Highlanders v Force
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@Kiwiwomble said in Highlanders v Force:
my biggest problem with the team currently as they dont look like they know each other names...let alone playing cohesively....and miles off reading each others minds territory...so so many changes doesn't excite me if im honest, yes gilbert has been out of form....but having different people inside and outside him every game has too have added to that
As a former 12, I can 110% confirm that having different 10s every single week has a bigger impact than you would think.
1 week you’re outside a former Welsh international, the next you’re beside a 21 year old on debut, the next you’re outside a 10 who’s been battling with the 21 year old for playing time. All of a sudden your role as a 12 changes significantly. Once you factor in Teleas little suspension and JRK getting dropped for that 1 game, it’s no surprise Gilbert hasn’t looked like himself this season.
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If you'd asked most people what the strongest side was coming into this season, I'd suggest it would be close to this:
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de Groot
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Bell
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Ainsley
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Dunshea
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Holland
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Haig
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Harmon
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Renton
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Fakatava
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Patchell
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Nareki
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Gilbert
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Tele'a
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Tavatavanawai
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Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens
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Taylor
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Lienert-Brown
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Ma'u
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Parkinson
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Withy
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Arscott
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Millar
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Timu
This week, the only ones missing from that list are Nareki (injured), Gilbert and Parkinson (Dropped for poor form), Timu (Perenially injured and a fringe pick in 23 anyway). We played good rugby with these ideas through pre-season and the first three rounds. I think they've taken a step back, and gone back to the initial plans - before we got a few injuries and things went wrong.
To me at least, this looks like far more of a plan than the rabble in Australia, where de Groot was benched to protect Wingham, Bell was dropped for no reason, and Fakatava and Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens were left out.
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Referee: Dan Waenga
Assistant Referees: Paul Williams, Mike Winter
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My hopes for tonight. We don't lose. Have some attacking flair. A good Dunshea and Holland combination. Haig continues to improve. Te Hiwi shows his potential at 12. JRK regains his early season form. Millar proves me wrong and doesn't play poorly when he gets on.
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Crowd is reflective of our recent performances
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Pretty average we have managed to dominate so far and no points
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@SouthernMann said in Highlanders v Force:
Pretty average we have managed to dominate so far and no points
Own worst enemy again. Entered the 22 3 times, 3 errors to let the force off easy. Haha. Positive start though, hopefully we keep building. Better start than previous weeks
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Another stupid lineout rule.
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Surely the Force should have worn an away jersey
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Excellent cleanout by DeGroot creates a turnover.
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This is such a cripple fight
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What is it with the handling so far this weekend?
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Players are diving into these rucks like exocet missiles.
So long as it's the same for both teams and the referee doesn't randomly pull one up I don't mind it too much. In a game with marginal skill levels like this allowing the ball carrying team an advantage does help the game.
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Well we won a game of force back. I'm looking forwrd to seeing who will knock this one on within the 22.
