Preseason - Highlanders v Crusaders

[Kiwiwomble]

@Yeetyaah said in Preseason - Highlanders v Crusaders:

Taking the 3 in a pre season should be punishable by death

disagree, this isn't an exhibition game, im happy for them replicate real match conditions as much as possible

[mariner4life]

lol, according to the last 5 mins i watched, this is a "get a run in the legs" game given the state of the play from both teams. Scrappy as shit, and the ref totally buying in to it.

It was also the most entertaining 5 minutes of rugby i've seen in a while. Rugby is so much better when it is chaos.

[Yeetyaah]

@Kiwiwomble jail

[Bovidae]

The Crusaders scrum is dominating. Not a good 40 mins from de Groot.

The ref has certainly penalised the Highlanders a lot while ignoring the same from the Crusaders.

[Yeetyaah]

@Bovidae said in Preseason - Highlanders v Crusaders:

The ref has certainly penalised the Highlanders a lot while ignoring the same from the Crusaders.

Giving them the Ben O'Keeffe experience before the season starts.

[Grooter]

This Caleb Tangitau guy looks ready for the season ahead

[Kiwiwomble]

nareki looking sheepish

[Yeetyaah]

@Kiwiwomble said in Preseason - Highlanders v Crusaders:

nareki looking injured

FIFY

[SouthernMann]

Tangitau has to be on the right wing come round one. I thought when we signed him that he was going to be our best outside back signing since Naholo, and is already looking bloody sharp

[Bovidae]

What's the rule with golden oldie scrums? The Crusaders bring on a loose forward to replace an injured prop.

[Yeetyaah]

Manson defs dropped that but man he's a sharp player

[junior12]

Sevu has been terrible. playing himself out of a starting jersey for round 1

[Steven Harris]

Superb long pass from Toby Bell ,impressed with James O’Connor since hes been on

[Dan54]

@Yeetyaah . thanks for posting link mate, really appreciate that!!
Geez I enjoyed that game, bloody good preseason hit out!!

[Bovidae]

Was that Tangitau that Saifoloi sat on his arse with the fend in the leadup to Springer's try?

Final score was 29-24 Highlanders (HT: 10-19).

[Landers92]

That was a great watch, impressive stuff from both teams. Scrappy at the end which is expected but throughly enjoyed it.

Stands outs for the highlanders for me were Tangitau and Holland, both solid games all round. Nareki looked good, Gilbert looked comfortable in 15 and was solid and Tavatavawai did a great job in the 12 jersey for the first time.

All the new signings impressed, Lasaga looked a real threat with ball in hand too. Vikena some strong carries.

Holland playing the full 80 and Dunshea playing 70 stressed me out but glad they got through unscathed. Plenty to grow on but that was encouraging heading into week 1. Some hard choices to be made around selection next weekend.

Bring on the season.

[Nogusta]

They won't be beat on fitness this season

[frugby]

Was at the ground today. Tangitau the best on show. Renton showed great leadership from the sideline, but thought he was disappointing on the field

[Steven Harris]

Tangitau was superb , could be one of the better pick ups for the Landers in recent times the midfield combo of Tavatavanawai and Tele’a with front football could be lethal moving forward
Crusaders scrum in the first half while they had their guns on also looked very good
Really enjoyable watch

[Daffy Jaffy]

@Steven-Harris said in Preseason - Highlanders v Crusaders:

Tavatavanawai and Tele’a with front football could be lethal moving forward

The potential battle in round two between these two and Lam/Ioane should be tasty.