Highlanders 2023
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I think we need to keep players in the positions they are going to be playing in long-term.
- Te Hiwi is a centre. Should be playing there.
- Gilbert is now a 12.
- Faleafaga is probably primarily a 10 who can play 12. So should be on the bench.
Focus on building the players for the future. Not getting the seven best players on the paddock. There is enough perceived depth across the squad. That way we are using the right players in their specialist positions.
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@SouthernMann Just started an Otago thread, this was merely an exercise of filling in a 15 with the players we had contracted... I expect Gilbert to play 15 for Otago, and do wonder whether Faleafaga may well end up being a 12. It might be that the Landers decide they like his skillset, and see that being a good spot for him, because they are clearly looking for a ball player with a good kicking game, and in theory he has that.
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yeah, im not sold on gilbert being seen as a 12 quite yet, plays better at 15 and still kind of feel he was moved to 12 because we had fullback covers but injuries in the midfield
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@Kiwiwomble In fairness, I'm not sold on Gilbert full stop. Think he probably looked slightly better than he actually is because of the crap around him. A fascinating player.
Pros:
- Relatively Quick (Not express), with fair acceleration
- Good Kicking Game
- Big
- Good Ball Handling and Passing
Cons:
- Tackling 1v1 sometimes an issue
- Doesn't look for the gap (Decision Making?)
- Doesn't really seem to break the advantage line
Honestly, his best game for the Landers was at 10 lol. I think playing at Forsyth Barr we ideally want a really elusive 15 in the mould of Ben Smith, and Sam Gilbert isn't that. CGB has some of those skills, but isn't quick enough and has way too many other weak points so we will surely be shopping for one. I think 12 is probably a better spot for him at the top level, if he can start to use his size a bit better.
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Lyon confirm the exit of three players, including Lima Sopoaga
Former All Blacks utility Lima Sopoaga is on the lookout for a new club after Lyon confirmed that last Sunday’s play-off defeat to Bordeaux was his last appearance for them.
Wouldn't be a bad pickup for next year.
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@friedrugby said in Highlanders 2023:
@Kiwiwomble In fairness, I'm not sold on Gilbert full stop. Think he probably looked slightly better than he actually is because of the crap around him. A fascinating player.
Cons:
- Tackling 1v1 sometimes an issue
Those that have talked up Gilbert in recent games seem to be ignoring his defence.
Two examples from NZ derbies (ESPN stats)
vs Chiefs (0 tackles, 4 missed tackles)
vs Blues (7 tackles, 8 missed tackles) -
@Bovidae i think people dont quiet get what being a highlanders/otago fan means...we generally gave up expecting too much a long time ago, we've had too many people that cant attack or defend to worry about guys that are only bad at one of those
and those are two top teams, that is so far down my list of worries its not funny
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Instagram check,
Both TUG and twin brother Peter have unfollowed the Shizuoka Blue Revs..
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@HLD2023Champions They read the Fern!
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So Stuff writer Cully reviews the Landers season and gives it a D for disappointment. Hard to see where things can improve next year tbh with key players Frizzell, Smith and MMT departing.
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Your enjoyment of the Highlanders failings is always a shining point in this forum. Gaps at 6 and 9 are hardly points for concern. With good players as replacements. Although Smith is a fucking legend. Getting rid of shit players is a great start.
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@SouthernMann I think you're reading something in @Canes4life's post that isn't there. I don't see any enjoyment in his post.
I know everyone is sensitive as it comes to the team they support, especially if the team doesn't perform well, but this is a bit over the top. No NZ rugby fan posting on the Fern likes to see the Highlanders struggling in the competition.
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@SouthernMann
I reckon as I have Said before you are on the right track with the Academy developing with in your structure.
It will just take time, but The Landers will be a force again if they stay patient and stick to the develop of players through the Academy,Those players coming though will stay Loyal to the Highlanders as well. -
@Stargazer perception is a funny thing eh. Tone and writing styles can be picked to pieces in different ways. I see a post about NPC issues differently to you. Some see different perspectives with jokes about teams than others. It is just perspectives and how things are read at the time. It is all fun and games while we fill in time discussing with randoms while waiting for a haircut.
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@SouthernMann Lol what are you on about? Highlanders have always been my second team and I have a mate that works for them now so want them to have all the success in the world (obviously not more than my Canes but you get my drift). Is stating the obvious considered having a dig at them?
I’d love for you to point out all the times I’ve apparently enjoyed the Landers failing?
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@Canes4life more likely lost in translation with written text.
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@Canes4life said in Highlanders 2023:
Hard to see where things can improve next year tbh with key players Frizzell, Smith and MMT departing.
Key player MMT? Yeah huge year for him this year eh. Especially with the poor performance of Renton and Withy.
The impact of Frizzel leaving will be noticeable too, we'll have loosies that make metres past the gain line.
Lastly, Smith is being replaced by the guy that was being strongly looked at to back him up in the ABs.
This is as good a take as complaining about the blues loosies against the tahs
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@Bones lol I said improve on the players that are leaving.
Fatakava is a step or two down from Smith, plus he’s probably the fifth best halfback in New Zealand atm.
And Frizzell and MMT at their peak were better than the guys you’ve mentioned.
All I’m asking is where are they going to improve next year? What players are going to get the Landers back to the level that is expected of a NZ franchise?
Stuff
