Highlanders v B&I Lions
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@MN5 said in Highlanders v B&I Lions:
The Island boys looked like they'd rather be at the dentist than sit through that skit and who could blame them.
I don't think I have ever so cringed so hard. That joke went on about a minute and a half too long and doesn't even make sense when you consider they are not playing England and Lions has some scottish and Irish players in the team.
You would have thought a club with a fan zone called the ZOO and a touring team called the lions would have given them near limitless options.
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@mooshld said in Highlanders v B&I Lions:
@MN5 said in Highlanders v B&I Lions:
The Island boys looked like they'd rather be at the dentist than sit through that skit and who could blame them.
I don't think I have ever so cringed so hard. That joke went on about a minute and a half too long and doesn't even make sense when you consider they are not playing England and Lions has some scottish and Irish players in the team.
You would have thought a club with a fan zone called the ZOO and a touring team called the lions would have given them near limitless options.
I wonder what was worse for Fekitoa: Getting dropped or appearing in this ?
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@MiketheSnow said in Highlanders v B&I Lions:
@Bovidae said in Highlanders v B&I Lions:
Warburton would be unlikely to play in the Maori game (a likely shadow test XV) after being named to play on Tuesday.
Is Moriarty carrying an injury? Stander will be involved in 3 games in a row.
I'm guessing a half for Warburton to see if his ankle is OK, then yanked to rest for Saturday. He is VERY much in Gatland's plans.
No word on Moriarty.
I think I read somewhere that Moriarty's had a back problem since the Baabaas game. They expect it'll take him another couple of days to be fit.
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Anyone giving the Landers a chance here? I feel like their style is one that could be effective against a Lions side a fair bit weaker than Saturday's team.
In the forwards there's enough experience to be able to win their set piece. Two guys who I'm expecting big games from are Whitelock and Ainley, they have a break after this so can really play like there is no tomorrow. Hemopo is the only new guy.
Aaron Smith is obviously a big loss as it's him that really organises and sparks those forward runners. But Hammington has been in the squad all year, there should be plenty of familiarity there.
But from 10 out there is talent aplenty, with a guaranteed dry ball I just don't think the Lions defence will be able to stop the Landers backs from scoring 2-3 tries. And if this Lions combination doesn't really click on attack, I could see this Clan team squeaking home.
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@Frye yup, I think they're in with a shot. I saw some NH headlines saying the "NZ way is not always the best way" after the Crusaders loss which shows a lack of knowledge of the 5 Super teams. The Highlanders style - accurate kicking game and fast paced attack with less reliance on forward dominance - should be more effective then the Saders who really have been grinding teams down all year with their pack.
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@No-Quarter said in Highlanders v B&I Lions:
The Highlanders style - accurate kicking game and fast paced attack with less reliance on forward dominance - should be more effective then the Saders who really have been grinding teams down all year with their pack.
Agree with all of that. They put up a lot of contestable kicks. Nowell will need to lift his form
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@Bovidae said in Highlanders v B&I Lions:
The Landers will give the Lions some of their own medicine too with the rush defence.
If the forwards can provide a decent platform they've got a chance. Gardner's style of refereeing will suit the frantic, fast-paced game the Highlanders play.
A frantic fast-paced game is useless if you aren't making yards. You can charge on in at any pace you like, but all you will do is tire yourself if you can't get over the advantage line. The Highlanders have found that sides who can tackle on the line give them lots of trouble for this reason.
I really hope they try something somewhat more sophisticated than just trying to out pace the Lions.
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This could be a cracker of a game given the lower profile for both sets of players.
Don't really care who wins as long as both sides go for it.
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Speaking of fekitoa , will be interesting to see him trying to prove a point tonight , could be a few lions backs waking up a bit sore tomorrow
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@kiwiinmelb It will be especially interesting to watch Fekitoa ball in hand - given that's the reason for his omission. His hands have certainly let him down this season and he doesn't have the same passing/offloading skills/vision of the other centres picked (including Goodhue). Moala is in a much similar boat but probably even worse.
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@KiwiMurph said in Highlanders v B&I Lions:
@kiwiinmelb It will be especially interesting to watch Fekitoa ball in hand - given that's the reason for his omission. His hands have certainly let him down this season and he doesn't have the same passing/offloading skills/vision of the other centres picked (including Goodhue). Moala is in a much similar boat but probably even worse.
Yes , definitely his weakness, the worrying thing for him , I'm not convinced he can change that too much .But one thing that can't be faulted is his physical commitment, I just hope he goes hard at what he does best .
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Fekitoa is one of the best defensive 13s, but his headless chook attacking game is his problem, although if he can click in an open running match, lions could struggle.
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@taniwharugby said in Highlanders v B&I Lions:
Fekitoa is one of the best defensive 13s, but his headless chook attacking game is his problem, although if he can click in an open running match, lions could struggle.
The disappointing thing is that his attacking play wasn't always like that. I remember when he first made the ABs he was a good defender and a fairly standard sort of attacker in the sense that he did the basics okay for a young player that needed development.
In attack now he seems to misread the play, when to come into the line, receives the ball flatfooted, passing game hasn't improved etc.
Rob Thompson is a player that has the allround game that I think the AB selectors could be looking at. He and ALB are very similar in my view.
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@ACT-Crusader said in Highlanders v B&I Lions:
@taniwharugby said in Highlanders v B&I Lions:
Rob Thompson is a player that has the allround game that I think the AB selectors could be looking at. He and ALB are very similar in my view.
Not sure why Thompson can't nail down a regular starting spot in super rugby, he's been a favourite player of mine for a few seasons now.
I do know he's had to change clubs in Christchurch because of a falling out with coaches/ management. So maybe related to attitude?
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@taniwharugby yeah ,he has limitations , I think he plays his best footy when he is going 100 miles an hour , prob won't get his black jersey back , but can still be a handful to play against
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Just hope the highlanders get some decent ball and it could be fun
