Highlanders vs Chiefs

[Bones]

Yeah Stevenson reminds me of a slightly better Ambrose Curtis. I haven't seen him stake a claim and I reckon Wainui has actually been very good this season. So it strikes me as odd that people are up in arms over what appears to be a 60/40 decision in Wainui's favour.

[ARHS]

Wainui had defensive and positional lapses on several occasions early in the season, costing tries. He seemed a bit slow to anticipate things on the wing and got flat-footed - leaving huge gaps. But, he has improved, and got better on attack. Stevenson can have suspect hands, but covers the ground very well and makes cover tackles, and does clearance kicks well. I felt that Alaimalo lost confidence mid-season, but has height to contest the aerial ball, and for finishing. I want to see the investment made in Stevenson as I feel he has the most potential of the 3, just ahead of Alaimalo.

The frustration comes from seeing original selections like Stevenson, Aumua and Kautai overlooked for replacements like Wainui and Prattley, while Fa'aulii and Sowakula seemed to get extended opportunities ahead of others. At least we are seeing continuity, and combinations being developed.

[Talisker]

I've only managed to catch a few games so far this season, Rob Thompson has caught my eye, he's been playing well when I've watched the matches.
What up with Dan Pryor? Has he been injured?

I should be able to watch the rest of the season now, looking forward to it

[cgrant]

I would have liked to see Paripari Parkinson on the bench. He was impressive vs the French Barbarians. He should be fielded against more serious opposition (i.e The Chiefs) to test his qualities.

[taniwharugby]

@talisker yeah Pryor has been injured (although played recently) and has also signed to Sanix BLues in Japan.

[gt12]

Alaimalo in!!

Player intro says Alaimalo is 196 cm tall, another giraffe!

Didn’t realize he was so tall.

[gt12]

ALB with a great little offload there.

I have to admit, if they can use him like that, Alaimalo will be very useful at 15. Just need to get Stevenson at 14.

[gt12]

Highlanders look like they’re still in NZ.

Chiefs in - very patient.

[taniwharugby]

@gt12 yep every bit of it!

[gt12]

Fuck me, Ngatai takes 60 using the wind.

[taniwharugby]

who's 'home' game is it?

[kiwiinmelb]

Highlanders look asleep

[gt12]

@taniwharugby

I fucked up my tipping because I forgot this game was in Fiji!

[KiwiMurph]

@taniwharugby said in Highlanders vs Chiefs:

who's 'home' game is it?

Highlanders

[gt12]

Chiefs in again...

Jacobsen looks pretty good so far. It’s all Chiefs though, so that’s not surprising I guess.

What’s this wind worth?

[Stargazer]

TJ about Tu'inukuafe: "Rumour is that he might be heading south next year".

Where?????? There are three franchise south of the Chiefs. Which team needs a LH? Crusaders lose Crockzilla, what about the Canes and Landers?

[taniwharugby]

@stargazer so the rumour of the CHiefs roster being full obviously didnt include Tu'inukuafe

[gt12]

That’s super harsh on Cane.

[gt12]

@taniwharugby said in Highlanders vs Chiefs:

@stargazer so the rumour of the CHiefs roster being full obviously didnt include Tu'inukuafe

That’s a worry. He looks WC - hope Hames is coming back.

By the way, south could also be Canes...

[Machpants]

@stargazer crockers is retiring