Otago 2023
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just looked and he's not active on insta or anything...
edit...the only rugby team he follows except NZ/Otago/Highlanders....the Sharks.....
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Jake Te Hiwi has been in trainings with GI so he's getting closer to returning. Maybe misses the first week or 2 of npc. Vili was injured as per the Highlanders lineup announcements each week. He had a knee injury so who knows how far away he'll be. In terms of five eighths, Ajay and Sam will be used as 10s and Obey and maybe Jacob Waikari-Jones or Caleb Leef will be that injury cover 10 they're talking about. Finn probably won't be used at 10. I think they reckon he's better at 15. IMO he's a better full back than first five as he has more time to do things there and can play a second play maker like what Hunt did for the landers or beaudie does with the abs.
BACKLINE:
9 James Arscott
10 Sam Gilbert
11 Jona Nareki
12 Ajay Faleafaga/Thomas Umaga-Jensen
13 Thomas Umaga-Jensen/Jake Te Hiwi
14 ??
15 Finn Hurley21 Nathan Hastie
22 Ajay Faleafaga. If Jake is fit
23 ??It does look shaky.
FORWARDS:
1 Abraham Pole
2 Ricky Jackson
3 Jermaine Ainsley
4 Fabian Holland
5 Josh Dickson
6 James Lentjes
7 Sean Withy
8 Christian Lio-Willie16 Henry Bell
17 Tau Koloamatangi (if Tonga, then ??)
18 Saula Ma'u/Rohan Wingham
19 Josh Hill/Will Tucker
20 Oliver Haig/Sam FischliMuch better depth in the forwards
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Shit club rugby defence, but the first try makes me feel excited about big Oscar should he get a chance. While the second one is a decent showing from the midget Hurley https://fb.watch/ljHZ_v6PfP/?mibextid=NnVzG8
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@NateHill74 What about Waisake Naholo for the 14 jersey? Problem is hes so injury prone though
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Have him around the team in a mentoring role. Massive on the big fella and I'm sure he can add some value supporting the younger lads.
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Naholo has said he'd be available but I don't rate his chances of playing. Maybe a late injury cover later in the season I'm feeling. Just getting that sort of vibe for him
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Naholo should be carving up at club level so has to be a concern if he's not even starting
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Looking at his socials, he looks to be an apprentice builder, with his family and is just enjoying life. Rugby is something to have fun with on weekends.
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@SouthernMann said in Otago 2023:
Looking at his socials, he looks to be an apprentice builder, with his family and is just enjoying life. Rugby is something to have fun with on weekends.
and thats fair enough...but i see guys no where near his level doing the same but coming back to club when needed....and dominating, class really does shine through at this level
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@frugby That's wingers for you. Without trying to sound too harsh, if wingers end up back in NZ due to not being able to secure an overseas gig, it's usually not a good thing. Julian Savea and Naholo are prime examples of that.
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On the plus side. How good is it for the Harbour Hawks having a guy who was an All Black just a few years ago being in their environment. Having young kids who remember the Naholo they idolised around the club. What he is giving back as a club man is 10x more than what he could give back if he was just a squad member. I think what he is doing from a sheer presence perspective is fantastic.
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i think it says loads that he obviously sees dunners as home now, he's not just back as an easier way back inot professionl rugby
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Today in club, Vili started at 10 for AU and played a pretty good game so that's promising. And the fact he is down in Dunedin, reckoning he may be staying in Otago. Fingers crossed
Also at lock, Reuben Palmer at lock had a strong game for Dunedin if we need any lock depth.
In the midfield for Harbour, Aleki Morris-Lome has been consistently good from what I've heard and seen so if we need midfielders that's an option too.
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@NateHill74 I heard Koroi may be going to Southland, so we will see.
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I'm a big fan of Otago and Southland working together to get a decent distribution of talent across the provinces. Otago is prioritising Faleafaga, Millar and Hurley. That's great, Koroi can go to Southland and help it's chances.
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Article from the ODT on Millar's injury.
Not as bad as first thought.
I think they may be off the mark with Gilbert being the first choice no 10 if he is out.
Fears ease over ankle injury to Otago No 10
Super boot Cameron Millar has been spotted limping around in a moon boot but will be making giant strides again soon. The Otago first five...
Fears ease over ankle injury to Otago No 10
Super boot Cameron Millar has been spotted limping around in a moon boot but will be making giant strides again soon.
The Otago first five aggravated an ankle complaint in a club game two weeks ago.The Taieri pivot had to be assisted from the field and that sight gave spawn to some serious concern among the faithful.
The 20-year-old shapes as a key cog in the Otago NPC team.
With Josh Ioane not returning this season, Millar will get an extended run in the No 10 jersey.
It is a grand opportunity to establish himself in the role and push for expanded opportunities with Highlanders in what will be a rebuilding year for the club next year.
Millar started one game for the Highlanders against the Hurricanes and made three appearances off the bench this season.
His performances were surprisingly polished given how new he is to rugby at the elite level.
His future looks very promising, which is why the sight of him wearing a moon boot caused a few concerns.
But Otago Rugby Football Union chief executive Richard Kinley was able to ease concerns.
"It is an aggravation of his previous high ankle strain," Kinley said.
"But talking to the physio and the trainers, his plan will have him back, all things going well, for some limited minutes in the preseason game against Southland.
Kinley said injuries were inevitable, but he expressed his relief the injury was not worse.
That said, there is plenty of cover.
Highlanders utility back Sam Gilbert is probably the next cab off the rank.
Gilbert is best suited to fullback, but his towering punt and physical presence make him a decent option at first five.
Dunedin first five Ajay Faleafaga has been slotting in at second five for the New Zealand under-20 side.
But he is another solid option for Otago and will need playing opportunities at NPC level.
Green Island’s Finn Hurley has shone at club rugby in recent weeks and has the kind of X-factor you cannot coach.
He has been starting at fullback for the Grizzlies, but he played schoolboy rugby at first five and it will be interesting to see what he is capable of at NPC level.
The Otago squad is expected to be announced on Friday.
The preseason game against Southland is at Hancock Park on July 28.
The fixture is being staged during the Fifa Football World Cup exclusion period, which is why it is being played at the home of the Pirates rugby club and the Otago Softball Association.
Fifa has exclusive use of Forsyth Barr Stadium and the University Oval.
