Highlanders 2021
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@Kiwiwomble That could result in a Highlanders backrow of Squire, Mikaele-Tu'u and Lentjes. Not bad at all, although Squire has become a bit injury prone, the last few years.
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@Stargazer dont get me wrong, i would rather keep Frizell....but beggers etc
I'm worried Lentjes is getting past it, not in the best form for a while before getting injured, if we can get/keep some experience at 6 then i wouldn't mind running someone young/new at 7
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this seems a bit out of the blue, havent seen anything offical
i dont know whos making these signings, we havent announced a head coach
also not sure No8 is where we're light, we have MMT, Misiloi and Ben-Nicolas plays there too...and thats just off the top of my head
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@Kiwiwomble Himeno can also played 6 - played there at times during RWC.
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@Kiwiwomble Hmm, that would be a surprise signing. As to the Highlanders number 8s, IIRC, MMT is off-contract, but somehow I can't see him going anywhere else, unless there is a serious culture issue. This year, he was the first choice no. 8; I don't think there's a chance he could get that much game time anywhere else.
Misiloi is off-contract, too, and was injured all season. Not sure about TBN.
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@Stargazer misiloi fit again, played on the weekend as did Ben-nicolas
i wasn't up to date with the contract status so maybe some people are moving on and just not announced
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The news is correct. Kazuki Himeno will join the Highlanders for the 2021 season.
There's an announcement on the Toyota Verblitz website: http://sports.gazoo.com/verblitz/news/2020/10/007696.html
Steve Hansen's Toyota is one of the Japanese clubs who have signed several New Zealand players this year. Maybe some kind of deal between Toyoata V and NZR? The announcement sounds like he's going with their blessing and to get some overseas' experience that will benefit Japanese rugby.
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@Yeetyaah said in Highlanders 2021:
Shit signing. We have so many great young loose forwards and they opt for a Japanese international. Last time a Super team signed a Japanese team it was Ata'ata Moeakiola for the Chiefs and he did sweet fuck all.
He was awesome in the RWC. Reckon that’s a great signing myself
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@Billy-Tell not doubting his ability at all.
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@Billy-Tell said in Highlanders 2021:
@Yeetyaah said in Highlanders 2021:
Shit signing. We have so many great young loose forwards and they opt for a Japanese international. Last time a Super team signed a Japanese team it was Ata'ata Moeakiola for the Chiefs and he did sweet fuck all.
He was awesome in the RWC. Reckon that’s a great signing myself
In a team with several glaring weaknesses and limited resources available in NZ, blindside is the last place I'd be looking overseas.
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oh well, welcome aboard! at very least we're not likely to be worse than last year when it comes to loosies
woudn't mind a head coach
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@Stargazer said in Highlanders 2021:
@Kiwiwomble Hmm, that would be a surprise signing. As to the Highlanders number 8s, IIRC, MMT is off-contract, but somehow I can't see him going anywhere else, unless there is a serious culture issue. This year, he was the first choice no. 8; I don't think there's a chance he could get that much game time anywhere else.
Misiloi is off-contract, too, and was injured all season. Not sure about TBN.
Hope the Crusaders are sniffing around MMT if he is off contract. I reckon he would get a regular start there as a 8.
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@Crazy-Horse If they keep Cullen Grace at 6, yes. MMT is definitely better than Douglas. But I understand from the media that the Crusaders will fill all holes in their squad from their own academy.
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@Stargazer if that's the case I hope they have a good one squirreled away. Apart from Blackadder (who seems to be injury prone), Grace is the only loosie I am excited about. But this is a Highlanders thread so I will leave it there.