Highlanders 2025
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Naeata is the selection that just really confuses me. Especially not having a third genuine locks in the squad. Which sugessts any of Haig, Howden, Naeata and Stodart will have time from 50 - 80 mins at lock. While they will also be required to start some games. Surely we could habe just picked up someone like Hugo Plummer as a safe option. Instead of looking to go all in with the four loose forwards option. It isn't like Dunshea and Holland are injury free players.
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And a commercial story on the Highlanders by one of the best reporters in NZ ... https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360483433/highlanders-applies-liquidate-sponsor-over-120000-payment
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jeez, thats awkward....not exactly high profile (i recognised them)...but that seems like a lot of money
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I was feeling confident when JJ got announced as coach but this squad has completely knocked that out of me. Is Dunedin so unappealing that no decent players want to move there?
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@game_film said in Highlanders 2025:
Where did Pari-Pari move on to? Can’t believe he’s 28
Japan mate. Tokatsu Green Rockets
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Pari Pari was nothing short of a big passenger. Tha k you for your service and enjoy smashing little blokes in Japan. @KiwiInLondon don't be too disheartened. A lot of guys arw still improving. Just a couple of weird selections. Especially Naeata. I don't know what other players they could have gone after.
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@SouthernMann I think I’ll go with the glass half empty approach this season. The years of optimism have caused too many issues with the blood pressure
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@KiwiInLondon said in Highlanders 2025:
@SouthernMann I think I’ll go with the glass half empty approach this season. The years of optimism have caused too many issues with the blood pressure
I just pick a certain group of players, hope they go well. Hope we play a fun style to watch and that we don't get smoked. The team on the whole is better than last year. It'll just depend on JRK at the back,and whether he gets on the paddock. We get half a dozen injuries and we are wrecked
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Love this squad don’t get me wrong, but Arscott and Hastie as our backup halfbacks still doesn’t excite me. Both done nothing for Otago this year would’ve loved to see them throw Pledger in straight away and possibly sign Lenox.
As for the rest of the backline, Taine Robinson is a perfect signing imo. Finally gets the chance to prove himself and get some minutes hopefully.
Midfield looking strong, we just hope TUJ and Te Hiwi can keep themselves healthy and battle with Telea for the 12/13 spots.
Not sure who’s gonna be the primary 15 while JRK is out, possibly Taine? Or Hurley? Let’s hope it’s not Gilbert.
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Backing id love to see (personal opinion)
- Fakatava
- Miller
- Manson
- Umaga-Jensen
- Telea
- Tavatavanawi
- Robinson (while JRK out)
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@upthelanders I could be wrong here but Robinson seems too similar to Cam Millar to have in the starting backline, I expect Caleb Tangitau to press his claim for a spot outwide but unsure if he would be comfortable at 15
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Pure speculation on this locking situation, wondering if Howden has been brought down with the specific intention of playing lock?
1.96m, so probably has the height (just)… when you consider him and Naeta were the last two signed, just seems the likely option.
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@upthelanders said in Highlanders 2025:
Backing id love to see (personal opinion)
- Fakatava
- Miller
- Manson
- Umaga-Jensen
- Telea
- Tavatavanawi
- Robinson (while JRK out)
What’s the obsession with Manson? I mean he’s quick but that’s about it. Average defender, average under the highball. Not a complete winger
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@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
@KiwiInLondon said in Highlanders 2025:
@SouthernMann I think I’ll go with the glass half empty approach this season. The years of optimism have caused too many issues with the blood pressure
I just pick a certain group of players, hope they go well. Hope we play a fun style to watch and that we don't get smoked. The team on the whole is better than last year. It'll just depend on JRK at the back,and whether he gets on the paddock. We get half a dozen injuries and we are wrecked
I’m hoping Jamie Joseph takes some of those players with potential and really improves them. That would be the biggest plus
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@frugby said in Highlanders 2025:
Pure speculation on this locking situation, wondering if Howden has been brought down with the specific intention of playing lock?
1.96m, so probably has the height (just)… when you consider him and Naeta were the last two signed, just seems the likely option.
That's where I'm landing. Almost playing a dual blindside, one lock tactic. One of Dunshea/Holland on the paddock at a time. I wouldn't be surprised if Joseph was behind the Fischli at lock tactic with Otago, to see how it worked. Basically running a pack of four loosies and one genuine, tighthead lock. The second named lock just plays a looseforward role.
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@KiwiInLondon said in Highlanders 2025:
@upthelanders said in Highlanders 2025:
Backing id love to see (personal opinion)
- Fakatava
- Miller
- Manson
- Umaga-Jensen
- Telea
- Tavatavanawi
- Robinson (while JRK out)
What’s the obsession with Manson? I mean he’s quick but that’s about it. Average defender, average under the highball. Not a complete winger
Nareki and Tavatavqnawai should still be the first string wingers. Tangitau next cab off the rank. Give Manson some time in pre-season to see if he can tackle and catch.
