.jpg)
The domestic showpiece of New Zealand provincial rugby, the ITM Cup 2014 is almost here. Sure, the standard of the competition isn't as high as Super Rugby, but the competition lets everyday people who are a mixture of amateur, semi-professional and fully professional Super Rugby players represent 14 teams across New Zealand from Northland to Southland. What do you love about the ITM Cup? I love seeing future stars of New Zealand rugby. I also love the ways that the provinces get behind the ITM Cup and the Ranfurly Shield also goes up for grabs, it is currently with Counties - Manukau.
There is a video above to whet your appetite. This video includes some great tries from both the ITM Cup Premiership and ITM Cup Championship. It is great seeing exciting players like Ihaia West and Ardie Savea earning Super Rugby contracts through their performances. It is also being great seeing teams like Counties-Manukau and Tasman dominate the ITM Cup Championship and move into the ITM Cup Premiership.
ITM Cup Premiership 2014
The usual suspects will most likely dominate the ITM Cup Premiership. Canterbury will start as favourites ahead of Wellington and Auckland, while Counties-Manukau and Tasman are expected to battle for the fourth spot in the seven team competition. Both of these teams now have an abundance of Super Rugby players which they didn't have in the past. Taranaki keep getting the chequebook out and import players, while Waikato look to have a rather disappointing team on paper, which is interesting given how strong the Chiefs have been in recent seasons.
.jpg)
Post a Comment