Highlanders 2022
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@kiwiwomble Funaki's starts for the Magpies in 2020 were in the 7 jersey, but he has replaced MMT a couple of times at 6. I think he also plays at no. 8 for his club, but not sure.
Just to give a very brief impression. He scored two tries in the Taranaki v Hawke's Bay game (22nd and 42nd minute) and had one try controversially disallowed (36th minute). All are shown in this highlights clip. He's wearing the 7 jersey.
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Here's a clip with Solomone Funaki's highlights. It's a clip from 2019, so mostly footage from the Hawke's Bay Saracens (the Magpies Development team). You can see him in the 7, 8 and 20 jersey.
I don't know how good he can or will be at SR level, and whether he will be better than Harmon or Lentjes, because he simply hasn't played at that level yet, but he's bigger (heavier, at about the same height).
He's in the Tonga squad, so you'll be able to watch him if he gets into the matchday 23.
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Spoke to a very good family friend of Folau Fakatava
Crusaders almost had Folau Fakatava,he was about to sign a 3 year deal ,in fact the crusaders had released Bryn Hall ..but what they did not count on was the influence of his parents back in Tonga who reminded him of who gave him his opportunity and that was the Highlanders..he took heed of his parents advice and decided to stay in Dunedin ..that left the Crusaders scrambling to get Hall back on the books .
For me , I am glad he stayed with the Landers no disrespect to Crusaders but your already stacked in so many positions. -
@steven-harris It's good for Aaron's Smith's workload management as well. With Fakatava on board, the coaches are prepared to play Smith off the bench a bit more and aren't as reliant on him starting every game.
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an interesting post from the Highlanders, might they be gauging if the fans want a Maroon jersey again
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@Steven Harris
Well I'm now really big fans of Folau's parents.
the Crusaders do a great job developing their own talent. They don't need to pick the bones of other franchise's top talent.
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highlandersteam Ash Dixon heading to Japan
Ash,
You’ve been a great Highlanders leader and warrior and we thank you for the many years you’ve been a part of this club.
We wish you and your whanau the best for the future.
Ngā mihi nui
🗣@ashdixon has been a Highlander since 2015 and has played 100 games, helping lead our team to the recent Super Rugby Trans- Ta$man Final.
👇 Leave your messages below and help us send off a true Highlander Man! -
gutted, glad they've done something official and early though
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Highlanders really trying to do this right
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@kiwiwomble The Magpies, too: https://www.sporty.co.nz/magpies/newsarticle/106849?newsfeedId=1229594
I assume he'll get a proper sent-off - preferably after an attempted kick at goal
- at the end of our NPC season! -
@stargazer think he should take tis weekend off? moving can be stressful, best to get in top if it all early.....
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@kiwiwomble No. chance!
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I just hope we make a really strong move in terms of who we decide to bring into the squad.
I don't know if Ricky Jackson is there at a top two hooker.
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its just a bit worrying how many have recently had serious long term injuries
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@bovidae Magpie Kereru-Symes' current injury is very unfortunate, because he's one of the young hookers in NZ who will hope to play for that spot in the 2022 Highlanders' squad. It's hard enough getting minutes when being stuck behind Dixon and now he can't play at all. He should be one of the prime candidates, unless the Highlanders go for an "old" player (like Quentin MacDonald, for example).
At flanker, they'll probably be looking at Solomone Funaki (if there's room for a Tonga capped player), who was signed - but not used - for SR TT. He's mostly an openside, but can play in the other positions as well.
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I thought ricky jackson looked good on the weekend and with Coltman out for a while he should get a good run of starts to really see what he has. If he can lock down the second spot with coltman we may be looking for a third choice which could change the type of guy we're looking for
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I really hope they bring Freedom Vahaakolo back in. My only concern with him is when he receives kicks. Sometimes he doesn't attack the ball like you'd expect.
In the loose I'd much prefer we push Sean Withy than Funaki from Hawke's Bay. Withy is young and has plenty of potential. He is a long-term Highlander. I wouldn't mind see Charles Alaimalo get a gig. There's plenty of potential there.
The third hooking spot, I'm fascinating by. It could be anyone.
