Chiefs v Highlanders
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Highlanders
1 Daniel Lienert-Brown
2 Ash Dixon (cc)
3 Siate Tokolahi
4 Jackson Hemopo
5 Josh Dickson
6 Elliot Dixon
7 Dillon Hunt
8 Luke Whitelock
9 Aaron Smith
10 Lima Sopoaga
11 Tevita Li
12 Rob Thompson
13 Matt Faddes
14 Waisake Naholo
15 Ben Smith (cc)Reserves
16 Greg Pleasants-Tate
17 Aki Seiuli
18 Tyrel Lomax
19 Tom Franklin
20 Shannon Frizell
21 Josh Renton
22 Fletcher Smith
23 Paletasio TomkinsonPulse Energy Highlanders Head Coach, Aaron Mauger, has made four changes to his starting line up to play the Chiefs in Hamilton on Good Friday. Co-captain, Ash Dixon, will take the place of hooker Liam Coltman who has been unwell this week; while tighthead prop Siate Tokolahi returns to the front row. Josh Dickson will make his first appearance for the season in the middle row andTom Franklin, who has started all four previous matches, moves to the bench. In the backs, Matt Faddes will partner Rob Thompson in the midfield. On the bench young Otago midfielder, Patelesio Tomkinson makes the 23 for the first time and Greg Pleasants-Tate also makes his way into the reserves. “The team changes are a reflection of the depth of talent we have in the squad, Josh has played extremely well for the Bravehearts team to earn a start and Matt has shown some nice touches when he has come on for us. As a group we are under no illusions as to the challenge this week, the Chiefs are an in form side playing in front of their home crowd, so it ought to be another great tussle” said Mauger.http://thehighlanders.co.nz/news/895-yourlanders-to-face-the-chiefs-this-friday-night
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Highlanders by 12 or more.
They clearly want Seu at 8. Looks to me like he and Messam should be around the other way.
Given who is available, that backline looks pretty good to me, but I'd prefer to see TTT starting. With Ngatai coming off the bench, I really, really hope that Alaimalo plays the house down at FB, so that our numbnuts coach will put him back at 12 for the 2 games he manages to maintain fitness.
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The Chiefs back three are all a bit samey. Skill and speed but lacking in power. In fact the whole backline will struggle to bend the Highlander's defensive line. Will be a big test of DMac's ( and ALBs) ability to see and create space.
Hope the weather is good as this match up can often produce some great watching.
Big chance for Weber to show his credentials to selectors. Cane and BBBR will have to dominate the breakdowns as well.
My prediction is not worth the dust on the keyboard.
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@gt12 said in Chiefs v Highlanders:
Highlanders by 12 or more.
They clearly want Seu at 8. Looks to me like he and Messam should be around the other way.
Given who is available, that backline looks pretty good to me, but I'd prefer to see TTT starting. With Ngatai coming off the bench, I really, really hope that Alaimalo plays the house down at FB, so that our numbnuts coach will put him back at 12 for the 2 games he manages to maintain fitness.
I'm a terrible tipster but that Clan forward pack is a veritable who's that of super rugby. Can't see them besting the Chief's 8.
(Sorry Chiefs ... I've doomed you ... )
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@bones said in Chiefs v Highlanders:
@booboo huh? 3 ABs, two very good Maori players, a very good super player in Tokolahi and a NZ age group rep.
Not to mention the Chiefs pack consists of Tyler Adron, Aidon Ross, Angus Ta'avao and Seu out of place. Granted BBBR and Cane can almost carry this pack alone but they're up against a decent pack - especially the loosies.
