REVIEW OF THE 1998 NPC SEASON
(An awesome sight on 'Taagaa' rugby)
With the conclusion of the 1998 The
Brook looks back at the players who played for Otago this year.
Otago introduced many new players who are set to figure
prominently next year with the All Blacks not playing in the NPC.
1998 All Blacks: Jeff Wilson, Taine Randell, Isitolo
Maka, Josh Kronfeld, Kees Meeuws, Carl Hoeft, Anton Oliver
All Black Training Squad: Jeff Wilson, Taine Randell,
Isitolo Maka, Josh Kronfeld, Kees Meeuws, Carl Hoeft, Anton
Oliver, Tony Brown
Possible 1999 All Blacks: Brendon Timmins, Brendan
Laney, Romi Ropati
Jeff Wilson
56 games for Otago
1998 Tries 8
1998 Points 42
When Wilson returned to the NPC
after the 1997 All Black campaign he was in outstanding form,
against Wellington he had one of his finest games for the
province. This year Wilson returned and bought with him a
professionalism that lifts the players around him. Wilson's
return of eight tries in eight games portrays a player that
involves himself with many of Otago's moves from the back. A
positional shift from the wing to fullback gave Wilson more space
and led to calls for him to play for the national team in this
position.
Brendan Laney
51 games for Otago
1998 Tries 15
1998 Points 83
Started the season as a utility and
the player most likely to make way for Wilson. After initially
suffering a slump in form, a positional change to the wing saw
Laney strike a rich vein of form. With the ability to step of
both feet and increasing his pace he ended the season with
fifteen tries. A strong Super 12 could see Laney make a claim for
higher honours.
Matthew Carrington
25 games for Otago
1998 Tries 4
1998 Points 20
Figured prominently in the early
stages of the NPC scoring two tries in New Plymouth against
Taranaki, also appeared regularly as a sub throughout the season.
Successfully made the transition from his traditional position at
fullback to the left wing, also remains an option at centre.
Steve Dunn
6 games for Otago
1998 Tries -
1998 Points -
Featured in the pre season games on the left wing along with
Matthew Priscott. His speed makes him dangerous when in space.
Appeared on the reserves bench in the early part of the campaign
but did not make it onto the field.
Romi Ropati
20 games for Otago
1998 Tries 10
1998 Points 50
Successfully made the transition to
the wing and became one of the big movers in form over the
season. Elusive running with a good side step makes him an
elusive runner. Sometimes guilty of running away from his
support, his reading of the game and option taking has greatly
improved. Often coming in field at the right time, changing the
angle of his run to get behind the oppositions backline was a
delight to watch. Ropati will be looking to capitalise with a
strong Super 12.
Reuben Parkinson
29 games for Otago
1998 Tries 5
1998 Points 25
Enjoyed consistency in selection and
bloomed after making the transition from flanker. A strong runner
and also a fearsome tackler Parkinson linked well with Leslie
providing a strong defensive screen but also linked well with his
outside backs. An efficient mover of the ball and very strong in
the tackle, staying on his feet that little bit longer so his
support can arrive. Skills from his time as a flanker also
evident in the tackle ball. Improving every game, has a bright
future.
John Leslie
121 games for Otago
1998 Tries 7
1998 Points 35
Played some of his best rugby this
year and will be sorely missed. Leslie's ability to read the game
and change the point of attack is unmatched in this country.
Complements his game with intelligent kicking and strong running
on the inside. Showed his strength against Wellington when he
carried tacklers for fifteen metres before scoring the try.
Combined with Brown well and would have made a good combination
at a higher level. Leaving Otago as one of the great players to
have represented the province.
Tony Brown
44 games for Otago
1998 Tries 4
1998 Points 196
The form first five of the
competition and rewarded with a call up to the All Black training
camp. An integral part of the Otago team he controls the game now
more with his tactical kicking. His 196 points a NPC record for a
season. Brown's work rate is impressive whether on defence or
attack, will tackle anybody coming at him. Set to start the Super
12 as the starting No 10 for the first time.
Eddie Hekenui
4 games for Otago
1998 Tries -
1998 Points -
Moved to the province from Wanganui
and figured in the pre season games along with Charles Hore and
Tim Colling for the understudy to Tony Brown. Making three
appearances as a substitute during the season against Auckland,
Waikato and Northland. An outstanding prospect who will improve
with more games at this level.
Byron Kelleher
23 games for Otago
1998 Tries 5
1998 Points 25
Benefitted from being the first
choice halfback, improved tremendously as the season progressed
having his best game in the final against Waikato. The signs of
forging a partnership with Brown have emerged. His strength
around the fringes and ability to break tackles make him a strong
tackler. Also does a lot of work in defence and cover defence
behind the line. Another player who has a bright future.
Donovan Hall
4 games for Otago
1998 Tries -
1998 Points -
Made three appearances as a substitute during the season against
Auckland, Northland and Southland. Impresses with his quick
clearances and accurate passing. A lively player who will benefit
from more exposure at this level.
Isitolo Maka
27 games for Otago
1998 Tries 1
1998 Points 5
Rewarded for his Super 12 campaign
with an All Black call up, returning to the NPC he impresses with
his strength from the back of the scrum. A player with immense
presence who gets around the field in a robust manner. His
fitness improving after some injuries enabling him to sustain a
high work rate throughout the game. Defensively one of the best
loose forwards in the country. ( A
particular tackle comes to mind at this time. 1994 (?) NPC
semi-final. Great All Black tighthead prop forward, Olo Brown,
approaches the ruck and picks up and drives. He runs infield
around the maul, seemingly running through a gap. All of a
sudden, BANG!! Out of nowhere comes a blue and gold demon who
puts Olo on his
back....and then some. Now, Olo is no
pushover. He is a Big, Big boy, who can more than hold his own
with the biggest guys in World Rugby, but when this tackling
demon hit him, Olo looked
like nothing more than a rag-doll.(I'm not bagging Olo, he's an
awesome player). The way his head snapped back, and he lay
sprawled on the ground, facing skyward, it was almost painful
just seeing it. IN FACT, it was painful. It was one of those hits
that you feel when watching it. Mate, whatta hit.)
Taine Randell
62 games for Otago
1998 Tries -
1998 Points -
Led Otago from the side of the scrum
and returned to his previous form exhibited in the Super 12. His
game against harbour was probably Randell's best. Again leading
by example and maturing at such a great rate. Organises the
defence so well and is always there in support along with
Kronfeld.
Josh Kronfeld
62 games for Otago
1998 Tries 2
1998 Points 10
Form in the Super 12, All Blacks and
NPC should see Kronfeld as the Player of the Year. Always at the
breakdown and in support, his level of play always at the highest
level. Kronfeld confirmed his status as the best No 7 in the
world at present. Sadly having to leave the field during the
final due to bruising to the shoulder.
Kelvin Middleton
27 games for Otago
1998 Tries 1
1998 Points 5
One of the big movers this year
Middleton impresses with his high work rate and uncompromising
defence. Scored a try against Taranaki in Round 2. Very mobile
staying on his feet in the rucks well, Middleton has a big future
ahead of him. A deceptive player as he does so much work in the
tight and gets around the field in a quiet manner that doesn't
attract attention but ruthless in his efficiency.
Duncan Blaikie
23 games for Otago
1998 Tries -
1998 Points
Played in all four rounds, increased
physical stature has added to his overall game. A highly skilled
loose forward Blaikie combines his skill with strength and
mobility. Very good support player always near the action.
Deserves more time on the park and a Super 12 contract.
Matt O'Connell
7 games for Otago
1998 Tries -
1998 Points
Figured in the early rounds of the
competition, a powerfull No 8 who often showed his strength when
bringing the ball out from deep in his own territory. Has the
skills and size to play more at this level and a player to watch
in the future. Has very good hands and vision to control the
direction of play from the back of the scrum.
Kupu Vanisi
37 games for Otago
1998 Tries -
1998 Points -
Made three appearances over the season. Vanisi faced competition
from Duncan Blaikie and Middleton for time on the park,
unfortunately limiting his appearances. Remains a player of skill
who can play on both sides of the scrum.
Brendon Timmins
64 games for Otago
1998 Tries 2
1998 Points 10 One of the form locks of the NPC, deserving of
higher recognition. Timmins excelled at the pick up and run
played so well by Otago this year. An excellent jumper at the
front of the lineout Timmins has battled his way back from injury
to reclaim his best form. A strong Super 12 will see him stake a
claim for a black jersey.
John Blaikie
47 games for Otago
1998 Tries -
1998 Points -
A powerful lock who continued his
progress this year taking on more of a senior player roll. Does
so much work in the engine room and still gets around the field
in support play and taking the ball up. Along with Timmins is
vastly under rated but his consistent form bodes well for the
Super 12.
Simon Maling
21 games for Otago
1998 Tries -
1998 Points -
Continues to gain experience often
introduced in the early stages of the second half, a very solid
lineout jumper. had his biggest test during the final where he
replaced Kronfeld and played on the side of the scrum. In an
unfamiliar position at this level played an intelligent and
outstanding game against a very big and experienced back row.
Carl Hoeft
36 games for Otago
1998 Tries -
1998 Points -
made his All Black debut and topped
his season off by being the standout prop in the NPC. All round
scrumaging is by far the best in New Zealand, Hoeft also enjoyed
being able to run in more space when the Otago pack was
dominating. Set to become one of the great props of Otago and new
Zealand rugby.
Joe McDonnell
9 games for Otago
1998 Tries -
1998 Points -
Played an outstanding game against
Canterbury in Round 1 where he was man of the match. Not the
biggest prop but has a huge heart and never gives up. McDonnell
adds plenty of steel to the front row. With more experience at
this level he will improve quickly, set to lead the front row in
next years NPC.
Anton Oliver
40 games for Otago
1998 Tries 3
1998 Points 15
An outstanding NPC campaign after
returning from international duty. Oliver was impressive with his
lineout throwing and general play. Works hard in the tight and
took a lot more responsibility onto his shoulders. Prepared to
take the ball often and works hard in the mauls and rucks.
Cemented his reputation as the best hooker in New Zealand.
Carl Hayman
2 games for Otago
1998 Tries -
1998 Points -
New Zealand under 19 and colts prop.
Played in the Round 3 game against Waikato in a very
inexperienced front row. Has immense physical presence, a player
that will develop well with more time on the field, should
feature in next years NPC with the All Blacks out. A player to
watch for the future.
Kees Meeuws
23 games for Otago
1998 Tries -
1998 Points -
Called up to the All Blacks for his
debut during the early part of the NPC campaign. During the game
against North Harbour Meeuws was outstanding playing one of the
best games by a prop in recent years. Clearly a player destined
to stake a big future at the international level.
Eugene Morgan
9 games for Otago
1998 Tries -
1998 Points -
Played the first two games then as a
substitute against Waikato and Southland. A former prop making
the transition to hooker very well. Lineout throwing is one of
his strengths that will improve further. A very good scrummager
who brings many of his skills as a prop to his new position.
Another who will gain valuable time in the NPC next year. One to
watch for the future.
Borrowed
from 'The Brook'- http://www.thebrook.co.nz/)
click to return to Otago