Highlanders 2024
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@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2024:
Irish Paul said on X that Jack Taylor did a 4.35 Bronco. Pretty sharp for a frontrower
That is bullshit quick for a fatty. Which helps us understand that the laws and adjudication of the game haven't kept up with the game.
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@frugby said in Highlanders 2024:
If Harmon's weakness isn't his running game, then what is it? Tackling machine, great at the breakdown, if he is good at all this, then he must be better than Ardie, Cane and Dalton.
He got an opportunity too late. He is a very good player. Have the other guys done anything wrong, no, tough luck Harmon.
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I love Harmon, if I was selecting he's my AB openside
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A few interviews pre and post game from yesterday. Particularly impressed with Kenny Lynn. Think he is a great addition. https://www.odt.co.nz/sport/rugby/highlanders/landers-chat-highlanders-vs-hurricanes-preseason
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So one pre-season game to go then. I'd expect pretty much the best side to start the game and to play a good 60 minutes.
Blindside flanker I think it probably the main position of interest in the starting side. The way our attacking patterns were set up, I do wonder if maybe they are leaning towards using Haig to work in the wider channels.
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@Canes4life said in Highlanders 2024:
@frugby not quite sure of the younger players in the Landers, but the bloke with the longish hair had a good game on Saturday. Was that Haig?
Yes. Played for the very good U20s side which one the Oceania thing in the COVID year. Didn't play NPC last year because the Highlanders ordered him to get an operation. Makes you wonder if they are happy to chuck him in at the deep end.
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I'm a massive Haig fan, but think they will start the year off with Withy. Haig can come off the bench.
I think back up first five, or a decision not to pick one could occur. Both Faleafaga and Millar could easily take the spot. However, I think they could be tempted to pick both CGB and Whaanga with Gilbert covering 10.
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Of all the young talent coming through at the Landers, after Holland, I think Haig has the highest ceiling.
I think they will be reticent to play Gilbert at 10, and will want to give Millar time in the saddle. They'd probably also rather have Gilbert go back to 15 in the case of an outside back injury, than have Gilbert go to 10 in the case of a Patchell injury.
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I wouldn't be surprised with Haig if he has a few big games whether we see stories popping up about him being eligible for Australia and England as well.
I want them to play Millar or Faleafaga. I just see the idea of having Whaanga and CGB on the bench as being quite tempting. CGB looked the best I've seen him in years.
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The highly-touted Gore-product competing to become the Highlanders' next 10
There were more players from Gore in the 2022 New Zealand Under 20s than there were from Auckland including Cam Miller.
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so, a question for those more closely connect to the region
i FEELS like we're getting more "local" (see anyone coming through the system south of the Waitaki) getting a sniff than we have in a long time
if true, do we think we're doing a better job developing them or a better job spotting them?
ie did the Highlanders spend too long looking at imports and just ignore local talent or was the talent just not there for a long time before?
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@Daffy-Jaffy said in Highlanders 2024:
The highly-touted Gore-product competing to become the Highlanders' next 10
There were more players from Gore in the 2022 New Zealand Under 20s than there were from Auckland including Cam Miller.
This is the statement that concerns me with Millar... “My kicking is a strength. I think I play with good control and can manage a game. My biggest growth area is to become more of an attacking threat,” Millar told Rugby Pass.
He has shown himself to be an outstanding kicker. If he can't attack, he will just be another Noakes, Berquist, Parker or Arlidge. I really do hope he can add an attacking aspect to his game. There just isn't room in a Super side for a guy who is limited to kicking at 10. -
Jermaine Ainsley confirmed to be leaving for France at the end of the season.
