Super 14 draft causesa stir in NZ

TASESA LAVEA’S switch from the Blues to the Chiefs was the surprise move as the five New Zealand Super 14 franchises were announced.

Lavea was one of 16 players swapped in the draft ahead of the 2007 squad announcements, with 42 new players called up, as the All Blacks management rest key players ahead of the World Cup.

The champions Crusaders are worst affected by the omission of key players, with an extended squad of 35.

The Hurricanes, Blues, Chiefs and Highlanders have also been allowed more than the usual 28-man squads — which sees the 42 new players progress from the Air New Zealand Cup.

The move has caused controversy, but the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) chose to emphasise the depth of talent available. NZRU deputy chief executive Steve Tew said: “The selected squads are evidence of the real depth across the country and the injection of exciting, new players will add real spice to the competition.

“I think New Zealand rugby fans will find the mix quite exciting.”

Fly-half Lavea, who has pledged his future to Pacific Islands and Samoa after turning down overtures from the New Zealand Maori XV, has headed south after a number of disappointing seasons with the Auckland-based side.

Blues coach David Nucifora had been expected to keep faith with the mercurial playmaker, but his below-par performances in the last two tournaments ended his tenure.

Nucifora also let Auckland tyro David Smith join the Hurricanes, alongside Brad Mika, who had been expected to rejoin the Crusaders.

Ex-Hurricanes full-back Brent Ward does join the reigning champions, his third franchise in three years. He will see familiar faces in ex-Blues Rua Tipoki and Tusi Pisi, and Northland’s Jake Paringatai at Crusaders.

The Highlanders pledged to stay out of the draft, but have selected North Harbour’s Junior All Black wing Viliami Waqaseduadua and Tasman’s Lucky Mapasua after several backline defections to Europe.

The Blues themselves have made a rare move into the draft market, signing Waikato and former Chiefs prop Sam Biddles, while ex-Chief and Auckland captain Sam Tuitupou joins him at Eden Park.

Nucifora has also taken former Hurricanes Isaia Toeava and former Leinster star David Holwell.

The Blues and Crusaders kick off the tournament on February 2 at Eden Park.