Highlanders 2021
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@Yeetyaah yeah, think he had an injury that turned into poor form and then maybe struggled being away from nz during COVID
I kind of see a role like Manu had played for Otago this year, tempo lift of the bench with the odd start
that's all assuming the saders haven't lured frizell away
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@taniwharugby said in Highlanders 2021:
Squire coming back?
Squire expected to return to Highlanders
Former Highlanders and All Black loose forward Liam Squire looks set to make a comeback for the southern franchise. Squire (29) is believed to be...
Highlanders starting loose forwards look fairly set, but he should be good for depth and experience, provided he's in the right place mentally and physically. Could be pretty handy off the bench.
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Highlanders Squad 2021
Forwards:
Front Row:Daniel Lienert-Brown, Jeff Thwaites, Ayden Johnstone, Ethan De Groot, Jermaine Ainsley*, Siate Tokolahi, Josh Hohneck**, Liam Coltman, Ash Dixon, Ricky Jackson
Locks:Paripari Parkinson, Josh Dickson, Manaaki Selby-Rickit , Bryn Evans*
Loosies:Shannon Frizell, Sione Misiloi, James Lentjes, Billy Harmon*, Kazuki Himeno*, Marino Mikaele-Tu’u, Teariki Ben- Nicholas, Liam Squire**
Backs:
Half- Backs: Aaron Smith, Kayne Hammington, Folau Fakatava
First-Five: Josh Ioane, Mitchell Hunt
Midfield:Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Patelesio Tomkinson, Michael Collins, Fetuli Paea*, Scott Gregory
Outside Backs: Jona Nareki, Nehe Milner-Skudder, Vilimoni Koroi***, Solomon Alaimalo*, Sam Gilbert, Connor Garden-Bachop, Ngatungane Punivai
Not back from 2020: Jack Whetton (NSW), Dillon Hunt (Blues), Rob Thompson ( Japan) Bryn Gatland (Chiefs), Jesse Parete (Japan), Josh Iosefa-Scott, Zane Kapeli, Kirisi Kuridrani, Teihorangi Walden, Tevita Nabura, Josh McKay
*New Highlanders in 2021
**Returning Highlanders in 2021
***Vili Koroi will assemble with NZ sevens team in preparation for the Tokyo Olympics
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@Stargazer No Cridge in any team either.
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@macmanus yeah, that’s a sad surprise, think alaimalo may have been a too good an option to turn down
Still getting my head around everything, great ash got re signed, not sure why that wasn’t announced previously
Will take a stab at my first choice 15 later
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From the media release:
two very experienced captains in Aaron and Ash
So they are the 2021 captains.
News | Highlanders Rugby Club Limited Partnership
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Really happy to read this:
Brown signalled that Hawke's Bay halfback Folau Fakatava will play a much greater role in the Highlanders’ campaign in 2021 after a brilliant Mitre 10 Cup season.
“In 2021 he's going to have a real impact on this team," Brown said
“I know we've got Aaron Smith as our All Black and our starting No 9, but I think with the way that Folau is playing he's going to start putting a lot more pressure on Aaron Smith, and get a lot more game time.”
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@Kiwiwomble said in Highlanders 2021:
@macmanus yeah, that’s a sad surprise, think alaimalo may have been a too good an option to turn down
Alaimalo will want to play at fullback. Gilbert and Garden-Bachop don't demand selection ahead of Vahaakolo.
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@Bovidae the difference is I think they already had contract for this year so you have to look at the new guys coming in
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Comments section going OFF about no vahaakolo or McKay
Come too accept there may be a good reason for McKay, a bit gutted for freedom
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@Kiwiwomble Agree. I suspect Gilbert and CGB were signed on two year contracts and that there simply wasn't room for another new signing. I think they were right in chosing Alaimalo over Vahaakolo (and McKay).
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@Stargazer yeah, if it’s that simple it’s understanding
Hope he stays in dunners, maybe training with the squad a bit
Just read fletcher smith didn’t get picked up by anyone, he might be regretting leaving dunners
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This is the trade off when you sign NMS. He's taking up a spot of a talented youngster.
@Kiwiwomble Fletcher Smith off to Aus apparently.
