Highlanders 2025
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@Landers92 have to find something to talk about between now and February
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@KiwiInLondon said in Highlanders 2025:
@Landers92 have to find something to talk about between now and February
We are creating a bench bomb squad. Vikena, Howden, some big prop, Lasaqa, Hurley and Mason. Here comes the bomb squad!
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@SouthernMann reading that almost gave me an anxiety attack
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@KiwiInLondon said in Highlanders 2025:
@SouthernMann reading that almost gave me an anxiety attack
It is all about impact.
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@Kiwiwomble said in Highlanders 2025:
google tells me he's S & C coach for Highlanders and Otago
He was....
New (old) S&C coach Andrew Beardmore incoming.
JJ getting his old Sgt at arms back into the fold...and the boys are shiting themselves apparently. -
@Nogusta said in Highlanders 2025:
@Kiwiwomble said in Highlanders 2025:
google tells me he's S & C coach for Highlanders and Otago
He was....
New (old) S&C coach Andrew Beardmore incoming.
JJ getting his old Sgt at arms back into the fold...and the boys are shiting themselves apparently.He is now listed on the website as the S&C coach.
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Few guys carrying injuries who should be in the squad. Wonder if we will see a few lads named when the squad is confirmed. Guys like Sanders, Lowe, Gilbert, JRK, Nareki, Te Hiwi, M Whaanga (I'm non-fussed if he returns) have all been on the shelf injured. Wouldn't be surprised if at least Lowe and Sanders are out, and don't return. Especially our bench promises made to the specialist right winger, Manson. Tupou potentially for Sanders. Peni could come in as midfield cover. Byron Smith for Gilbert. May be the young Canterbury fullback if JRK takes some time to return. Josh Augistine and Tayne Harvey will likely train with the squad. Neither should play Super next year though. Some of those young Ta$man and Counties backs may be worth a look too.
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@handa457 said in Highlanders 2025:
Does anyone have a timeline on the injured blokes? I thought Lowe was back training. While I can’t imagine JRK plays super next year with a broken neck. Interested if anyone has the scoop
Expect updates will come when they name the squad. Paul Cully did an article after the injury occurred, and a Highlanders spokesperson said they were waiting on an update. Hasn't been checked up on since. It is my hope Lowe doesn't return. Just from. Purely selfish perspective. Doesn't add a lot. From a player welfare perspective, will be a good story to see him back. Story on JRK- https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/350445224/highlanders-star-jacob-ratumaitavuki-kneepkens-undergoes-emergency-surgery-after
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JRK is tough to say. Really depends how bad it is... could be back for the start of the season, could never play again. I am guessing we'll get an update when the squad is named. If I am guessing, probably similar to what Sam Cane did, so back end of the super season for a return.
Lowe will be back fit for pre-season assuming the usual 9 month turnaround for an ACL... of course he was meant to be chopping up his contract early to go to Japan, so conceivable he was never coming back anyway.
As for other positions, I get a feeling we'll see a surprise on announcement day with someone like Sanders/Lowe not there, to make way for another first five - and I don't expect it to Byron Smith... from what I here they aren't really happy with Faleafaga at current, so would make sense to look for another option there.
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All these available 10s around New Zealand ready to step up to Super level. Who do we have. Harkin, Cashmore, get Trask released by the Chiefs?
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@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
All these available 10s around New Zealand ready to step up to Super level. Who do we have. Harkin, Cashmore, get Trask released by the Chiefs?
Could envisage Cashmore... I think in a general sense, seems unlikely we'd go in with two 10s, particularly if they are unsure on Faleafaga at the moment.
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@frugby said in Highlanders 2025:
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
All these available 10s around New Zealand ready to step up to Super level. Who do we have. Harkin, Cashmore, get Trask released by the Chiefs?
Could envisage Cashmore... I think in a general sense, seems unlikely we'd go in with two 10s, particularly if they are unsure on Faleafaga at the moment.
Cashmore is just another young unproven player. Same level of risk. At least Trask has played some footy at that level. One of the big problems we have at the Highlanders is that signing players at 20 is really a 50/50 scenario. If it goes well, great. If it doesn't you are carrying a player until the end of contract
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@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
@frugby said in Highlanders 2025:
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
All these available 10s around New Zealand ready to step up to Super level. Who do we have. Harkin, Cashmore, get Trask released by the Chiefs?
Could envisage Cashmore... I think in a general sense, seems unlikely we'd go in with two 10s, particularly if they are unsure on Faleafaga at the moment.
Cashmore is just another young unproven player. Same level of risk. At least Trask has played some footy at that level. One of the big problems we have at the Highlanders is that signing players at 20 is really a 50/50 scenario. If it goes well, great. If it doesn't you are carrying a player until the end of contract
Trask definitely looked like the more astute player in the NPC final. Cashmore came on and got smashed a few times and probably didn’t add anything unfortunately.
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Anyone have an inkling on the 3rd Specialist lock? seeing as Hicks has moved to France, Tucker has been mentioned as off to the Canes. Ale Aho who played for Otago is now in Sydney. Is there a possibility Warner Dearns could be in talks with Jamie? I've heard he is keen to play in Super eventually
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@Grooter said in Highlanders 2025:
Anyone have an inkling on the 3rd Specialist lock? seeing as Hicks has moved to France, Tucker has been mentioned as off to the Canes. Ale Aho who played for Otago is now in Sydney. Is there a possibility Warner Dearns could be in talks with Jamie? I've heard he is keen to play in Super eventually
Big chance it'll be Hugo Plummer. Was good for Wellington.
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Have had word about the Kneepkens situation.
He’s looking at a 6 month recovery and is very likely to miss super rugby next season. Obviously still in the early stages and with the injury that it is things can change but as it stands that’s where it’s at.
Big picture its great to hear it isn’t career threatening right now and that he’s still a chance to return to playing in the near future.
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and i was so proud learning to say his name properly. i spend every game muttering it
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@Landers92 said in Highlanders 2025:
Have had word about the Kneepkens situation.
He’s looking at a 6 month recovery and is very likely to miss super rugby next season. Obviously still in the early stages and with the injury that it is things can change but as it stands that’s where it’s at.
Big picture its great to hear it isn’t career threatening right now and that he’s still a chance to return to playing in the near future.
Great news he will be able to play again. Dissapointing, but expected he won't be available next year. Big pre-season for Finn Hurley. The next question will be who will we bring in as a replacement.
