North Harbour v Northland
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@kev we had small glimpse of what we can do to any team in this comp when we get it right, problem is we lose all concentration and connection way too frequently. Lots of players are trying way too much on their own and becoming individuals. That only invites all the simple mistakes we are seeing.
The handling errors, decision making, ball protection at rucks, stupid brain fades (goodhue) and soft defence were all evident yesterday, as they have been in all bar two matches this season.As TJ said in commentary, we have a highly talented team, we're just our own worst enemies at times.
We have a solid foundation, but we need a shit tonne of maintenance required to get this unit up to speed on a consistent basis.
On the balance of probabilities with what I've seen this year we will likely pull finger against BOP this weekend, especially since it's at home. BOP will be a big challenge though, as I put them ahead of Hawkes Bay and Ta$man in the pecking order, albeit slightly.
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@J77 said in North Harbour v Northland:
We have a solid foundation, but we need a shit tonne of maintenance required to get this unit up to speed on a consistent basis.
This is the bit for me. What we have seen with Andrew Webster for the Warriors is a smart coach build a game plan, get in the heads of his players, succeed. I think we some great players, some emerging talent, so with some quality systems, and a great coach we can go to the next level.
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@kev yeah we have always had the talent up here, but its been an issue getting the more professional side out of people, that not to say we havent had players who have been top drawer, but we just lack the consistency.
With the top 8 all but gone now, we do need to have 1 eye on 2024.
As I said above, while we have struggled in the age group matches in the northern region comp (although speaking to some players, it would seem fitness is a big issue) our dev team has been competitive.
Having teams compete in these comps (something we havent always done) or at leats playing regularly will help going forward, exposing these players to a higher level of rugby.
Are quite a few from the U18/U19 squad I think will be knocking on the door of the dev side next year, while a few of the U19s could be playing for the NPC side next year, we just need to give these guys a chance.
Too often we have been reluctant and held onto older and/or 'experienced' players longer than we should have, blocking younger players.
Next year will be a massive rebuilding time.
Of the current squad, I hope we can keep:
Hookers: I believe we need to let one of Moulds or Olsen go, not sure if BKP will stick around with the chopping and changing he has had this year, if so, they need to develop Yates.
Props: Adams, Cobb, Lemisio, Fono, Apoua
If CTC gets fit, I would absolutely have him in my squad.
Dont expect Rebolo will be back.
Locks: I'd love Hallam-Eames & Caird back, but suspect 1 or both may be gone. I think Craig is growing into his role. I hear whispers that Josh Goodhue might be returning, but otherwise cupboard is bare for tal timber.
Loosies: Rush, Mau'u, Matich, Woods are definites for me.
I'd like to see more of Letoga, think Jurlina deserves more time too.
Expect we wont see Saimoni again? Like the look of Shanks and Foster here
Half backs: Unsure on Nocks contract status, but wouldnt be surprised if he leaves, want to retain MIlo-Harris, he has done well this season.
No thanks to Hape, Id like them to look at Kemp, Boyd, Rush or Parkes
1st 5:
Must retain Reihana, I hear Hawkins is keen for another round, if his club form warrants it, yep.
Like them to look at Nankivell.
Mid-field: Alot of changes here next year with no Goodhue, surely no Ranger, Tua or Hohaia, I believe Corey Evans is up here next year so that will be 1 spot, but is wide open, so Hohaia likely get yet another shot...
Outside backs: Pretty sure Moorby is back next year, must keep Murray. I like Tama Anderson, but unsure on his status and not sure some in the coaching team rate him.
Have to think Leilua's time is up, Scutt was only signed as injury cover, so not sure we will see much more of him although he is an option at 10, Brady Rush has struggled with alot, but unsure of his contract status.
Along with Lucas Payne, this is where I see a couple of the U19s possibly pushing thier case in 2024.Am sure there is someone I am missing.
Is the core of a very good squad (again) but we just need them to perform more consistently, hopefully Leslie is given the reigns again, can certainly see some good coming through, which is surely from the new coach?
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@taniwharugby is Tua going? Midfield looks like a work on.
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@taniwharugby pretty much agree with your sentiments, especially around developing our young guys. The likes of Woods and Anderson are must signs in my view. I think guys like Scutt and Jurlina might best be placed in the Dev XV for another season, Jurlina didn't quite step up to this level IMO, looked at sea v Manawatu. As much as I hate to say it, I think he would be better to play his club footy in the Northland premiership next season to further his game. North Zone rugby is probably not ideal for development, we have good individuals, but the the footy isnt a high standard. This is where Mangonui need to pull finger and get a Ninety Milers team back in the premiership like we had 20 years ago... anyway thats another story for the club thread maybe.
Would definitely be letting John Leslie bed himself in again as coach next season and beyond, he was on a hiding to nothing coming in late with virtually no pre-season this year. With a whole year to plan for next season I think he can only improve.
Alot of what happened yesterday can be fixed as I think it's more a mental thing at the base of it. Alot of casual mixed with a bit of cohesion isn't going to win games. Planning needs to start now to ensure we go to the next level instead of regressing like we seem to do after reasonably successful seasons. Consistency is all we want as avid supporters, and I'm sure the playing/management group do too..
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@J77 although, tbf to Jurlina, who isn't really a tall loosie, wasn't the game v Manawatu his first start, and at lock?
Although defer to you on him as you seen more of him atnclub to know ossible ceiling
Def think Letoga is worth persevering with though, we haven't had a ball carrier like him for years.
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@kev Tua was signed for 2 years late last year so next year is possibly his final year i thought he was solid enough without being spectacular for the Brumbies in super rugby this year but to be brutally honest i expected a lot more for a player who got plenty of game time at super level.
Hes been underwelming , its saying something when Blake Hohaia has been better than Tua .
Hoping Rene Ranger calls time , been a great servant but the sands of time have caught up , possibly should have been released last year .
With Goodhue heading offshore it leaves slim pickings in the midfield with only Tua as the lone midfielder
Cory Evans who comes off contract with Auckland at the end of the season has expressed interest to return home but that would still leave the Taniwha with only 2 midfielders with Heremaia Murray moving back to centre possibly 3I really dont want to return to the likes of Blake Hohaia ,
How the midfield plays out might come down to the make up of the wingers. -
@taniwharugby said in North Harbour v Northland:
@J77 although, tbf to Jurlina, who isn't really a tall loosie, wasn't the game v Manawatu his first start, and at lock?
Def think Letoga is worth persevering with though, we haven't had a ball carrier like him for years.
I think you have to see how players progress during a season. Jurlina is not a lock so unfair to have played him their. A player like Letoga needs fitness targets, but to your point we haven’t had a power player forever.
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@Steven-Harris said in North Harbour v Northland:
@kev Tua was signed for 2 years late last year so next year is possibly his final year i thought he was solid enough without being spectacular for the Brumbies in super rugby this year but to be brutally honest i expected a lot more for a player who got plenty of game time at super level.
Hes been underwelming , its saying something when Blake Hohaia has been better than Tua .
Hoping Rene Ranger calls time , been a great servant but the sands of time have caught up , possibly should have been released last year .
With Goodhue heading offshore it leaves slim pickings in the midfield with only Tua as the lone midfielder
Cory Evans who comes off contract with Auckland at the end of the season has expressed interest to return home but that would still leave the Taniwha with only 2 midfielders with Heremaia Murray moving back to centre possibly 3I really dont want to return to the likes of Blake Hohaia ,
How the midfield plays out might come down to the make up of the wingers.Evans would be a great signing. I like Murray, could play anywhere but smallish for a centre?
Tua this year has been disappointing. But he is young and Leslie is a midfielder - hoping he can turn him around? Would we want Gregory back?
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@kev Scott Gregory would be very unlikely to return to Northland , would’nt surprise me if he heads offshore
I dont see a passing skill set in Tua to be fair , and wether Leslie gets the role thats another question to be answered after the reviews -
@Steven-Harris said in North Harbour v Northland:
would’nt surprise me if he heads offshore
He is already signed with Zebre -
https://www.reddit.com/r/rugbyunion/comments/143ajr6/scott_gregory_joins_zebre_from_highlanders_for_2/
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@taniwharugby said in North Harbour v Northland:
@J77 although, tbf to Jurlina, who isn't really a tall loosie, wasn't the game v Manawatu his first start, and at lock?
Although defer to you on him as you seen more of him atnclub to know ossible ceiling
Def think Letoga is worth persevering with though, we haven't had a ball carrier like him for years.
Yep that's right he was at lock. My bad. Still I think with a higher standard of club footy under his belt I think he may come on really well. He certainly stood out up here, but that's not hard to do.
Letoga is definitely one I'd like to see more of, just needs conditioning. He's a real metre maker that guy, if he's fit next year he'd be putting heat on guys like McNamara I'd say.
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@J77 loosie is probably the one area we are served well currently, and even looking at the next line of players in club that were in and around the Dev squad and the age group ones, plenty to like there, plus the whispers of who I hear they are looking at too...
But we really need to be looking very hard at mid-field options (that dont include Blake) and probably a couple of tight forwards too.
