Highlanders 2023
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@gt12 so already next year they will have Jake te Hiwi, Oli Haig, Hastie, Hayden Michaels. I understand Henry Bell will be in the squad. Coupled with the likes of Holland and Millar. Jack Taylor will be another year away, but could still make it next year. There is some good talent coming through. I think that faleafaga is ikely to have a higher ceiling at this level than Millar. Dermody deserves some time and Kenny Lynn will be a useful addition. The problem is, the Landers has some decent players, but, everyone else has several exceptional players. We only have two, de Groot and Smith. Smith will be gone next year.
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im going to say it...id like to see burns start at 10...with millar on the bench, we actually have a couple of weapons, we just need someone to put them in space, not always be looking to break the line himself
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@Kiwiwomble said in Highlanders 2023:
im going to say it...id like to see burns start at 10...with millar on the bench, we actually have a couple of weapons, we just need someone to put them in space, not always be looking to break the line himself
Imagine if you were able to get out of your 22 if your first five kicked it.
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@Bones Gilbert has a big boot, get him to do the clearances!
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@Kiwiwomble said in Highlanders 2023:
@Bones Gilbert has a big boot, get him to do the clearances!
Get anyone to do it, even Tony Johnson probably has a bigger boot.
The Hunt blind spot has persevered through multiple coaches, it's bizarre and frustrating.
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Only one round in, but how many teams will get a bonus point playing against this squad?
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@antipodean said in Highlanders 2023:
Only one round in, but how many teams will get a bonus point playing against this squad?
Two.
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@Stargazer said in Highlanders 2023:
Any update on MMT's injury?
MMT 4-7 weeks
Nareki 4-6 weeks
Mikaele-Tu’u joins Highlanders injury list
The Highlanders have been dealt another injury blow as they prepare to cross the Ditch. Big No 8 Marino Mikaele-Tu’u has been sidelined for four...
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@gt12 i feel im not exaggerating too much by saying what small chance we had of a successful season is gone...we've been saying all along we needed to avid injuries...and now two of our nailed on starters are out after 3min of rugby
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Interested to see what they do at 8. Name Harmon there and mix it between him and Frizzell, with Withy, who I thought was very good as a replacement. Or, bring in young Broughton. I'd go Fizzell, Withy and Harmon. The real problem is the lack of punch or defensive ability in the backline. Freddie Burns should get a go at 10. I'm a huge fan of Josh Timu. A classic midfield battler. Just isn't quite at this level. A player like Umaga-Jensen needs a quick strike centre beside him. Not Timu. Same with the back three. Lowe and Gilbert fine. Just need that Nareki in there too.
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@Duluth That sucks. Both a very big loss for the Landers. The Highlanders don't really have anyone who can replace them like for like. MMT is a big unit who's still pretty fast for a big guy and can hit hard. Nareki has an explosive speed that none of the other outside backs have. It will give the coaches some selection head aches.
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@Stargazer you right, that really sucks, puts Highlanders on back foot real early!
I hate it when any teams start a season like this! -
@Stargazer said in Highlanders 2023:
@Duluth That sucks. Both a very big loss for the Landers. The Highlanders don't really have anyone who can replace them like for like. MMT is a big unit who's still pretty fast for a big guy and can hit hard. Nareki has an explosive speed that none of the other outside backs have. It will give the coaches some selection head aches.
MMT also has a decent work ethic from the few games I have seen of him. If not for Ardie I'd have guessed he'd have been in AB contention.
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@nostrildamus said in Highlanders 2023:
@Stargazer said in Highlanders 2023:
@Duluth That sucks. Both a very big loss for the Landers. The Highlanders don't really have anyone who can replace them like for like. MMT is a big unit who's still pretty fast for a big guy and can hit hard. Nareki has an explosive speed that none of the other outside backs have. It will give the coaches some selection head aches.
MMT also has a decent work ethic from the few games I have seen of him. If not for Ardie I'd have guessed he'd have been in AB contention.
I wonder if MMT has an out-clause in his NZ contract this year if he doesn't make the ABs that allows him to switch to Manu Samoa for the RWC?
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@Nepia said in Highlanders 2023:
@nostrildamus said in Highlanders 2023:
@Stargazer said in Highlanders 2023:
@Duluth That sucks. Both a very big loss for the Landers. The Highlanders don't really have anyone who can replace them like for like. MMT is a big unit who's still pretty fast for a big guy and can hit hard. Nareki has an explosive speed that none of the other outside backs have. It will give the coaches some selection head aches.
MMT also has a decent work ethic from the few games I have seen of him. If not for Ardie I'd have guessed he'd have been in AB contention.
I wonder if MMT has an out-clause in his NZ contract this year if he doesn't make the ABs that allows him to switch to Manu Samoa for the RWC?
With Ardie overseas in 2024 you'd think he'd wait at least one extra year with a new coaching staff to see if he could crack the ABs.
