Hurricanes vs Rebels
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@Canes4life his agent:
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As predicted from the following gallery, Caleb Delany looks to be training with head gear, Brad Shields looks to be active again (no surprises), Perenara looks to be at 9, Morgan at 10, Jordie at 12 and Godfrey at 15. Apart from that it's a guessing game but we will find out at 4pm. If the rule is that anyone wearing bibs is on the bench then Aumua, Vijoen and Reon Paul will be involved.
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1. Pouri Rakete-Stones
2. James O’Reilly
3. Tyrel Lomax
4. Justin Sangster
5. Caleb Delany
6. Brad Shields (Captain)
7. Du’Plessis Kirifi
8. Devan Flanders
9. TJ Perenara
10. Aidan Morgan
11. Salesi Rayasi
12. Jordie Barrett
13. Ngane Punivai (Debut)
14. Daniel Sinkinson
15. Harry Godfrey16. Asafo Aumua
17. Tevita Mafileo
18. Pasilio Tosi
19. James Tucker
20. Brayden Iose
21. Richard Judd
22. Riley Higgins
23. Josh Moorby -
Isaac Kailea, Jordan Uelese, Sam Talakai, Angelo Smith, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Rob Leota (c), Ryan Louwrens, Carter Gordon, Glen Vaihu, David Feliuai, Lukas Ripley, Lachie Anderson, Andrew Kellaway
Reserves: Alex Mafi, Cabous Eloff, Taniela Tupou, Josh Canham, Daniel Maiava, Jack Maunder, Mason Gordon, Nick Jooste
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Looking at both sides the Canes should win this by plenty even with key players out. Still plenty of experience littered throughout and I’m glad we’ve given a number of guys a rest. Surprised that Lomax is starting, thought we would have given him a rest but plenty to like about that 23.
I totally forgot Punivai was in the squad so interesting to see his name on the team sheet. Still no Sullivan, a bit like last year he just can’t shake the injuries, same with Umaga-Jensen.
That bench looks absolutely stacked. Should be a long night for the Rebels. Judd also makes a return which is actually a shame considering the form of Vijoen to start the year.
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@Canes4life It would be a massive boil over if the Canes aren't 5-0 after this.
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@antipodean can’t see the Rebels upsetting at all. If we don’t hit 50 in this game I’d be disappointed tbh, especially considering they are missing a few key players. Need to bump that points differential up because it could be crucial at seasons end.
So those players that have been rested are Numia, Walker-Leawere, Lakai, Roigard, Cameron and Proctor. Seems to be plenty of depth in the Canes this year.
Players on the injury list are Devery, Love, Umaga-Jensen, Naholo and Sullivan. Not too sure how long these players are out for but hopefully only a couple weeks.
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My view is the difference between a great title winning coach and one who comes close but not quite is quite small. It's the little thing that end up making a big difference
Laidlaw was looking so good. But the team has a big issue at first. Cameron is not good enough. The team needs someone better. So, what does Laidlaw do? Selects a first to start when Cameron is rested who is rubbish at this level.
Morgan is barely an adequate NPC 1st 5. He's had lots and lots of chances but has just got worse not better. And there are other options. Forget about training hard so they need a chance. This approach doesn't win titles. or likewise picking limited players who have leadership qualities (Blackwell / Prinsep). This week was a chance to select a possible alternative to an inconsistent Cameron. The coaches have stuffed up.
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@Canes4life said in Hurricanes vs Rebels:
@antipodean can’t see the Rebels upsetting at all. If we don’t hit 50 in this game I’d be disappointed tbh, especially considering they are missing a few key players. Need to bump that points differential up because it could be crucial at seasons end.
So those players that have been rested are Numia, Walker-Leawere, Lakai, Roigard, Cameron and Proctor. Seems to be plenty of depth in the Canes this year.
Players on the injury list are Devery, Love, Umaga-Jensen, Naholo and Sullivan. Not too sure how long these players are out for but hopefully only a couple weeks.
That's why they're called upsets, you don't see them coming haha. I'm nowhere near as confident for 50 points, rebels are 2 and 2. It should be comfortable, but if they play like the first half versus the saders they could get beaten.
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@Winger said in Hurricanes vs Rebels:
My view is the difference between a great title winning coach and one who comes close but not quite is quite small. It's the little thing that end up making a big difference
Laidlaw was looking so good. But the team has a big issue at first. Cameron is not good enough. The team needs someone better. So, what does Laidlaw do? Selects a first to start when Cameron is rested who is rubbish at this level.
Morgan is barely an adequate NPC 1st 5. He's had lots and lots of chances but has just got worse not better. And there are other options. Forget about training hard so they need a chance. This approach doesn't win titles. or likewise picking limited players who have leadership qualities (Blackwell / Prinsep). This week was a chance to select a possible alternative to an inconsistent Cameron. The coaches have stuffed up.
This is a massively negative post. I get what you’re saying but you need to give Laidlaw a chance. He might be able to get the best out of the likes of Morgan. Godfrey will likely be our 10 in time but I’m happy he’s got a chance to gain valuable Super Rugby mins from a less pressured position. Just look at the way Kemara has handled himself at the Saders, he’s obviously not ready. Godfrey is the same age so why rush him, that can be bloody damaging to a player if he’s put into the hot seat too soon.
Just have a little patience, Laidlaw has impressed so far so at least give him a chance to get the best out of his cattle.
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@Machpants the Rebels were a shambles against the Reds and that was on their home turf. They won’t turn that around in a week. I can only see an easy win here tbh, especially if it’s a dry track.
Last week was totally different circumstances. It was cold and wet in Chch and we dug deep, that was something to be proud of in itself.
The negativity on this post is baffling. You’d think we were 0-4.
Have a bit of faith fellas.
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Well I am quite pleased most of players I thought would get rested are, Lakai,Roigard,Cameron etc, and would of been very surprised if Love played. But also pleased I was wrong on Moorby getting the 15 job, real pleased to see Godfrey getting the run, seem to recall he played when I went down to game at PN last year too. I will be happy with any win, I not sure it will be that easy, an awful lot of players with bugger all game time together lately, so won't be all that easy, though I still expecting win.
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@Bovidae that was Force wasn’t it?
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@Bones the depth is there if Sullivan and Umaga-Jensen were fit. Punivai is like our 6th string centre so we are going deep in that position but across the park there is a lot to like. Didn’t he start for the Highlanders a couple years ago aswell? I always get mixed up with those brothers. I know one was at the Saders for a bit.
Maybe it’s me but when your second stringers include Rayasi, Perenara, Godfrey, Mafileo, Rakete-Stones, Sangster and Flanders, aswell as Sullivan / Umaga-Jensen (if fit) I’d say that’s pretty bloody decent. The Canes haven’t had that depth since 15/16/17 so I’m enjoying it while it lasts.
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Love apparently could have played on Friday but Laidlaw didn’t want to risk him. Sounds like him being in a moon boot is only precautionary.
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