Rugby: 2010 Super 14 squads announced

Stephen Brett models his new strip after being drafted into the Blues squad. Photo / NZPA

The Blues were the biggest movers and shakers of the five New Zealand Super 14 franchises who unveiled their 2010 rugby squads today.

There are nine changes to the 28-man Blues squad who underperformed in the 2009 tournament, with most changes coming in the problem area of inside backs and loose forwards.

As expected, Canterbury first five-eighth Stephen Brett is the most prominent name to move under the draft system, uprooting from the Crusaders, who regain the services of All Blacks star Daniel Carter.

Brett joins a new-look Blues backline also featuring former Hurricanes Alby Mathewson and Daniel Kirkpatrick and returning All Black Luke McAlister.

A surprise omission from the Blues is halfback Taniela Moa, perhaps the most notable player to miss a contract altogether.

Other prominent names unwanted next year include former Chiefs lock Toby Lynn and three drafted Highlanders of this year - second five-eighth Johnny Leota, No 8 George Naoupu and lock Ross Kennedy.

The Blues have overhauled their loose forward ranks, introducing Wellington flanker Serge Lilo from the draft, Aucklander Peter Saili and North Harbour pair Viliami Ma'afu and Tom Chamberlain.

There are eight changes to South Island franchises, the Crusaders and Highlanders, while the Hurricanes and last year's finalists the Chiefs have made seven each.

Halfback Junior Poluleuligaga of Bay of Plenty and Counties-Manukau fullback Tim Nanai-Williams are newcomers to the Chiefs backline but most of their changes are up front, including two new locks in Waikato's Romana Graham and Bay of Plenty's Callum Retallick.

Openside flanker Luke Braid is in for Lilo while Taranaki No 8 Jarrad Hoeata also earns a draft berth.

Three Cantabrians take root at the Hurricanes - flanker Michael Paterson, lock James Broadhurst and halfback Tyson Keats, with the latter pair both unexpected acquisitions. Exciting backs Aaron Cruden and Andre Taylor are included along with a third Manawatu newcomer, flanker Nick Crosswell.

The Crusaders have secured Aucklander Daniel Bowden as Carter's backup while two exciting backs from the Hurricanes region - Zac Guildford and Robert Fruean - add some x-factor to their back division.

Former All Blacks lock Chris Jack returns to red and black, while hooker Ti'i Paul, prop Peter Borlase and lock Sam Whitelock also boost the pack.

Exciting first five-eighth Robbie Robinson is introduced as one of 11 Southlanders in the Highlanders squad, with playmaker Michael Hobbs and transplanted Cantabrian James Paterson new among the backs.

Five new forwards include talented Crusader Nasi Manu and Southland standouts Joe Tuineau and John Hardie. Front-rowers Bronson Murray and Jason Macdonald were with the Crusaders this year.

Squads were finalised over the past two days as coaches negotiated player draft movement.

There is strength across all five squads according to New Zealand Rugby Union general manager professional rugby Neil Sorensen.

"The abundance of quality talent has made this a very challenging process," he said.

"However, it is great that the franchises have worked solidly through this process in a deliberate and professional manner.

"It is always tough to leave out quality players - but the reality is there are just so many good players out there.

"We are delighted with the even spread of this talent across the regions and anticipate strong performances in 2010 for all five squads."

BNZ was also confirmed today as the new major sponsor of the New Zealand teams for the next three years.

BNZ replaces Ford as the front of jersey sponsor, who has been involved with Super rugby since its inception in 1996.

The 2009 Rebel Sport Super 14 squads are as follows:

BLUES
Tony Woodcock, John Afoa, Charlie Faumuina, Tevita Mailau, , Keven Mealamu, Tom McCartney, Anthony Boric, Ali Williams, Kurtis Haiu, Jerome Kaino, Peter Saili**, Serge Lilo (D)*, Tom Chamberlain**, Chris Lowrey, Viliame Maafu** +, Alby Mathewson*, Chris Smylie, Stephen Brett (D)*, Daniel Kirkpatrick (D)*, Luke McAlister***, Benson Stanley, Isaia Toeava, George Pisi***, Rudi Wulf, Anthony Tuitavake, Joe Rokocoko, Rene Ranger, Paul Williams.

CHIEFS
Nathan White***, Ben Afeaki**, James McGougan, Sona Taumalolo, Aled de Malmanche, Hika Elliot, Kevin O'Neill, Craig Clarke, Callum Retallick**, Romana Graham**, Jarrad Hoeata (D)**, Liam Messam, Tanerau Latimer, Luke Braid**, Sione Lauaki, Colin Bourke, Brendon Leonard, Junior Poluleuligaga** +, Stephen Donald, Mike Delany, Callum Bruce, Jackson Willison, Richard Kahui, Lelia Masaga, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Dwayne Sweeney, Tim Nanai-Williams**, Mils Muliaina.

HURRICANES
John Schwalger, Jacob Ellison, Neemia Tialata, Anthony Perenise*, Andrew Hore, Dane Coles, Jeremy Thrush, Bryn Evans, James Broadhurst (D)**, Jason Eaton, Michael Paterson*, Victor Vito, Karl Lowe, Scott Waldrom, Rodney So'oialo, Nick Crosswell**, Piri Weepu, Tyson Keats (D)**, Aaron Cruden**, Willie Ripia, Ma'a Nonu, Conrad Smith, Jason Kawau (D), Tamati Ellison, David Smith, Hosea Gear, Andre Taylor**, Cory Jane.

CRUSADERS
Wyatt Crockett, Owen Franks, Ben Franks, Peter Borlase**, Corey Flynn, Ti'i Paulo***, Brad Thorn, Isaac Ross, Chris Jack***, Sam Whitelock**, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw, George Whitelock, Jonathan Poff, Thomas Waldrom, Andy Ellis, Kahn Fotuali'i, Daniel Carter***, Daniel Bowden (D)*, Ryan Crotty, Tim Bateman, Robert Fruean**, Adam Whitelock, Sean Maitland, Kade Poki, Zac Guildford*, Colin Slade, Jared Payne.

HIGHLANDERS
Jamie Mackintosh, Clint Newland, Chris King, Bronson Murray (D)*, Jason Macdonald, Jason Rutledge, Josh Bekhuis, Tom Donnelly, Hayden Triggs, Joe Tuineau**, Adam Thomson, Alando Soakai, John Hardie**, Tim Boys, Nasi Manu*, Stephen Setephano, Jimmy Cowan, Sean Romans, Matt Berquist (D), Michael Hobbs*, Jayden Hayward, Jason Shoemark (D), Kendrick Lynn, James Paterson**, Fetu'u Vainikolo, Ben Smith, Robbie Robinson**, Israel Dagg.

* New player to a Franchise
** - New player to a Super Rugby squad
*** - Returning player
+ - Pacific Island Player
D - Draft

- NZPA