Highlanders 2020

[Stargazer]

That was way too easy for the Tahs. Another try.

[Bovidae]

The game in Waihi today was played in ~20 min quarters to allow drinks breaks. Or is this game having more regular breaks?

[Stargazer]

@Bovidae No, it's the same.

[Stargazer]

Ugghh, the Tahs score in the last seconds of the game.

The Highlanders' defence and scrum still need a lot of work.

FT: Waratahs 40 - 21 Highlanders

[Daffy Jaffy]

[Dice]

How did Josh Ioane go at 12?

[Canes4life]

@Dice lol surely that’s not his position going forward. The guy will be a doormat for guys like Laumape.

[Stargazer]

@Dice I thought he didn't make much impact at 12. Maybe they're considering him there in case of injuries. Must say, Mitch Hunt was good at 10. It will be battle between those two, who will get to start in the 10 jersey. I expect a lot of rotation in the first few rounds, before they settle on one of them as the top dog at 10.

[KiwiMurph]

@Stargazer surely after last season All Black Ioane is the starting 10 unless they play him at fullback.

[Stargazer]

@KiwiMurph I don't think that's a given. If he was an established AB, maybe, but I think he'll have to earn it again.

[Stargazer]

Was wondering why he didn't play, yesterday. This explains it.

[Bovidae]

From Cully's Stuff article:
Mauger also said that hooker Ash Dixon, whose back flared up during a scrummaging session and wasn't taken to Sydney, was hopeful of being ready for the start of Super Rugby.

[Yeetyaah]

Away jersey. Sorry that's it's a screenshot.

[booboo]

@Yeetyaah don't mind it

[Siam]

Such an exodus of quality players after a very very good half decade.

Not a lot to look forward to for Highlanders fans in reality. Perhaps a participation prize?

[Bones]

@Siam I'm pretty happy with the squad considering.

[Duluth]

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/118988488/super-rugby-mitch-hunt-starts-at-no-10-for-highlanders-against-crusaders

Highlanders (first half): Josh Ioane, Tima Fainga'anuku, Rob Thompson, Teihorangi Walden, Jona Nareki, Mitch Hunt, Kayne Hammington, Marino Mikaele Tu'u, James Lentjes, Dillon Hunt, Pari Pari Parkinson, Josh Dickson, Siate Tokolahi, Nathan Vella, Ayden Johnstone.

Highlanders (second half): Josh McKay, Kirisi Kuridrani, Patelesio Tomkinson, Michael Collins, Scott Gregory, Josh Ioane, Folau Fakatava, Teariki Ben-Nicholas, Dillon Hunt, Zane Kapeli, Jesse Pareti, Jack Whetton, Josh Iosefa-Scott, Sebastian Siataga, Daniel Lienert-Brown.
Reserves: Ethan De Groot, Sione Misiloi, Aleki Morris

Crusaders: David Havili (c), Will Jordan, Braydon Ennor, Dallas McLeod, Leicester Faingaanuku, Brett Cameron, Mitchell Drummond, Whetukamokamo Douglas, Tom Christie, Tom Sanders, Quinten Strange, Mitchell Dunshea, Michael Alaalatoa, Andrew Makalio, Isi Tu'ungafasi.
Reserves: Brodie McAlister, George Bower, Oliver Jager, Cullen Grace, Sione Havili, Bryn Hall, Fergus Burke, Manasa Mataele, Harry Allan, Luke Romano, Fetuli Paea

[Siam]

@Bones said in Highlanders 2020:

@Siam I'm pretty happy with the squad considering.

I've noted your half full glass and tipped it into my half empty one😀

Yep, bring it on and we'll chart the progress of a justifiably written off team and look for some upsets and player development.

(A churlish supporter would recognize that we've got 6 seasons up our sleeves before we stink up the place worse than the aucklanders have 😎)

[Daffy Jaffy]

FYI for anyone who doesn't know that todays preseason game vs the Crusaders is live on Sky Sport 1 at 5:55pm.

[Daffy Jaffy]

@Daffy-Jaffy Sadly due to "technical difficulties" todays match is now only avilable on Highlanders facebook page. Sky don't deserve us.