Hurricanes v Highlanders
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@Stargazer how long is Fakatava signed for?
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@Canes4life Fakatava's contract duration was never published. His contract expires either this year or in 2021.
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i havent actually give this much thought before, how much time have we got with smith? wouldn't be surprised to see him head off to make some money
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@Kiwiwomble His contract expires at the end of 2021.
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@Stargazer said in Hurricanes v Highlanders:
@Kiwiwomble His contract expires at the end of 2021.
think he has a sabbatical? just trying to think f we've lined up Fakatava knowing Smith would disappear for a bit and then take over after that
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@Kiwiwomble There was nothing in the announcement of Smith's re-signing (in 2019) about a sabbatical clause. If he had one, I'm sure they would have mentioned it, like they've done with other All Blacks.
He turns 32 in November. They should do more to prepare Fakatava for when Smith's time is up. That means game time.
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Wow still some rubbish selections here:
Murphy Taramai is set to become Hurricane 274, after being named on the bench for this Sundayโs 3:35pm clash against the Highlanders at Sky Stadium.
The Hurricanes are looking for their second win of Super Rugby Aotearoa, after taking down the Chiefs 25 โ 18 in Hamilton last week.
Due to minor injuries, Dane Coles, Fraser Armstrong, Gareth Evans and Reed Prinsep have not been included in the squad.
It means, Ben May, Asafo Aumua and Devan Flanders have been called up to the starting XV.
Thereโs also been a change at first five, as Fletcher Smith rotates with Jackson Garden-Bachop and Vince Aso has made his way back into the midfield โ a heavily contested position.
The Hurricanes have won the last four games at Sky Stadium against the Highlanders.
Sunday also doubles as โclub nightโ, where players and fans are encouraged to wear their club jersey to the stadium โ a tribute to the grassroots game.
The Hurricanes team to take on the Highlanders at Sky Stadium is:
1 Ben May
2 Asafo Aumua
3 Tyrel Lomax
4 James Blackwell
5 Scott Scrafton
6 Devan Flanders
7 DuโPlessis Kirifi
8 Ardie Savea
9 TJ Perenara [C]
10 Fletcher Smith
11 Ben Lam
12 Ngani Laumape
13 Vince Aso
14 Kobus Van Wyk
15 Jordie Barrett
RESERVES:
16 Ricky Riccitelli
17 Pouri Rakete-Stones
18 Alex Fidow
19 Vaea Fifita
20 Murphy Taramai
21 Jamie Booth
22 Billy Proctor
23 Wes Goosen
Not considered due to injury: Dane Coles (calf), Gareth Evans (ankle), Reed Prinsep (hamstring), Fraser Armstrong (knee), James Marshall (hip), Xavier Numia (knee).
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Jordie Barrett, Kobus van Wyk, Vince Aso, Ngani Laumape, Ben Lam, Fletcher Smith, TJ Perenara (captain), Ardie Savea, DuโPlessis Kirifi, Devan Flanders, Scott Scrafton, James Blackwell, Tyrel Lomax, Asafo Aumua, Ben May
Reserves: Ricky Riccitelli, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Alex Fidow, Vaea Fifita, Murphy Taramai, Jamie Booth, Billy Proctor, Wes Goosen
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@Kiwiwomble 23 TBN ๐๐๐
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Harsh on PUJ to get dropped. Much rather have him over Billy Proctor. I don't really see what the deal is with Proctor. PUJ has looked much better the last few years with fewer chances.
I don't see IWL on any injury lists - weird that he can't even make the 23.
Keen to see Flanders get a full 80minutes.
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@mikey07 under the circumstances I donโt think itโs that bad.
Like that Fletcher is getting a start. Laumape and Aso back together. Jordie will be prominent in playmaking.
There are some decent players in there, they just need to play better as a unit.
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@ACT-Crusader I like the team just a few like May starting, no IWL though his status is unknown, PUJ not getting a chance to back up and JGB not even in the 23 I fail to understand why we continually donโt put a genuine 10 on the bench.
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@mikey07 said in Hurricanes v Highlanders:
JGB not even in the 23 I fail to understand why we continually donโt put a genuine 10 on the bench.
I think that is obvious now. They want TJP on the field and think Booth at halfback is better than having a genuine 1st 5 on the bench and TJP sitting on the pine.
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So Taramai before IWL, ffs. Wouldn't be suprised if he signs for another franchise now and goes on to be a long term All Black. Unless he has already signed somewhere else and that's why they keep leaving him out...
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@mikey07 said in Hurricanes v Highlanders:
@Kiwiwomble 23 TBN ๐๐๐
We're getting desperate, knowing T Brown they might actually be thinking outside the box and thinking a big loosie on the wing might mix things up a bit
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@Canes4life something is not adding up when it comes to IWL. I thought he was developing nicely last year.