Highlanders 2025
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Sam Fischli is training with the squad, so I’ve been told .
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What are we considering as a success for the Highlanders this season?
In theory we came sixth last year, so missing the playoffs would be a step backwards, but I feel like with a stronger competition, we could take steps forward and still miss the playoffs?
I feel like barring anything really bad happening in the other games, the barometer of success is probably how we go in the derby matches.
The average scores over the past seasons for context:
2024: 20-38
2023: 16-40
2022: 17-27
2021 (Aotearoa): 25-28
2020 (Aotearoa): 25-28
2019: 21-27
2018: 26-28 -
@Kiwiwomble The average score as generated on the Fern, so yeah.
Defence in the last two seasons a way bigger issue though. I think our physical ceiling in the backline has been a massive issue defensively - we've been exposed for a lack of pace.
I think this possibly explains why they want to try Tavatavanawai in the midfield over Te Hiwi. This same issue may also lead to Hurley replacing Gilbert, simply because the latter is too slow.
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@frugby i say this as someone who has come around to hurley massively....but if someone his size is our defensive hail mary.....im concerned, there is margin for error when you dont have the size, technique needs to be perfect every single time
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Sucess is somewhere between 5th and 8th on the table. Being in contention for the playoffs going into the final weekend.
Having four or five players in the picture for All Black contention. I'm thinking de Groot, Holland, Haig (hopefully he comes back firing), Tangitau and may be Millar.
Win one derby game away from home, and two at home.
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@Landers92 said in Highlanders 2025:
@frugby said in Highlanders 2025:
Hurley has unfortunately not stepped up from what I have seen/heard. He was woeful in his cameo in Invercargill, and it was notable he didn't get on until the last 20. If he is on the bench, it will only be because of injuries.
What makes you say Hurley was woeful? IMO he came on and did his core roles well while also adding a bit of something to the attack with some tired defenders on the field. Can’t expect the world when given 20mins in a pre season game. He’s a good player to have on the bench, can break things open and if someone goes down early then you could be doing a lot worse than bringing him on. I don’t mind him on the bench at all.
I with you here Landers, I tend to think this kid Hurey has got the makings of being good.
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Anyone know when the team announcement is?
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@upthelanders All teams named at 4pm today.
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Do we have an update on the wider training group?
I’m assuming it’s Jack Sexton, Sam Fischlii, Adam Lennox, Matt Whaanga and Waisake Salabiau but any other names on the list?
I’m also assuming Michael Loft, and Josh Tengblad are now officially members of the squad for the season?
Then also assuming Dylan Pledger, Moana Takaka and Kyan Rangitura will be training with the team a lot too.
