Overall a slightly disappointing result for the Bay, Tahana the only surprise selection after he has been ignored for the past couple of years but great news for him and recognition of how consistent he has been and also maybe that he is actually faster than he looks! Lutui got the second hooker's spot ahead of Linklater which is good to see (if no surprise to anybody who has watched the pair play). Latimer has snuck into the Crusaders which seems to me like a NZRU directive for all franchises to take a punt on young talent.

INS

Simms Davison
Ben Castle

Aleki Lutui

Bernie Upton

Nili Latu

Jamie Nutbrown
Anthony Tahana

Tanerau Latimer to the Crusaders

OUTS

Everyone else including Mark Sorenson, Colin Bourke and Grant McQuoid. 

Sorenson misses out to Kristian Ormsby, who has returned to Counties - bad luck for Mark who was solid all year for the Bay and stood up when Bernie was injured. Ormsby has never really showed form for more than 20 minutes a game. Likewise Colin Bourke misses out to the vastly over-rated Liam Messam, which is no surprise given how Waikato will want to protect their investment in Messam. Hopefully Colin can get a Sevens contract and will stay in NZ and with the Bay. Finally Grant McQuoid lost the centre shoot-out with Mark Ranby - which will surely be enough to see Grant look overseas for a crust. If this is the case (and we sincerely hope it isn't) then we wish him well in the future.

The Chiefs squad in full:

Sosene Anesi
Steven Bates
Ben Castle
Loki Crichton
Simms Davison
Stephen Donald
Jono Gibbes (captain)
David Hill
Sean Hohneck
Marty Holah
Byron Kelleher
Nili Latu
Sione Lauaki
Aleki Lutui
Deacon Manu
Lelia Masaga
Liam Messam
Mils Muliaina
Jamie Nutbrown
Kristian Ormsby
Mark Ranby
Sitiveni Sivivatu
Niva Ta'auso
Anthony Tahana
Sam Tuitupou
Bernie Upton
Nathan White
Tom Willis

Statistical split: Waikato 17, Bay of Plenty 7, Counties Manukau 3, Draft 1.

Meanwhile, one player from Bay of Plenty, loose forward Tanerau  Latimer, was drafted into the Crusaders for the 2006 Rebel Sport Super 14 season.