Highlanders v Blues
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this is going to be tough i think, i also dont think we have any injuries and the team from the weekend was pretty close to full strength so we might see a very similar squad....but the Blues will be a lot tougher than MP
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Highlanders should be exactly the same. Should see some improvements. If we lose by fewer than 10 I'll be happy. The corresponding game in Round 1 last year, we lost by 40. Only four players will be in the same position as in the Round 1 2023 clash.
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@SouthernMann said in Highlanders v Blues:
Highlanders should be exactly the same. Should see some improvements. If we lose by fewer than 10 I'll be happy. The corresponding game in Round 1 last year, we lost by 40. Only four players will be in the same position as in the Round 1 2023 clash.
yeah, that probably sums it up
and no injuries
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I think if guys like Holland, Withy, Telea, Gilbert, Bell, Tavatavanawi and JRK look like they match up to their equals or some better than their opposition that'll be a win in my books. If we are close after 50 it'll probably be inexperience on our bench that'll lose it
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A few changes for the Highlanders.
De Groot starting. DLB on the bench. Ainsley starting. Hicks in for Holland who is on the bench. Faleafaga replaces Millar on the bench.
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@SouthernMann said in Highlanders v Blues:
A few changes for the Highlanders.
De Groot starting. DLB on the bench. Ainsley starting. Hicks in for Holland who is on the bench. Faleafaga replaces Millar on the bench.
generally fine with those changes i think
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BLUES WELCOME BACK HEAVY HITTERS FOR HIGHLANDERS — Blues Rugby
Ofa Tu’ungafasi and Akira Ioane return to the Blues side this weekend as the team travel to Melbourne for DHL Super Rugby Pacific’s ‘Super Round’ to take on the Highlanders on Friday night at 8pm (NZT). Blues Head Coach Vern Cotter has made several changes to his side with an eye to build
Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Ricky Riccitelli, Marcel Renata, Laghlan McWhannell, Sam Darry, Akira Ioane, Dalton Papali'i (c), Hoskins Sotutu, Taufa Funaki, Stephen Perofeta, Caleb Clarke, Bryce Heem, AJ Lam, Mark Tele'a, Zarn Sullivan
Reserves: Soane Vikena, Joshua Fusitu'a, Angus Ta'avao, Josh Beehre, Adrian Choat, Sam Nock, Harry Plummer, Cole Forbes
Players not considered: Patrick Tuipulotu (jaw), Rieko Ioane (load management), Finlay Christie (load management)
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I think Renata could be in for a tough night. Probably would have swapped him and Ta'avao around.
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The Landers rotation policy is interesting. Making slight tweaks to ensure fringe players get opportunities. Same with forwards from the bench. The test will come around the first string backline and how to balance the workload of them
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@Duluth said in Highlanders v Blues:
Ofa Tu’ungafasi and Akira Ioane return to the Blues side this weekend as the team travel to Melbourne for DHL Super Rugby Pacific’s ‘Super Round’ to take on the Highlanders on Friday night at 8pm (NZT). Blues Head Coach Vern Cotter has made several changes to his side with an eye to build
Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Ricky Riccitelli, Marcel Renata, Laghlan McWhannell, Sam Darry, Akira Ioane, Dalton Papali'i (c), Hoskins Sotutu, Taufa Funaki, Stephen Perofeta, Caleb Clarke, Bryce Heem, AJ Lam, Mark Tele'a, Zarn Sullivan
Reserves: Soane Vikena, Joshua Fusitu'a, Angus Ta'avao, Josh Beehre, Adrian Choat, Sam Nock, Harry Plummer, Cole Forbes
Players not considered: Patrick Tuipulotu (jaw), Rieko Ioane (load management), Finlay Christie (load management)
Load management in Game 2? Goodness. But I guess get it over with early to keep them on the paddock for the back end of season.
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Load management? looool fuck this comp hates itself
I thought Segner was just about the Blues' best player last week. Tough to get the rissole altogether
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Cotter on this weeks selections -
“It’s great to welcome back Akira and Ofa this weekend, both are high quality players who we’re sure will make a big impact on Friday night,” said Cotter.
“Ofa joins a new-look front row for this match, it’s crucial we build depth in those tight forward positions and to welcome someone of his calibre back to the starting team is very pleasing.”
“Akira is a big, bruising loosie who imposes himself on any match. He’s starting to dial it up at training so it will be good to let him loose on the opposition this weekend.”
“Laghlan McWhannell gets his crack at lock, he’s been impressive through the pre-season and is itching to get out there. We were really impressed with Josh Beehre in his debut match last weekend and we’re happy with the depth we are building in that position,” said Cotter.
Meanwhile in the backline, Taufa Funaki gets a start at halfback while Bryce Heem and AJ Lam have a chance to impress in the midfield.
“We’re going to need our entire squad fit and firing in this campaign and halfback is no exception. We’ve got three quality players in that position and Taufa gets his chance to impress on Friday night,” said Cotter.
“Rieko felt his hammy a little against the Drua so this is an opportune time to manage his workload and make sure that’s 100 percent.”
“It’s been a special week for Bryce as he returns to the side after welcoming his third child to the family. He’s an experienced campaigner and a big body so we expect him to bend the defensive line and create opportunities around him.”
“AJ is a gifted rugby player, he’s versatile and very capable. He replaced Rieko at centre in the weekend and that’s where he gets his chance on Friday night – a great opportunity for him to show us what he’s got.”
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@mariner4life said in Highlanders v Blues:
I thought Segner was just about the Blues' best player last week. Tough to get the rissole altogether
I hope there's plenty of rotation in the loosies this year.
Papali'i, Sotutu, Ioane, Choat, Suafoa, and Segner are all good enough to start at this level. 6 loosies and probably 4 spots in the 23. Keep them all fresh. Hard to see how Rush gets a run any time soon
