Highlanders 2023
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@Bovidae said in Highlanders 2023:
Has Jermaine Pepe kicked on? He looked like a decent winger when I watched him at schoolboy level.
Google tells me he and Wingham were loaned to North Otago last year.
I suspect both him and Jeremiah Asi will get opportunities for Otago this year. So should see where theirceilings are.
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@Kiwiwomble said in Highlanders 2023:
@SBW1 kenny Lynn? dermody is around next year isn;t he?
Dermody will remain head coach, the assumption is that Kenny Lynn (who has signed) will replace Richard Whiffin as the attack coach.
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2023:
@Bovidae said in Highlanders 2023:
Has Jermaine Pepe kicked on? He looked like a decent winger when I watched him at schoolboy level.
Google tells me he and Wingham were loaned to North Otago last year.
I suspect both him and Jeremiah Asi will get opportunities for Otago this year. So should see where theirceilings are.
Having watched both, can't say either are very impressive and to me don't look like Super Rugby talents... Asi certainly anyway. I think he was probably largely signed to help us sign Faleafaga, which could prove a masterstroke in the long run.
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@friedrugby
There are plenty of guys who don't completely set the world on fire and then do at the higher level.
I'm happy for the likes of them, Ulli-Schmidt, Mefi Tupou, these two to have a run and see how they go.
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@SouthernMann yeah, sometimes they just need that full time training to step up
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@gt12 said in Highlanders 2023:
@Bones said in Highlanders 2023:
Maybe the Leiua link? Or Bryn Hall, since he was probably pretty active amongst the players?
Tuialii is a coach there too.
My guess is Malo Tuitama, who was from Scots college?
Hah, I'd skipped him as for some reason I thought he was from Northland.
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@friedrugby said in Highlanders 2023:
@Kiwiwomble said in Highlanders 2023:
@SBW1 kenny Lynn? dermody is around next year isn;t he?
Dermody will remain head coach, the assumption is that Kenny Lynn (who has signed) will replace Richard Whiffin as the attack coach.
Yep, signed as assistant for 2024, I have high hopes for Kenny Lynn.
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@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2023:
@friedrugby
There are plenty of guys who don't completely set the world on fire and then do at the higher level.
I'm happy for the likes of them, Ulli-Schmidt, Mefi Tupou, these two to have a run and see how they go.
I mean maybe, but I think you are dreaming if they are going to be anything better than the current lot. They might have different strengths, but we are looking for Star Quality.
We kind of more or less have our squad filled out I think, we are looking for our starters... and even at Otago those guys struggle to get a game I'd think, though I've just had a look at the ORFU Player Profiles, and it appears Koroi and Ioane might well have taken early releases. At the moment the Golden O looks something like:
- Hastie
- Millar
- Nareki
- Faleafaga
- TUJ
- Te Hiwi
- Gilbert
Spares: Arscott and Timu.
On top of that, Bogado might be there, though he could take a rest/play for Southland, and Te Hiwi and Timu might well be injured - so the chances could be there for these guys to push for a WTG spot.
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I think we need to keep players in the positions they are going to be playing in long-term.
- Te Hiwi is a centre. Should be playing there.
- Gilbert is now a 12.
- Faleafaga is probably primarily a 10 who can play 12. So should be on the bench.
Focus on building the players for the future. Not getting the seven best players on the paddock. There is enough perceived depth across the squad. That way we are using the right players in their specialist positions.
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@SouthernMann Just started an Otago thread, this was merely an exercise of filling in a 15 with the players we had contracted... I expect Gilbert to play 15 for Otago, and do wonder whether Faleafaga may well end up being a 12. It might be that the Landers decide they like his skillset, and see that being a good spot for him, because they are clearly looking for a ball player with a good kicking game, and in theory he has that.
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yeah, im not sold on gilbert being seen as a 12 quite yet, plays better at 15 and still kind of feel he was moved to 12 because we had fullback covers but injuries in the midfield
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@Kiwiwomble In fairness, I'm not sold on Gilbert full stop. Think he probably looked slightly better than he actually is because of the crap around him. A fascinating player.
Pros:
- Relatively Quick (Not express), with fair acceleration
- Good Kicking Game
- Big
- Good Ball Handling and Passing
Cons:
- Tackling 1v1 sometimes an issue
- Doesn't look for the gap (Decision Making?)
- Doesn't really seem to break the advantage line
Honestly, his best game for the Landers was at 10 lol. I think playing at Forsyth Barr we ideally want a really elusive 15 in the mould of Ben Smith, and Sam Gilbert isn't that. CGB has some of those skills, but isn't quick enough and has way too many other weak points so we will surely be shopping for one. I think 12 is probably a better spot for him at the top level, if he can start to use his size a bit better.
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Lyon confirm the exit of three players, including Lima Sopoaga
Former All Blacks utility Lima Sopoaga is on the lookout for a new club after Lyon confirmed that last Sunday’s play-off defeat to Bordeaux was his last appearance for them.
Wouldn't be a bad pickup for next year.
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@friedrugby said in Highlanders 2023:
@Kiwiwomble In fairness, I'm not sold on Gilbert full stop. Think he probably looked slightly better than he actually is because of the crap around him. A fascinating player.
Cons:
- Tackling 1v1 sometimes an issue
Those that have talked up Gilbert in recent games seem to be ignoring his defence.
Two examples from NZ derbies (ESPN stats)
vs Chiefs (0 tackles, 4 missed tackles)
vs Blues (7 tackles, 8 missed tackles) -
@Bovidae i think people dont quiet get what being a highlanders/otago fan means...we generally gave up expecting too much a long time ago, we've had too many people that cant attack or defend to worry about guys that are only bad at one of those
and those are two top teams, that is so far down my list of worries its not funny
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Instagram check,
Both TUG and twin brother Peter have unfollowed the Shizuoka Blue Revs..
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@HLD2023Champions They read the Fern!
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So Stuff writer Cully reviews the Landers season and gives it a D for disappointment. Hard to see where things can improve next year tbh with key players Frizzell, Smith and MMT departing.
Stuff