Highlanders 2024
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@mariner4life said in Highlanders 2024:
The Highlanders are where the NZ rugby revolution should start. If you can't attract the same level of talent as everywhere else, find different ways to win. Find a coach that can put together a plan that best uses what you've got. Playing the same way as everyone else but with less talent is a recipe for, well, the last few years really.
The thing is we have used different tactics, and in a way that has been part of our problem. We have played differently to all the other NZ sides really since 2014 onwards.
Under Jamie 14'-16' we kicked the ball with a territory dominant game, backing our defence, but also utilising the fact A Smith had a good box kick for B Smith, Naholo and Osborne.
Brown largely ran the same tactics in both of his tenures...
Mauger tried some northern hemisphere bullshit, with one-off runners and props in midfield and it was an unmitigated disaster by the end.
This year Whiffin led the attack, and it was much the same. As much as I was critical of Jonah Lowe, our gameplan on attack was boring and diabolical...
We have yet to announce our new attack coach, so would not be at all surprised if it magically ends up being T Brown...
ADDED: I'm a firm believer the main reason for the majority of our blowouts this year was a disfunctioning attack, which led to us turning over possession in poor positions. Plenty of the tries we conceded were single-phase efforts from 30+ metres out off turnover ball. Our set defence was actually pretty good, evidenced by that last game vs the Blues.
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The news about Dunshea is obviously very disappointing, but not sure it is a big deal in the grand scheme. Parkinson and Holland is a good second row, Tucker there to backup + Hicks can play there. If he is available after the NPC, unsure on his contractual situation, Tom Franklin is the obvious replacement. Outside of that, you are looking at Josh Beehre if he hasn't signed elsewhere or one of the Hawke's Bay boys.
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So we have a few weeks to confirm our third hooker, two midfield backs and a lock. With the lock, I'm almost tempted for us to make Max Hicks take on the fourth lock role and Will Stodart pick up the vacant loosie spot. The Umaga-Jensen replacement will be a tough one to nail down. Especially if we still have confirmed who the other midfield option will be. It says they can't get who they want or don't like who is available. Josh Whaanga may end up get the TUJ spot, with his brother being in a wider playing group as well for when Josh probably goes away with NZ U20s. I think remaining midfielder will be pivotal in the success of the team next year. They need to be a starting centre.
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@Bones said in Highlanders 2024:
Seriously, I see Dylan Riley signed with Wild Knights almost 3 years ago? I know we most likely couldn't compete with the cash, but what's his contract status?
It would be an awesome pick up. We have form in the past with one season deals with Himeno. Would be a absolute banger from JJ. Never got a chance in Super. Surely he wants to prove himself there.
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Who do we think?
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@Kiwiwomble The majority of Mako backs are already signed somewhere (other SR franchises or overseas); maybe Taine Robinson (10/fullback)? Or Will Gualter? Tavatavanawai has already signed. Unless some players aren't keen to return to MP ...
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@Stargazer said in Highlanders 2024:
@Kiwiwomble The majority of Mako backs are already signed somewhere (other SR franchises or overseas) or are very green; maybe Taine Robinson (10/fullback)? Or Will Gualter? Tavatavanawai has already signed.
I think you are pretty close
Springer,Amua,Hotham already at the Crusaders.
Tavatavanawai signed for Highlanders
And Nankevilli off over seas. -
@Stargazer said in Highlanders 2024:
Taine Robinson (10/fullback)?
i guess if millar is seen as an injury problem?
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@Kiwiwomble said in Highlanders 2024:
@Stargazer said in Highlanders 2024:
Taine Robinson (10/fullback)?
i guess if millar is seen as an injury problem?
Robinson can also play 2nd five and Gaulter is really a centre.
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@Bones said in Highlanders 2024:
@Chris said in Highlanders 2024:
It will not be Chapman Highlanders have 3 HBs signed
We will not let that stop us! You can't tell us what to do. Naysayer
That would right
I see we’re the Highlanders are heading light weight team extreme speed to the breakdown 3 HBs at each breakdown one to pass left and one to pass right and one to pass back for the kick.
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Just a hunch, the Highlanders still haven't announced our new attack coach. Tom Marshall could easily be coming in to help with that, potentially with either Flutey or B. Smith getting promoted to attack coach.
If it is multiple, Gualter shapes as the obvious name, perhaps Taine Robinson, but we literally said we were looking for midfielders. Tim O'Malley I believe is floating about, played a game for us a few years ago, so is also in the picture.
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Have some news on the signing front, and it is a little (very) underwhelming.
I'm hearing Tanielu Tele'a is coming in to take the midfield spot. I believe this is a done deal, though unlikely to be announced prior to the squad announcement date. This might make a lot of sense, because there were rumours we were signing Mark Telea... wondering if people got their Tele(')as mixed up!
At hooker, they have not been able to get someone from overseas, so have turned local. They are in a dogfight with the Chiefs for Bradley Slater, no clue whether he is contracted to them and seeking a release, or whether both are fighting for someone who is off-contract. If not him, the word is they are going to have to plomp for Ricky Jackson.
Big meetings were had with Joseph, Clark and Dermody this week, and sounds likely Jamie was laying down the law. Three hours with Derms just laying things out.
