McIntyre sticks with Canterbury

Cameron McIntyre

First five-eighth Cameron McIntyre has stuck with Canterbury for the inaugural Air New Zealand Cup rugby competition starting this month.

McIntyre had been linked with French club Clermont but re-signed with the New Zealand Rugby Union instead.

By retaining McIntyre, Canterbury have an experienced player to cover for five-eighths Dan Carter and Aaron Mauger, who like the five other All Blacks from Canterbury, are not likely to be seen in action until late September.

The Press newspaper reported today that Canterbury coach Rob Penney has opted for 14 forwards, selecting new locks Isaac Ross and Michael Paterson as back-up for Craig Clarke and Kevin O'Neill.

Former All Blacks fullback Ben Blair has been included in the squad, but is expected to link with Welsh club, Cardiff, after the Ranfurly Shield defence against Otago on September 2.

Former Highlanders back Paul Williams has been selected to fill the fullback void after a horrific run with injuries.

Although he did not play in the shield defences against South Canterbury and Wairarapa Bush, Penney has been satisfied with Williams' progress at club level.

Halfback Andy Ellis is still recovering from a knee injury but should be fit to play again in about a fortnight, along with McIntyre, who is still nursing sore ribs from his Junior All Blacks duties.

Centre Tim Bateman, 19, has been rewarded for sound performances in the shield matches and has been included to soak up the experience of training alongside the likes of Casey Laulala and McIntyre.

The captain will be named next week, with the obvious candidate being Junior All Blacks skipper Corey Flynn.

- NZPA