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RUGBY 2015 CONTENTS

Managing Editor: .

Oliver Lee Editor: .

Peter White Sub-Editor: .

Elise McDowell Photography: .

THIS IS THE MOMENT: Hawke’s Bay celebrate after retaining the Shield.

photosport.nz

Cover Design & Art: .

ONTIME Associates Printing: .

PMP Auckland Publisher:

Box 331-667, .

Takapuna, .

Auckland 0740, .

New Zealand.

T: 09 486 6966.

E: oliver@oliverlee.co.nz W: oliverlee.co.nz

ITM CUP SEASON PREVIEW. ........................ 6 What’s ahead in the ITM Cup Premiership and Championship.

ITM CUP PREMIERSHIP PREVIEWS AUCKLAND .................................................... 8 COUNTIES MANUKAU.................................... 9 TARANAKI...................................................... 10 TASMAN . ....................................................... 10 CANTERBURY................................................. 12 WAIKATO........................................................ 13 MANAWATU.................................................... 14

HAWKE’S BAY.................................................. 18 NORTH HARBOUR............................................ 21 SOUTHLAND..................................................... 21 NORTHLAND.................................................... 22 BAY OF PLENTY................................................ 22 OTAGO............................................................... 25

PINK® BATTS® HEARTLAND CHAMPIONSHIP FIXTURES...... 26 All you need to know about this year’s Pink® Batts® Heartland Championship.

RUGBY WORLD CUP 2015 PREVIEW............. 28

ITM CUP FIXTURE LIST........................ 16 –17 ITM CUP CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEWS

A look ahead to the Rugby World Cup in England next month. Can the All Blacks become the first team to win the Webb Ellis Cup three times and defend the title?

WELLINGTON ................................................ 18

RUGBY WORLD CUP 2015 MATCH SCHEDULE. 30

COPYRIGHT: Reproduction in whole or in part by any means is prohibited.

DISCLAIMER: The opinions expressed in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher.

Although all material is checked for accuracy, no liability is assumed by the publisher for any loss due to use of material in this magazine.

THE HEART AND SOUL OF NZ RUGBY

BY PETER WHITE

Last year Taranaki won a pulsating grand final over Tasman to rule supreme in the ITM Cup. The victory broke Canterbury’s run of six successive titles.

It is quite remarkable just how passionate New Zealand’s provincial rugby supporters are about the ITM Cup. In this full-blown professional rugby era, where Super Rugby and All Blacks test matches are given wall-towall coverage, it would be understandable if rugby’s last connection to its amateur days was forgotten.

But nothing could be further from the truth in the heartland of New Zealand provincial rugby, particularly outside the five Super Rugby bases. How their team performs in the ITM Cup is what gets the emotions running high in places like Whangarei, Tauranga, Palmerston North, Napier, New Plymouth, Nelson and Invercargill.

SPECIAL FEELING: TARANAKI celebrate after winning the ITM CUP FINAL against Tasman.

6 RUGBY2015

Canterbury had won the previous six Premiership titles, but were halted at semi-final stage last year, losing 26–6 to a rampant Tasman side in Nelson.

Auckland were the other losing semi-finalist in an epic battle with eventual champions Taranaki. At fulltime, the match was level 30–30 but three tries in the first nine minutes of extra time swept the home team to the grand final.

And we never want that to change.

In the Championship final, Manawatu scored four tries to two to defeat Hawke’s Bay 32–24 at FMG Stadium in Palmerston North. The result was thoroughly deserved as the Turbos were the form team throughout pool play, winning eight of their 10 matches.

This season is the sixth instalment of the national provincial competition under the ITM Cup banner. It kicks off on Thursday August 13, with Auckland travelling down to Invercargill to take on the Southland Stags and promises to be a season to remember.

At the other end of the spectrum, Wellington and Bay of Plenty had the least to be happy about in 2014. The Lions won just once and were relegated to the Championship, while the Steamers managed two victories to finish at the bottom of the Championship.

Last year’s Premiership final between Taranaki and Tasman was a classic of the ages; Taranaki just getting home 36–32 at Yarrow Stadium in New Plymouth. Tasman actually outscored Taranaki four tries to three, but as is so often the case in grand finals, goal kicking was the crucial factor. Codey Rei was the hero for Taranaki, kicking eight from eight in an impeccable display from the tee.

No rugby season would be complete without the drama that is the Ranfurly Shield.

Fans will have to wait until the last week of this year’s competition to see a rematch of the final when Taranaki host Tasman on Thursday October 8.

Northland, North Harbour, Bay of Plenty, Auckland and Waikato will have to be repelled if the Magpies want to keep the Ranfurly Shield safe for another summer.

Hawke’s Bay have warmed up for tougher challengers ahead by defending the Log o’ Wood against Wairarapa Bush, Horowhenua Kapiti and 2014 Meads Cup winners, Mid Canterbury.

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KEY PLAYERS: X-factor players are not in short supply. George Moala’s offloading game and line breaks are crucial, and set to make a real impact are loose forwards Akira Ioane and Blake Gibson. First-five Simon Hickey played well last year and will provide direction for the team. Japanese halfback Kaito Shigeno may get early game time with injury to Leon Fukofuka.

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YOUNG GUNS: It is hard to go past the Ioane brothers, in particular 18-year-old winger Rieko. He is already a seasoned All Blacks Sevens rep and has played for the Maori All Blacks this year.

New Zealand Under-20s first-five Mitchell Hunt will keep Simon Hickey honest and loose forward Airi Hunt made his Blues debut this year from club rugby.

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PLACED FOURTH IN 2014: Auckland could so easily have won the title. They drew 30–30 with Taranaki in the semi-final before losing in extra time to the eventual champions. Auckland played with power, precision and flair which resulted in some superb try-scoring action.

2 017

LIONS TOUR!

8 RUGBY2015

SEASON PROSPECTS: Paul Feeney is feeling confident ahead of his second season as head coach.

“I learned a lot last year. The last three years we have made the semis or the final so obviously our aspirations are like any team in the competition to play good rugby and go as far as we can in the competition. Then hopefully results take care of themselves. Obviously we would love to be in the final and then win the Championship. We haven’t won a Championship in seven years. We need to improve in a couple of key areas of our game by five to ten per cent. Just attention to detail really.”

WWW.ITM.CO.NZ

EVIEWS

contest the Premiership.

COUNTIES MANUKAU PLACED FIFTH IN 2014: The Steelers had a slow start to the campaign after Ranfurly Shield fervour in 2013. Four losses in succession hurt before they had a storming finale and won their last three games. A 41–18 win over Auckland showed their capabilities.

KEY PLAYERS: Super Rugby players — winger Frank Halai, prop Pauliasi Manu and halfback Augustine Pulu, plus newcomer in exciting centre Cardiff Vaega and experienced former Blues flanker Onosa’i Auva’a are all key. Firstfive Piers Francis has ITM Cup experience with Auckland and Waikato, while Crusaders loose forward Jordan Taufua has great potential.

www.steelers.co.nz

YOUNG GUN: “We have a few new young guys who are being given their opportunity,” says head coach Tana Umaga. “[Fullback] Jared Page was injured last year so we are looking forward to seeing him on the park this year. Viliame Rarasea is getting his first full contract.

Former Warriors Under-20s winger Ngataua Hukatai is in his first ITM Cup season so we are excited by that prospect.”

SEASON PROSPECTS: “We finished really strongly last year, so we are keen to start the season like that this year,” says Umaga. “We have retained 22 players from last year and 11 of our players have Super Rugby experience. We expect those players to be our leaders on and off the field. We are under no illusions that the competition gets harder every year, so we believe we have established a squad that will help us deliver the results we expect. We want to continue to play a brand of open, expansive running rugby that Counties Manukau is well known for and is entertaining to watch.”

TOP CLASS: Chiefs and All Blacks halfback AUGUSTINE PULU is a key player for Counties Manukau.

W W W . I T M C U P. C O . N Z

RUGBY2015 9

ITM PREMIERSHIP TEAM PREVIEWS continued from PAGE 9

TARANAKI CHAMPIONS IN 2014: Taranaki were crowned New Zealand’s top province after triumphing 36–32 in an unforgettable grand final against Tasman. It was a remarkable turnaround from 2013 when they finished sixth, with three wins from 10 games.

www.trfu.co.nz

KEY PLAYERS: Assistant coach Willie Rickards says utility back James Marshall will captain the team. “He was massive for us last year. Tactically, and for the way he reads the game, he is the best I have seen. Charlie Ngatai has progressed so well over the last 12 months to the All Blacks and Blade Thomson is an important part of the leadership group.”

YOUNG GUN: Supporting Jamison Gibson-Park is New Zealand Under-20s halfback Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi. He is a gifted halfback two years out of school, and Rickards regards him as “a gold nugget” for the team. Openside flanker Lachlan Boshier was in the New Zealand Under-20s in 2013 and is highly regarded.

LEADING BY EXAMPLE: Taranaki captain JAMES MARSHALL is tactically very strong.

SEASON PROSPECTS: Rickards says going into the season as defending champions is a big change. “The biggest shift for us is we are used to being the underdogs but this year, for a lot of the games, we are not going to be underdogs. But we are looking at that positively. The really exciting thing is we have most of our boys back from last year. We are very positive about the season.”

TASMAN www.makos.co.nz

PLACED SECOND IN 2014: What a season it was for the entertaining Tasman Makos. They finished first-equal after promotion to the Premiership, beat Canterbury 26–6 in a home semi-final, before storming home late in a memorable grand final — ultimately losing 36–32 to Taranaki.

KEY PLAYERS: Flanker Shane Christie is a real workhorse, he is a player the coaches have built the nucleus of the team around. Lock Joe Wheeler and goal kicking, record holder Marty Banks are consistently good players, while experienced Jimmy Cowan has plenty to offer.

Highlanders prop Kane Hames will add quality to the front-row mix and is one of 18 Super Rugby players in the squad.

YOUNG GUN: Former New Zealand Warriors Under-20s star Viliami Lolohea will be watched with great interest.

The try-scoring winger joined the Crusaders and Tasman at the end of 2013, but missed last year through injury.

MR RELIABLE: SHANE CHRISTIE was one of the very best for the Makos last season.

10 RUGBY2015

SEASON PROSPECTS: Coaches Kieran Keane and Leon MacDonald are back in tandem before Keane joins the Chiefs. “The second year is always difficult as we slipped under the radar initially,” says MacDonald. “We have to be a lot better in a lot of areas and change things up a bit, as well. We have a core group of guys and we have kept most of them, which is so important.”

WWW.ITM.CO.NZ

ITM.CO.NZ/WELOVEITHERE

ITM PREMIERSHIP TEAM PREVIEWS continued from PAGE 10

CANTERBURY

www.crfu.co.nz

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PLACED THIRD IN 2014: After six consecutive ITM Cup Premiership victories, the run came to an end at the hands of Tasman at semifinal stage. Canterbury scored the most tries in the competition but lost three games to miss the crucial home advantage.

KEY PLAYERS: With 14 All Blacks in contention to make the final Rugby World Cup squad, head coach Scott Robertson has a wealth of riches to choose from no matter who gets selected for higher honours.

YOUNG GUN: Robertson picks out two young backs to watch, “[Midfielder] Jack Goodhue played ITM Cup last year as an 18-year-old and has won a world champion-

ship with the Under-20s. [Firstfive] Richie Mo’unga has done a lot of work to improve his game and he has a real opportunity this year to cement himself as a starter for us.”

SEASON PROSPECTS: Failure to extend their winning sequence last year was disappointing but there is a steely determination to get the title back, Robertson says. “We worked really hard and for half the season we led the ladder but we weren’t quite good enough in the end. We learned a lot of lessons, which we will take into this year, around how we played and how our structures worked for us. You just have to make sure the critical things that can make the difference for you get better. We are happy with the way we do things but just have to be better at it.”

PROMISING: First-five RICHIE MO’UNGA is one of the best young players in the Canterbury squad.

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WAIKATO PLACED SIXTH IN 2014: The minimum target for any Waikato side is to make the play-offs, so last season’s final placing of sixth was disappointing. Along the way the mostly inexperienced side suffered some heavy defeats but enjoyed four good wins.

KEY PLAYERS: Waikato have several Super Rugby players filtering back into the side, including newly capped All Black Brad Weber, his fellow Chiefs Ben Tameifuna, Damian McKenzie and Anton Lienert-Brown, plus Highlanders prop Josh Hohneck. Recovering All Blacks halfback Tawera KerrBarlow is likely to feature at some stage.

YOUNG GUN: New head coach Sean Botherway says New Zealand Under-20s captain Atu Moli and New Zealand Schools fullback TOP CLASS: DAMIAN McKENZIE will guide the Waikato team around the field from first-five.

www.mooloo.co.nz

Shaun Stevenson are two to watch. “Shaun has x-factor, is the type of player who glides on attack and can break the line, plus he has very good vision. Atu is a young prop with a huge amount of potential.

He is a leader and also a very good listener.”

SEASON PROSPECTS: Botherway is happy with the squad he has to work with this season. “There is a nice blend of youth and experience — with many of them now into their third season. We are happy the squad reflects the importance of club rugby and our Waikato junior programme.”

W W W . I T M C U P. C O . N Z

RUGBY2015 13

ITM PREMIERSHIP TEAM PREVIEWS continued from PAGE 13

MANAWATU CHAMPIONS IN 2014: The Turbos won promotion into the Premiership after defeating Hawke’s Bay 32–24 in last year’s Championship final. They were good value for their success, winning eight of their 10 games in pool play.

www.manawaturugby.co.nz

KEY PLAYERS: Head coach Jason O’Halloran says first-five Otere Black is central to the success of their campaign. “He will be running our structure and I’m really pleased with his development through Super [Rugby] and Maori All Blacks. We have key leaders like [flanker] Callum Gibbins, [lock] Fraser Stone and [hooker] Rob Foreman who are very important to us.”

YOUNG GUNS: Halfbacks Jamie Booth and Kayne Hammington are both in their second season with Manawatu, and were involved with Super Rugby as injury replacements.

Their battle for the starting No. 9 jersey will be interesting.

GOOD SKILLS: Young Manawatu first-five OTERE BLACK is a key player for the Turbos.

14 RUGBY2015

SEASON PROSPECTS: O’Halloran is happy with his squad stepping up to the Premiership. “Last year was a good learning curve for us and how we dealt with pressure. It is good to have won a Championship and realise how hard you have to work to get there. Not getting too conservative in big games was the biggest learning. We just have to back ourselves as always and get the absolute maximum out of our players.”

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ITM CUP PREMIERSHIP & CH

The 14 teams involved in the ITM Cup will play 70 matches before the pla y-offs in just NOTE: (RS) = Ranfurly Shield Challenge

ITM CUP EXPLAINED 2015 ITM CUP PREMIERSHIP Auckland Canterbury Counties Manukau Manawatu Taranaki Tasman Waikato The seventh placed team is automatically relegated to the 2016 ITM Cup Championship.

2015 ITM CUP CHAMPIONSHIP Bay of Plenty Hawke’s Bay North Harbour Northland Otago Southland Wellington The winner of the ITM Cup Championship is automatically promoted to the 2016 ITM Cup Premiership.

All Premiership teams will play each other once, and all Championship teams will play each other once (three home, three away matches).

In addition, all 14 teams will play four crossover matches (two home, two away matches) where Premiership and Championship teams meet.

All matches will carry full competition points.

FOR UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION GO TO www.itmcup.co.nz

WEEK 1: THURSDAY AUGUST 13 — SUNDAY AUGUST 16 MATCH DATE

VENUE

TIME

Thursday August 13

Southland

v

Auckland

Rugby Park Stadium, Invercargill

7.35 pm

Friday August 14

Waikato

v

Tasman

Waikato Stadium, Hamilton

6.05 pm

Bay of Plenty

v

North Harbour

ASB Stadium, Baypark, Tauranga

8.05 pm

Taranaki

v

Wellington

Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth

2.35 pm

Otago

v

Canterbury

Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin

4.35 pm

Counties Manukau

v

Manawatu

ECOLight Stadium, Pukekohe

2.35 pm

Hawke’s Bay

v

Northland (RS)

McLean Park, Napier

4.35 pm

Saturday August 15 Sunday August 16

WEEK 2: THURSDAY AUGUST 20 — SUNDAY AUGUST 23 Thursday August 20

North Harbour

v

Wellington

QBE Stadium, Albany

7.35 pm

Friday August 21

Tasman

v

Bay of Plenty

Trafalgar Park, Nelson

7.35 pm

Saturday August 22

Manawatu

v

Waikato

FMG Stadium, Palmerston North

2.35 pm

Northland

v

Southland

Toll Stadium, Whangarei

5.35 pm

Otago

v

Hawke’s Bay

Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin

7.35 pm

Auckland

v

Taranaki

Eden Park, Auckland

2.35 pm

Canterbury

v

Counties Manukau AMI Stadium, Addington

Sunday, August 23

4.35 pm

WEEK 3: WEDNESDAY AUGUST 26 — SUNDAY AUGUST 30 Wednesday August 26

Bay of Plenty

v

Southland

ASB Stadium, Baypark, Tauranga

7.35 pm

Thursday August 27

Tasman

v

Manawatu

Lansdowne Park, Blenheim

7.35 pm

Friday August 28

Counties Manukau v

Hawke’s Bay

ECOLight Stadium, Pukekohe

7.35 pm

Saturday August 29

Auckland

v

Canterbury

Eden Park, Auckland

2.35 pm

Taranaki

v

Otago

Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth

5.35 pm

Wellington

v

Northland

Westpac Stadium, Wellington

7.35 pm

Sunday August 30

Bay of Plenty

v

Waikato

The Domain, Tauranga

2.35 pm

Southland

v

North Harbour

Rugby Park, Invercargill

4.35 pm

WEEK 4: WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 2 — SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 6 Wednesday Sept 2

Taranaki

v

Counties Manukau Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth

Thursday Sept 3

Manawatu

v

Canterbury

FMG Stadium, Palmerston North

Friday Sept 4

Otago

v

Tasman

Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin

7.35 pm

Saturday Sept 5

Waikato

v

Auckland

Waikato Stadium, Hamilton

2.35 pm

Rugby Park, Invercargill

Sunday Sept 6

7.35 pm 7.35 pm

Southland

v

Wellington

Hawke’s Bay

v

North Harbour (RS) McLean Park, Napier

7.35 pm

Northland

v

Taranaki

Toll Stadium, Whangarei

2.35 pm

Bay of Plenty

ECOLight Stadium, Pukekohe

4.35 pm

Counties Manukau v

5.35 pm

WEEK 5: WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 9 — SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 13 Wednesday Sept 9

Auckland

v

Manawatu

Eden Park, Auckland

Thursday Sept 10

Waikato

v

Southland

Waikato Stadium, Hamilton

7.35 pm

Friday Sept 11

Wellington

v

Tasman

Westpac Stadium, Wellington

7.35 pm

Saturday Sept 12

North Harbour

v

Counties Manukau QBE Stadium, Albany

2.35 pm

Bay of Plenty

v

Taranaki

International Stadium, Rotorua

5.35 pm 7.35 pm

Sunday Sept 13

7.35 pm

Canterbury

v

Hawke’s Bay

AMI Stadium, Addington

Auckland

v

Otago

Eden Park, Auckland

2.35 pm

Manawatu

v

Northland

FMG Stadium, Palmerston North

4.35 pm

WEEK 6: WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 16 — SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 20

16 RUGBY2015

Wednesday Sept 16

Tasman

v

North Harbour

Trafalgar Park, Nelson

Thursday Sept 17

Wellington

v

Otago

Westpac Stadium, Wellington

WWW.ITM.CO.NZ

7.35 pm 7.35 pm

AMPIONSHIP DRAW 2015

nine weeks... visit www.itmcup.co.nz to keep up with all the action.

WEEK 6 DATE

CONTINUED:

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 16 — SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 20 MATCH

VENUE

TIME

Friday Sept 18

Taranaki

v

Waikato

Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth

Saturday Sept 19

Hawke’s Bay

v

Bay of Plenty (RS)

McLean Park, Napier

Southland

v

Manawatu

Rugby Park, Invercargill

Northland

v

Counties Manukau Toll Stadium, Whangarei

7.35 pm

North Harbour

v

Canterbury

QBE Stadium, Albany

2.35 pm

Tasman

v

Auckland

Lansdowne Park, Blenheim

4.35 pm

Sunday Sept 20

7.35 pm 2.35 pm

5.35 pm

WEEK 7: WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 23 — SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 27 Wednesday Sept 23

Canterbury

v

Waikato

AMI Stadium, Addington

Thursday Sept 24

Hawke’s Bay

v

Auckland (RS)

McLean Park, Napier

7.35 pm

Friday Sept 25

Northland

v

Bay of Plenty

Toll Stadium, Whangarei

7.35 pm

Saturday Sept 26

Counties Manukau v

Tasman

ECOLight Stadium, Pukekohe

2.35 pm

Otago

v

Southland

Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin

5.35 pm

Manawatu

v

North Harbour

FMG Stadium, Palmerston North

7.35 pm

Waikato

v

Wellington

Waikato Stadium, Hamilton

2.35 pm

Canterbury

v

Taranaki

AMI Stadium, Addington

4.35 pm

Sunday Sept 27

7.35 pm

WEEK 8: WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 30 — SUNDAY OCTOBER 4 Wednesday Sept 30

Wellington

v

Hawke’s Bay

Westpac Stadium, Wellington

7.35 pm

Thursday October 1

North Harbour

v

Otago

QBE Stadium, Albany

7.35 pm

Friday October 2

Waikato

v

Counties Manukau Waikato Stadium, Hamilton

7.35 pm

Saturday October 3

Tasman

v

Canterbury

Trafalgar Park, Nelson

2.35 pm

Manawatu

v

Taranaki

FMG Stadium, Palmerston North

5.35 pm

Auckland

v

Northland

Eden Park, Auckland

7.35 pm

Southland

v

Hawke’s Bay

Rugby Park, Invercargill

2.35 pm

Bay of Plenty

v

Wellington

ASB Stadium, Baypark, Tauranga

4.35 pm

Sunday October 4

WEEK 9: WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 7 — SUNDAY OCTOBER 11 Wednesday October 7

Northland

v

Otago

Toll Stadium, Whangarei

Thursday October 8

Taranaki

v

Tasman

Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth

Friday October 9

Hawke’s Bay

v

Waikato (RS)

McLean Park, Napier

7.35 pm

Saturday October 10

Canterbury

v

Southland

AMI Stadium, Addington

2.35 pm

Wellington

v

Manawatu

Westpac Stadium, Wellington

5.35 pm

Counties Manukau v

Auckland

ECOLight Stadium, Pukekohe

7.35 pm

North Harbour

v

Northland

QBE Stadium, Albany

2.35 pm

v

Bay of Plenty

Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin

4.35 pm

Sunday October 11

Otago

7.35 pm

7.35 pm

SEMI-FINALS:: FRIDAY OCTOBER 16 — SATURDAY OCTOBER 17 Friday October 16

ITM CUP PREMIERSHIP SEMI-FINAL ONE

7.35 pm

Saturday October 17

ITM CUP CHAMPIONSHIP SEMI-FINAL ONE

2.35 pm

Saturday October 17

ITM CUP CHAMPIONSHIP SEMI-FINAL TWO

5.05 pm

Saturday October 17

ITM CUP PREMIERSHIP SEMI-FINAL TWO

7.35 pm

FINALS: FRIDAY OCTOBER 23 — SATURDAY OCTOBER 24 Friday October 23

ITM CUP CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL

7.35 pm

Saturday October 24

ITM CUP PREMIERSHIP FINAL

7.35 pm

W W W . I T M C U P. C O . N Z

RUGBY2015 17

ITM CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM PREVIEWS

Automatic promotion up to the ITM Premiership next year is the goal for these seven unions.

WELLINGTON PLACED SEVENTH IN 2014: The Lions went from losing finalist in 2013 to relegation within a year. One win from 10 games was an unexpected return from a strong squad, although injuries impacted greatly on the final outcome. www.wrfu.co.nz

KEY PLAYERS: New coach Earl Va’a says captain Brad Shields performed well under pressure last year. “He was a shining light in our campaign. He leads by example, but is also a good leader off-the-field with our young players. Flanker Ardie Savea, props Jeff Toomaga-Allen and Reggie Goodes have been in the environment for a while now and we will look to them to contribute in our leadership group.”

YOUNG GUN: Sam McNicol was a star for Napier Boys’ High School and New Zealand Schools in 2013 and is finally fit and raring to go. He is expected to make an impact from either fullback or wing. Highly regarded first-five Jonathan Bentley returns from overseas and likes to attack the line.

MOTIVATING: BRAD SHIELDS will lead the Lions again in 2015.

SEASON PROSPECTS: Coach Va’a is looking forward to the challenge ahead. “One area that I feel very strong about is for the boys to take ownership of what it means to be a Wellington Lion and how we conduct ourselves on and off the field. That all starts with our leadership group and our senior players.”

HAWKE’S BAY

www.hbmagpies.co.nz

PLACED SECOND IN 2014: For the second consecutive year the Magpies lost the final of the Championship. The 32–24 loss to Manawatu was disappointing but a thriller of a game. Hawke’s Bay did finish their season with the Ranfurly Shield though, after defending it in their final three home games.

KEY PLAYERS: Coach Craig Philpott highlighted the following players. “Brendon Edmonds is coming off a season at loosehead prop with the Highlanders, Brendon O’Connor was Blues’ player of the year — so we are expecting a big season from him. And we have Zac Guildford back. Zac is getting into match fitness and will probably feature at fullback for us, rather than left wing.”

YOUNG GUNS: Aged 19, Fijian lock Sanaila Waqa is in his first year out of Hastings Boys’ High School – he is 2.02m tall, very fast and a good athlete. Philpott regards him as a special talent with x-factor. Jonah Lowe, younger brother of Karl, is a promising midfield back also straight out of school.

INSPIRATIONAL: Flanker BRENDON O’CONNOR will be a key player for Hawke’s Bay.

18 RUGBY2015

SEASON PROSPECTS: Philpott says having the Ranfurly Shield can be both a blessing and a hindrance. “It always makes you play well at home but can create pressures away from home. The key for us is winning a Championship and to do that you probably need to win more than 50 per cent of your away games.”

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ITM CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM PREVIEWS continued from PAGE 18

NORTH HARBOUR PLACED FIFTH IN 2014: It was a pleasing return to form for Harbour who missed out on a place in the semi-finals by just a point. A superb victory over Canterbury at QBE Stadium was the undoubted highlight but there were plenty of other games that could have swung their way.

KEY PLAYERS: Captain and halfback Bryn Hall missed the entire Super Rugby season with the Blues through injury. His inspirational style of play and leadership will be vital. Blues players James Parsons and Hayden Triggs bring plenty of experience. Chris Vui missed all of last season through injury but is one of the best young locks/blindside flankers in the competition.

YOUNG GUN: Tevita Li was the star of the world champion New Zealand Under-20s team. Coach Steve Jackson says he is expecting a big season from him, “I’m looking for him coming back and bringing that winning culture into our environment. We have a lot of young guys in our team who look up to him.”

SEASON PROSPECTS: “We are going to feel the full force of Bryn Hall being back and the style of the game we are going to play this year is really going to suit him,” says Jackson. “I am very excited about the season ahead.

Rene Ranger may play part of our competition. If he does — that will be fantastic and I know the guys are excited about him joining us.”

www.harbourrugby.co.nz

HUGE TALENT: New Zealand Under-20s star TEVITA LI is set for a big season with North Harbour.

SOUTHLAND PLACED FOURTH IN 2014: Repeating their 2013 finish, the Stags again placed fourth — with four wins, one draw and five losses. They started well with two straight wins but lost momentum before the emotional Ranfurly Shield challenge against Hawke’s Bay, a 20–20 draw.

KEY PLAYERS: Head coach Brad Mooar says he will be relying on a strong, core group of players. “We will be looking for big seasons from Woppa [Jamie Mackintosh], Josh Bekhuis, Elliot Dixon and Tim Boys, plus Lima Sopoaga and Willis Halaholo in the backline. We are definitely looking for some energy to come from the Highlanders boys.”

www.rugbysouthland.co.nz

YOUNG GUN: Mooar sees huge potential in No. 8 Bill Fukofuka and fullback Junior Ngaluafe. “It will be good to see Bill kick-on from a really good debut season last year. He captained Tonga Under-20s at the world cup.

Junior should provide plenty of x-factor and he showed real class at different stages last year.”

SEASON PROSPECTS: Coach Mooar has a good group of experienced players to work with. “We have a good bunch of guys together who get on well and will play for each other. We are really looking forward to the season.

We are always looking to improve and certainly we learned plenty out of the campaign last year.”

W W W . I T M C U P. C O . N Z

YOUNG TALENT: Southland fullback JUNIOR NGALUAFE will look to improve on some good performances last year.

RUGBY2015 21

ITM CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM PREVIEWS continued from PAGE 21

NORTHLAND PLACED THIRD IN 2014: Northland Taniwha had a much improved season and were just beaten by Hawke’s Bay 26–21 in their semi-final, played in Napier.

KEY PLAYERS: Highlanders flanker Dan Pryor is outstanding but will miss the early part of the season recovering from injury. Blues hooker Matt Moulds is set for a big season and Namatahi Waa is a quality prop. www.taniwha.co.nz

FEARLESS: Flanker DAN PRYOR is a driving force behind Northland’s defensive patterns.

YOUNG GUN: Halfback Sam Nock was one of the most sought after players in the country after starring for Saint Kentigern College and New Zealand Schools. The 18-year-old is from Kerikeri and will form a top quality halves combination with Blues first-five Dan Bowden.

SEASON PROSPECTS: New head coach Richie Harris wants to change the players’ aspirations so they look further ahead than the ITM Cup. “They are all proud to play for Northland, which has a very strong element to it, but it is also a pathway to better things. We want to show to the players they are good enough, but it requires a real want and desire to push to the next level. We have a marker game for the season in round one against Hawke’s Bay and obviously we will not ignore the importance of that Ranfurly Shield game.”

BAY OF PLENTY PLACED SEVENTH IN 2014: The Steamers had a season to forget with injuries decimating the squad. The forward pack was competitive every game but inexperience in the backline cost them dearly in the tight games.

UNION

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KEY PLAYERS: Blues lock Culum Retallick and No. 8 Carl Axtens have been named as co-captains. Midfielder Terrence Hepetema (Leicester Tigers), former Manawatu halfback Papa Wharewera, Canterbury hooker Seb Siataga, former Highlanders fullback Craig Clare and Hawke’s Bay winger Brynn Uriarau join a strong collection of home-grown Steamers.

YOUNG GUN: Chase Tiatia, 20, was a revelation for Wellington Under-19s and has an uncanny ability to make things happen. He can play first-five but has been selected as an outside back. Melbourne Rebels and Australian Under-20s centre Lalakai Foketi has joined from Bayonne in France and is highly regarded, as is New Zealand Under-20s prop Aidan Ross.

CO-CAPTAIN: Lock CULUM RETALLICK has played 83 games for the Steamers.

22 RUGBY2015

SEASON PROSPECTS: New head coach Clayton McMillan has named 15 new players, many with international pedigree. “We are looking forward to earning the respect of our supporters and stakeholders by playing with passion and a brand of rugby synonymous with the Bay of Plenty,” he says. The squad is undoubtedly stronger with more depth in key positions than the last two years.

22

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ITM CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM PREVIEWS continued from PAGE 22

OTAGO PLACED SIXTH IN 2014: Otago disappointed with a second-to-last finish last year, having three wins from 10 games. They started well enough with two wins from their opening three games but then their form fell away as they won just once more.

KEY PLAYERS: New coach Cory Brown picked out a few players to watch. “Prop Aki Seiuli and flanker James Lentjes will be important. Hooker Liam Coltman is going to be a huge player. He is pretty experienced now, so hopefully what he did at Super Rugby — he can drag a couple of others up to his level. Halfback Josh Renton is looking forward to a big ITM Cup and moving on to Super [Rugby] after that.”

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YOUNG GUN: Brown highly rates first-five Fletcher Smith and winger Gavin Stark.

“Fletcher has a phenomenal skill set. He is a young [No.] 10 who just missed out on the New Zealand Under-20s and has played particularly well for his club. Gavin is very quick and scores a lot of tries. He is big and strong and is another key young player who will have a good ITM Cup.” SEASON PROSPECTS: Brown is very positive about the season, especially after the Highlanders success. “It is outstanding what they achieved and these are exciting times down in Dunedin. We are going to go out there and certainly finish better than last year. I want the guys to be better individually and collectively. The players are hurting about what happened and they have something to prove. The only way to do that is on the pitch.”

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PINK BATTS HEARTLAND CHAMPIONSHIP DRAW ®

®

For all up-to-date information about the Pink® Batts® HEARTLAND CHAMPIONSHIP please visit www.rugbyheartland.co.nz The 10th edition of the hugely popular Pink® Batts® Heartland Championship will feature night rugby for the first time.

Wairarapa Bush will test their new lights and artificial turf at Masterton’s Trust House Memorial Park on Saturday August 29, when they will face last season’s Lochore Cup finalists North Otago. In week eight of the competition, on Saturday October 10, King Country will take on East Coast under the new lights at Taupo’s Owen Delany Park.

Both night games kick-off at 7.30 pm and will add even more interest and prestige to this outstanding competition that continues to grow in popularity.

The season began early for Wairarapa Bush, Horowhenua Kapiti and Mid Canterbury when they took on Hawke’s Bay — with the Ranfurly Shield at stake. The early season challenges are now an established part of the Shield programme and a huge boost to promoting rugby in the heartland.

MATCH SCHEDULE: Home team listed first.

WEEK 1 SATURDAY AUGUST 22 Buller v King Country Westport East Coast v Poverty Bay Ruatoria Horowhenua Kapiti v Wanganui Levin Mid Canterbury v South Canterbury Ashburton North Otago v West Coast Oamaru Thames Valley v Wairarapa Bush Paeroa

2.30 pm 2.30 pm 2.30 pm 2.30 pm 2.30 pm 2.30 pm

WEEK 2 SATURDAY AUGUST 29 King Country v Horowhenua Kapiti Poverty Bay v Thames Valley South Canterbury v East Coast Wanganui v Mid Canterbury West Coast v Buller Wairarapa Bush v North Otago

26 RUGBY2015

Te Kuiti Gisborne Timaru Wanganui Greymouth Masterton

2.30 pm 2.30 pm 2.30 pm 2.30 pm 2.30 pm 7.30 pm

WEEK 3 SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 5 Thames Valley v East Coast Paeroa Buller v Wairarapa Bush Westport Horowhenua Kapiti v Poverty Bay Waikanae Mid Canterbury v King Country Ashburton North Otago v Wanganui Oamaru South Canterbury v West Coast Timaru

2.00 pm 2.30 pm 2.30 pm 2.30 pm 2.30 pm 2.30 pm

WEEK 4 SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 12 East Coast v Horowhenua Kapiti Ruatoria King Country v Thames Valley Taupo Poverty Bay v North Otago Gisborne Wairarapa Bush v South Canterbury Masterton Wanganui v Buller Wanganui West Coast v Mid Canterbury Greymouth

2.30 pm 2.30 pm 2.30 pm 2.30 pm 2.30 pm 2.30 pm

WEEK 5 SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 19 Buller v Poverty Bay Westport Horowhenua Kapiti v North Otago Levin Mid Canterbury v East Coast Ashburton South Canterbury v Thames Valley Timaru Wanganui v King Country Wanganui West Coast v Wairarapa Bush Greymouth

2.30 pm 2.30 pm 2.30 pm 2.30 pm 2.30 pm 2.30 pm

The Heartland Championship gets underway on August 22. Back-to-back Meads Cup champions Mid Canterbury start their campaign at home in Ashburton against local rivals South Canterbury.

Lochore Cup champions Wanganui head south to Levin to face Horowhenua Kapiti in their opening match.

Last year’s Meads Cup finalists Buller host King Country in Westport, neighbours East Coast and Poverty Bay square-off in Ruatoria, North Otago take on the West Coast in Oamaru, and Thames Valley and Wairarapa Bush meet in Paeroa.

This is the fourth year since there was a major overhaul of the Heartland Championship format and the same structure is in place for 2015.

The eight-week competition will be followed by semifinals on October 17, and the Meads Cup and Lochore Cup champions are decided in finals televised live on SKY TV on October 24 and 25, respectively.

WEEK 6 SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 26 Thames Valley v Wanganui Paeroa East Coast v West Coast Ruatoria King Country v South Canterbury Te Kuiti North Otago v Buller Oamaru Poverty Bay v Mid Canterbury Gisborne Wairarapa Bush v Horowhenua Kapiti Masterton

2.00 pm 2.30 pm 2.30 pm 2.30 pm 2.30 pm 2.30 pm

WEEK 7 SATURDAY OCTOBER 3 Mid Canterbury v Horowhenua Kapiti Ashburton Buller v Thames Valley Westport East Coast v Wairarapa Bush Ruatoria South Canterbury v North Otago Timaru Wanganui v Poverty Bay Wanganui West Coast v King Country Greymouth

2.00 pm 2.30 pm 2.30 pm 2.30 pm 2.30 pm 2.30 pm

WEEK 8 SATURDAY OCTOBER 10 Thames Valley v West Coast Paeroa Horowhenua Kapiti v Buller Levin North Otago v Mid Canterbury Oamaru Poverty Bay v South Canterbury Gisborne Wairarapa Bush v Wanganui Masterton King Country v East Coast Taupo

2.00 pm 2.30 pm 2.30 pm 2.30 pm 2.30 pm 7.30 pm

WEEK 9 SEMI-FINALS for Meads and Lochore Cups Saturday October 17 — SEMI-FINALS FOR LOCHORE CUP 5th ranked team from pool round v Venue tbc 2.30 pm 8th ranked team from pool round 6th ranked team from pool round v Venue tbc 2.30 pm 7th ranked team from pool round Saturday October 17 — SEMI-FINALS FOR MEADS CUP Top ranked team from pool round v Venue tbc 2.30 pm 4th ranked team from pool round 2nd ranked team from pool round v Venue tbc 2.30 pm 3rd ranked team from pool round WEEK 10 FINALS for Meads and Lochore Cups Saturday October 24 — MEADS CUP FINAL Winner semi-final 1 v Winner semi-final 2 1.35 pm Sunday October 25 — LOCHORE CUP FINAL Winner semi-final 1 v Winner semi-final 2 2.35 pm

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RUGBY WORLD CUP 2015 PREVIEW

BY PETER WHITE

Rugby World Cup 2015 kicks-off in London next month. Can the .

All Blacks win the title for a record third time?

It is hard to believe it has been nearly four years since Andy Ellis kicked the ball into touch and referee Craig Joubert brought to an end the 2011 Rugby World Cup final.

The All Blacks had hung on for dear life over the final stages, holding a slender 8–7 margin against a rejuvenated French team that refused to submit. For many at the ground, and watching in their millions around the world, it was almost too much to bear.

But prevail they did and a nation drew breath at the end of one of the greatest tournaments of any era. That unforgettable night at Eden Park was filled with enough drama to fill a season’s worth of international rugby. Who will ever forget replacement player Stephen Donald kicking the winning penalty after being summoned from a fishing holiday? It is the stuff of fiction writers, surely.

Most importantly, it was when the All Blacks finally put to bed so many demons from failed campaigns of the past.

Their 2011 triumph repeated the success of 1987 when the All Blacks won the inaugural title at a very differentlooking Eden Park. New Zealand, South Africa and Australia have each held aloft the Webb Ellis Cup twice, with England a winner on one occasion from a total of seven tournaments played.

And now it is England who will host the 2015 version of this glittering array of the world’s best rugby players.

The tournament opens in the early hours of September 19 (New Zealand time) when England play Fiji at Twickenham, and will finish with the grand final on November 1 back at the home of English rugby.

The All Blacks are in Group C alongside Argentina, Georgia, Namibia and Tonga. Their tournament begins against Argentina on Sunday September 20 at the 90,000capacity Wembley Stadium.

The All Blacks will be the top-ranked team going into Rugby World Cup after fashioning an almost perfect record since the end of 2011 that no other team can match.

Across the 2012, 2013 and 2014 international seasons, the All Blacks have played 42 games and secured 38 wins, had two losses and also two draws. In 2013 they became the first Test team of the professional era to secure a 100 per cent record through a season when they won all 14 of their games. The previous unbeaten season was also by the All Blacks in 1997 when they won 11 successive tests before drawing 26–26 with England at Twickenham.

There is no doubt that this All Blacks team under the outstanding captaincy of Richie McCaw and astute management of head coach Steve Hanson will be as wellprepared as humanly possible.

New Zealand has every chance of becoming the first nation to win three Rugby World Cup titles — and the first to defend their crown.

Every rugby fan around the world knows there are no guarantees, which makes the winner of a tournament like Rugby World Cup so hard to pick.

But, there is one certainty. Every New Zealander will be hoping that it is McCaw who gets to hold aloft the Webb Ellis Cup at Twickenham on Saturday 31 October 2015.

WORLD’S BEST: BRODIE RETALLICK will want to recapture his best form that saw him awarded the 2014 IRB PLAYER OF THE YEAR.

2015 RUGBY WORLD CUP ALL BLACK FIXTURES

VENUE

TIME SCORE

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 21: New Zealand v Argentina............................. London ......................... 3:45 am FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 25:

New Zealand v Namibia............................... London ......................... 7:00 am

SATURDAY OCTOBER 03: New Zealand v Georgia................................ Cardiff .......................... 8:00 am SATURDAY OCTOBER 10: New Zealand v Tonga................................... Newcastle .................... 8:00 am PLEASE NOTE: Game dates and times are stated in New Zealand time — not local time

28 RUGBY2015

W W W . R U G B Y W O R L D C U P. C O M

RWC 2015 MATCH SCHEDULE All match times are British Standard Time (BST) except for those played on or after October 25 which are GMT. All times are correct at time of going to press but are subject to change.

For up-to-date information on the Rugby World Cup 2015 visit www.rugbyworldcup.com

POOL A

POOL B

POOL C

POOL D

AUSTRALIA ENGLAND WALES FIJI URUGUAY

SOUTH AFRICA SAMOA SCOTLAND JAPAN USA

NEW ZEALAND ARGENTINA TONGA GEORGIA NAMIBIA

FRANCE IRELAND ITALY CANADA ROMANIA

FRI, SEPT 18, 20:00 ENGLAND v FIJI

SAT, SEPT 19, 16:45 Brighton SOUTH AFRICA v JAPAN

SAT, SEPT 19, 12:00 Gloucester TONGA v GEORGIA

SAT, SEPT 19, 14:30 Cardiff IRELAND v CANADA

SUN, SEPT 20, 12:00 SAMOA v USA

Brighton

SUN, SEPT 20, 16:45 Wembley Stadium NEW ZEALAND v ARGENTINA

SAT, SEPT 19, 20:00 FRANCE v ITALY

WED, SEPT 23, 16:45 Cardiff AUSTRALIA v FIJI

WED, SEPT 23, 14:30 Gloucester SCOTLAND v JAPAN

THU, SEPT 24, 20:00 Olympic Stadium NEW ZEALAND v NAMIBIA

WED, SEPT 23, 20:00 FRANCE v ROMANIA

SAT, SEPT 26, 20:00 Twickenham, London ENGLAND v WALES

SAT, SEPT 26, 16:45 Villa Park, Birmingham SOUTH AFRICA v SAMOA

FRI, SEPT 25, 16:45 Gloucester ARGENTINA v GEORGIA

SAT, SEPT 26, 14:30 ITALY v CANADA

SUN, SEPT 27, 12:00 Villa Park, Birmingham AUSTRALIA v URUGUAY

SUN, SEPT 27, 14:30 SCOTLAND v USA

TUE, SEPT 29, 16:45 TONGA v NAMIBIA

SUN, SEPT 27, 16:45 Wembley Stadium IRELAND v ROMANIA

THU, OCT 1, 16:45 Cardiff WALES v FIJI

SAT, OCT 3, 14:30 SAMOA v JAPAN

Milton Keynes

FRI, OCT 2, 20:00 Cardiff NEW ZEALAND v GEORGIA

THU, OCT 1, 20:00 FRANCE v CANADA

SAT, OCT 3, 20:00 Twickenham, London ENGLAND v AUSTRALIA

SAT, OCT 3, 16:45 St James’ Park, Newcastle SOUTH AFRICA v SCOTLAND

SUN, OCT 4, 14:30 Leicester City Stadium ARGENTINA v TONGA

SUN, OCT 4, 16:45 Olympic Stadium, London IRELAND v ITALY

TUE, OCT 6, 20:00 FIJI v URUGUAY

Milton Keynes

WED, OCT 7, 16:45 Olympic Stadium, London SOUTH AFRICA v USA

WED, OCT 7, 20:00 Sandy Park, Exeter NAMIBIA v GEORGIA

TUE, OCT 6, 16:45 Leicester City Stadium CANADA v ROMANIA

SAT, OCT 10, 16:45 Twickenham, London AUSTRALIA v WALES

SAT, OCT 10, 14:30 St James’ Park, Newcastle SAMOA v SCOTLAND

FRI, OCT 9, 20:00 St James’ Park, Newcastle NEW ZEALAND v TONGA

SUN, OCT 11, 14:30 ITALY v ROMANIA

SAT, OCT 10, 20:00 Manchester City Stadium ENGLAND v URUGUAY

SUN, OCT 11, 20:00 Gloucester USA v JAPAN

SUN, OCT 11, 12:00 Leicester City Stadium ARGENTINA v NAMIBIA

SUN, OCT 11, 16:45 Cardiff FRANCE v IRELAND

QUARTER FINAL 1

QUARTER FINAL 2

QUARTER FINAL 3

QUARTER FINAL 4

SAT, OCT 17, 16:00 Twickenham, London WINNER POOL B v.

RUNNER-UP POOL A

SAT, OCT 17, 20:00 WINNER POOL C v.

RUNNER-UP POOL D

SUN, OCT 18, 13:00 WINNER POOL D v.

RUNNER-UP POOL C

SUN, OCT 18, 16:00 Twickenham, London WINNER POOL A v.

RUNNER-UP POOL B

Twickenham, London

SUN, SEPT 20, 14:30 WALES v URUGUAY

Cardiff

Elland Road, Leeds

Cardiff

Cardiff

SEMI-FINAL 1

BRONZE FINAL

SEMI-FINAL 2

SAT, OCT 24, 16:00 Twickenham, London WINNER QUARTER-FINAL 1 v.

WINNER QUARTER-FINAL 2

FRI, OCT 30, 20:00 Olympic Stadium, London RUNNER-UP SEMI-FINAL 1 v.

RUNNER-UP SEMI-FINAL 2

SUN, OCT 25, 16:00 Twickenham, London WINNER QUARTER-FINAL 3 v.

WINNER QUARTER-FINAL 4

FINAL SAT, OCT 31, 16:00 Twickenham, London WINNER SEMI-FINAL 1 v.

WINNER SEMI-FINAL 2

30 RUGBY2015

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Twickenham Olympic Stadium Elland Road, Leeds

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Shop online or mobile: harveynorman.co.nz

*1. Interest free finance terms available. From no deposit. Minimum purchase $500. Establishment fee of $55 and annual fee ($52 Gem Visa/$50 Creditline) apply. Normal lending conditions and credit criteria apply.

Minimum monthly repayments must be made during the interest free period. Paying only the minimum monthly repayment will not pay out the loan before the end of the interest free period. On expiry of the interest free period, the finance company’s prevailing interest rate will apply to any outstanding balance. Finance offers not available on Commercial and Educational pricing. See store for details. *2. Bonus Harvey Norman gift card is only available with the selected product as advertised. Gift card is not redeemable for cash and cannot be used in the transaction in which it is issued. Gift card expires 24 months from date of issue. Terms and conditions apply. See in store for details. *3. Broadband internet connection and service is required at the customer’s own expense. *4. Netflix subscription not included. Service available at customers’ expense.