 and 15 - who plays where will be seen soon :D
CUW
Roar Rookie
more like demise of super rugger. i read somewhere that 20% of players this year - which is said to be the 25th anniversary of "SUPER RUGGER" are rookies. also - because its the year just after a world cup , the number of capped allblacks in the squads are very few , because of retirements, transfers and sabbaticals. for eg - i think crusaders will be without 5 allblack caps. that is a lot in the scheme of things. got to wonder how aussy and saffa squads look like - because they cant be much better. specially since saffa players can be abroad and get capped for the boks , many will be moving to Europe and japan. there is not going to be anything super about super rugger - from the point that is is the showcase for the best players on the planet ( at least on the SH ). i guess rugger will be good - i mean most clubs be it in Europe or Japan or SH play good rugger. but it will not be something like the IPL - when most of the test stars are missing.
CUW
Roar Rookie
Crusaders have lost 740 caps !!! for sure they will miss the presence of Whitelock and Todd more than others - because they have been without the others at different stages and have managed. i wont be surprised if HAVILI steps in at 12 and lets JORDAN - who is very much a DAGG clone - play at 15. Bridge Jordan Reece will be a very pacy trio .