Highlanders v Crusaders
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So the Highlanders currently have 19 losses in a row against NZ opposition. Almost catching Umaga's Blues who had 20 games in a row without a win (there was a draw against the Chiefs in there)
Against the Crusaders its 10 losses, 1 win & a draw in the last 12
The last win was four matches ago: 33-12 back in 2021:
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While Id be happy to welcome williams back if hes ready, I'm not sure that prop has been where we are losing games.
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Can we change the thread title to Saturday night cripple fight.
Both teams have had moments but for the most part are largely inconsistent, struggle to build momentum, lack cohesion at the collision, and have hit or miss set pieces.
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@Lancaster-Park No it certainly hasn't. I think it'll go a long way to winning the game this week though, and lets be honest, we'd all rather see Williams coming off the bench ahead of one of those slugs Joe Moody or Owen Franks.
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@frugby said in Highlanders v Crusaders:
@Tim said in Highlanders v Crusaders:
Sounds like Crusaders will be without Barrett and Blackadder, possibly McAllister. As Strange can't run a lineout, Bell throwing is a grim prospect for them. On the other hand, the Highlanders are chop.
I find the talk of the Crusaders lineout issues being on the hooker quite fascinating. From what I've watched, it seems the jumpers are just as big an issue. For starters they lack a real beanpole of a target, and their young locks have been horribly exposed.
Granted there have been a few overthrows, but I reckon this comes from them being forced to try other things.
I agree frugby, I noticed the lineout went best the day that Barrett played. I not sure if it's the calling, lifting etc etc, but get feeling it more than hooker.
I personally think the default setting that hooker is always to blame is an out by people who really have no idea of what makes up the contest in lineout. -
Harmon being out with a cut he received to his hand last week. Quite literally the one player we want to be without so we will be need all forwards to step up big time if we are to have a chance this weekend. No pressure Withy or Broughton.
Also, huge call from crusaders to throw Taylor and Williams straight back into the front row but I guess desperate times…… Halfpenny dropped outright also, what a signing.
Hoping we can get the job done at home but it will have to be our best performance of the season by far and hoping the crusaders don’t turn up.
Bring on Saturday!
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@Landers92 said in Highlanders v Crusaders:
Harmon being out with a cut he received to his hand last week. Quite literally the one player we want to be without so we will be need all forwards to step up big time if we are to have a chance this weekend. No pressure Withy or Broughton.
Also, huge call from crusaders to throw Taylor and Williams straight back into the front row but I guess desperate times…… Halfpenny dropped outright also, what a signing.
Hoping we can get the job done at home but it will have to be our best performance of the season by far and hoping the crusaders don’t turn up.
Bring on Saturday!
Yeah I heard Williams was starting a few days ago so was surprised about the club rugby rumour.
Williams and Taylor to empty the tank then Bower and Bell to finish not too bad.
Barrett playing is a big boost.
I think the Crusaders will turn up with Barrett and Taylor there. -
Highlanders up by four with minutes to play. Aumua breaks the line and only Finn Hurley standing between him and the try line...
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@SouthernMann said in Highlanders v Crusaders:
Highlanders up by four with minutes to play. Aumua breaks the line and only Finn Hurley standing between him and the try line...
And Tavatavanawai comes out of nowhere, nails him and gets the turnover...
But seriously, surely he doesn't get on unless there is an injury?
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Highlanders name team for battle of the Mainland | Highlanders Rugby Club Limited Partnership
This weekend’s round 12 match up between the Highlanders and the Crusaders is a fitting fixture for a Culture round as it encapsulates the culture of rugby fandom in the South Island.
1 Ethan de Groot (c)
2 Henry Bell
3 Jermaine Ainsley
4 Mitch Dunshea
5 Fabian Holland
6 Oliver Haig
7 Sean Withy
8 Nikora Broughton
9 Folau Fakatava
10 Cameron Millar
11 Martín Bogado
12 Jake Te Hiwi
13 Tanielu Tele’a
14 Timoci Tavatavanawai
15 Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens16 Jack Taylor
17 Ayden Johnstone
18 Saula Ma’u
19 Will Tucker
20 Will Stodart
21 James Arscott
22 Sam Gilbert
23 Finn HurleyInjured/unavailable: Jonah Lowe (knee), Hugh Renton (ankle), Rhys Patchell (pec), Jona Nareki (hamstring), Matt Whaanga (shoulder), Ricky Jackson (hamstring), Billy Harmon (hand), Connor Garden-Bachop (HIA), Josh Timu (ankle)
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@Chris said in Highlanders v Crusaders:
@Landers92 said in Highlanders v Crusaders:
Harmon being out with a cut he received to his hand last week. Quite literally the one player we want to be without so we will be need all forwards to step up big time if we are to have a chance this weekend. No pressure Withy or Broughton.
Also, huge call from crusaders to throw Taylor and Williams straight back into the front row but I guess desperate times…… Halfpenny dropped outright also, what a signing.
Hoping we can get the job done at home but it will have to be our best performance of the season by far and hoping the crusaders don’t turn up.
Bring on Saturday!
Yeah I heard Williams was starting a few days ago so was surprised about the club rugby rumour.
Williams and Taylor to empty the tank then Bower and Bell to finish not too bad.
Barrett playing is a big boost.
I think the Crusaders will turn up with Barrett and Taylor there.Yeah I did say don’t quote me about the club thing as it wasn’t a sure thing. Being out all season then starting is a huge call, look at halfpenny last weekend, horrific.
Hopefully for crusaders sake Barrett can last longer than 15mins. Going to be an interesting battle!
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@SouthernMann said in Highlanders v Crusaders:
Highlanders up by four with minutes to play. Aumua breaks the line and only Finn Hurley standing between him and the try line...
Penney would have subbed Aumua off by then and caused a full reshuffle to the back line just like last week😂😂
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You'd think with Hurley. Even if there is an early back three injury Gilbert will go on. Looks like he really was the last outside back standing in the squad
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@Duluth said in Highlanders v Crusaders:
Looks like Kellow has passed Christie in the rankings
It’s an interesting one. Razor is a huge Christie fan and the chat was he was next in contention for the AB’s 7, especially with Razor in the role now. Unsure what’s going on but personally I don’t think he’s impactful enough, good player but not international level(yet).
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@SouthernMann said in Highlanders v Crusaders:
You'd think with Hurley. Even if there is an early back three injury Gilbert will go on. Looks like he really was the last outside back standing in the squad
im thinking i would have been tempted to have gone 6/2 split just too have bigger bodies and changed gameplan to suit
