Highlanders 2024
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@antipodean said in Highlanders 2024:
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2024:
@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.Which is a pity when the All Blacks have been crying out for someone good at tactically managing a game.
Balance though. He can't just be a kicker who shovels the ball on. He needs to offer something.
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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.
and an excellent team man, fixes a lot of loose ball and mistakes, something I like to see in an AB openside.
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@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2024:
@antipodean said in Highlanders 2024:
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2024:
@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.Which is a pity when the All Blacks have been crying out for someone good at tactically managing a game.
Balance though. He can't just be a kicker who shovels the ball on. He needs to offer something.
I think it is disingenuous to say that is what he is... and even then, dare I say it, that would be a step up on just about everyone since Sopoaga.
Millar can drive the game with his boot, and can make good playmaking decisions - we know this, we have seen this for NZ U20 and for Otago.
The question is how good is his running game, and that will decide whether he ends up just being a very good Super Rugby first five (E.G Bryn Gatland) or an All Blacks first five. From what I have seen, he isn't exactly slow, sure probably not as quick as BB or RM, but certainly no Mary Banks. Sexton and Farrell etc. aren't lightning and had success attacking the line.
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@frugby said in Highlanders 2024:
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2024:
@antipodean said in Highlanders 2024:
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2024:
@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.Which is a pity when the All Blacks have been crying out for someone good at tactically managing a game.
Balance though. He can't just be a kicker who shovels the ball on. He needs to offer something.
I think it is disingenuous to say that is what he is... and even then, dare I say it, that would be a step up on just about everyone since Sopoaga.
Millar can drive the game with his boot, and can make good playmaking decisions - we know this, we have seen this for NZ U20 and for Otago.
The question is how good is his running game, and that will decide whether he ends up just being a very good Super Rugby first five (E.G Bryn Gatland) or an All Blacks first five. From what I have seen, he isn't exactly slow, sure probably not as quick as BB or RM, but certainly no Mary Banks. Sexton and Farrell etc. aren't lightning and had success attacking the line.
It isn't disingenuous to say that. He personally said his weakness is his running game.
“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."
I know you are a fan of the guy and rate him highly. But, when the lad is saying he is currently a kicking first five primarily, it is there plain to see. Super Rugby defences sides can squeeze 10s like that and make it difficult for them to operate.
I hope he succeeds. It is just we haven't seen him play a lot. He may step up and be the long-term first five we need. That'll be great. Both him and Faleafaga have different skillsets. He is a kicker who knocks them over from all over the place, Faleafaga, may fit in to a backline, nailing kick passes and skip out balls. But again, we haven't seen a lot of either player. The sample size against decent opposition is about half a dozen games each.
Bryn Gatland is a Super Rugby battler, three teams and never nailed down a starting spot. I would be disappointed if that is his ceiling, after the way that some have talked about the kid.
I haven't rubbished the guy. I've just said numerous times that I have seen first fives come through the Otago or Highlanders system, dominating at junior levels, primarily kicking 10s, step up and find they don't have the skillset to lead sides at the high levels. As mentioned guys like Berquist, Alridge, Parker and Chris Noakes come to mind.
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@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2024:
@frugby said in Highlanders 2024:
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2024:
@antipodean said in Highlanders 2024:
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2024:
@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.Which is a pity when the All Blacks have been crying out for someone good at tactically managing a game.
Balance though. He can't just be a kicker who shovels the ball on. He needs to offer something.
I think it is disingenuous to say that is what he is... and even then, dare I say it, that would be a step up on just about everyone since Sopoaga.
Millar can drive the game with his boot, and can make good playmaking decisions - we know this, we have seen this for NZ U20 and for Otago.
The question is how good is his running game, and that will decide whether he ends up just being a very good Super Rugby first five (E.G Bryn Gatland) or an All Blacks first five. From what I have seen, he isn't exactly slow, sure probably not as quick as BB or RM, but certainly no Mary Banks. Sexton and Farrell etc. aren't lightning and had success attacking the line.
It isn't disingenuous to say that. He personally said his weakness is his running game.
“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."
I know you are a fan of the guy and rate him highly. But, when the lad is saying he is currently a kicking first five primarily, it is there plain to see. Super Rugby defences sides can squeeze 10s like that and make it difficult for them to operate.
I hope he succeeds. It is just we haven't seen him play a lot. He may step up and be the long-term first five we need. That'll be great. Both him and Faleafaga have different skillsets. He is a kicker who knocks them over from all over the place, Faleafaga, may fit in to a backline, nailing kick passes and skip out balls. But again, we haven't seen a lot of either player. The sample size against decent opposition is about half a dozen games each.
Bryn Gatland is a Super Rugby battler, three teams and never nailed down a starting spot. I would be disappointed if that is his ceiling, after the way that some have talked about the kid.
I haven't rubbished the guy. I've just said numerous times that I have seen first fives come through the Otago or Highlanders system, dominating at junior levels, primarily kicking 10s, step up and find they don't have the skillset to lead sides at the high levels. As mentioned guys like Berquist, Alridge, Parker and Chris Noakes come to mind.
I'm more so saying, that I think Millar can have a limited running game, and still be far superior than Berquist, Alridge, Parker and Chris Noakes. I'd go as far to say, you could have a fringe All Blacks career by being an elite kicker and passing playmaker.
Obviously his running game is a bit of a weakness, but I think that is more a confidence thing. He seems quite intelligent on the field, so I'd back that he will take the ball to the line enough to keep the defence honest.
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You'd have to think the top side is now sorted. I'd be fairly surprised if that isn't what we see start R1 barring Patchell for Millar, though maybe they want to give the young man the keys. Would be a huge show of faith.
Parkinson will be in 19 I reckon if fit, so probably between Broughton and Haig for the bench spot. I'd imagine if he can play well, Broughton's ability to cover number eight would probably see him get the edge? The 23 spot it also open. Seems they have ruled out M Whaanga and CGB, though with the way the backline suits up, I'd suggest it is Te Hiwi's spot as we need midfield cover.
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Yeah I think we are a player swap or two away from nailing down the top side. I'd be very disappointed of Patchell isn't our starting 10, he was the best on field during the Hurricanes last week, and from what others have said he was pretty tidy against MP. Millar gets first crack off the bench, but, will share bench time with Faleafaga.
Ma'u and Ainsley will be a flip of the coin. Will p share game time fairly evenly though.
reckon they will give Haig some time at lock in this game, just to check his comfort playing there. If he goes well, they'll give him the 19 and allow Parkinson another week or two. If not, Parkinson comes back. Then a decision between Haig and Broughton. Both Withy and Harmon can play at eight, so plenty of flexibility in the back row for players to move around.
Henry Bell looks like he will have first go at the hooking role, the spot still looks like a lottery. Ricky Jackson did look good last weekend while he was on.
I'm stoked that it looks like Hastie has got the edge over Arscott.The midfield/outside back replacement is interesting. I think Whaanga/CGB will offer more. But, with Te Hiwi able to play 11,12,13,14 he gives more coverage. So, agree it could be him.
Some nice options to have for a team that has had some rather average players suit up in the last couple of years.
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just nice to have a little depth rather than a hole where we're arguing who can do the least damage if we stick them in
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Jamie Wall showing himself to once again be a complete piston wristed gibbon.
Super Rugby Pacific team preview: The Highlanders
Analysis - RNZ is previewing all the NZ Super Rugby teams ahead of the season's start on 23 February. Today we look at the Highlanders.
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@SouthernMann zero insite....really just wrote every obvious or cliche thought that might come too mind and misses this is what year three of the current rebuild? had to let some old contracts end and some young guys come through
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The guy is an absolute piece of shit.
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How does he get away with writing such dross? A 10 year old could have given more insight on these NZ Super Rugby team previews than this idiot.
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@SouthernMann Seemed pretty accurate.
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@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2024:
The guy is an absolute piece of shit.
I understand you disagree with him and think he's not a good writer, but really?
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@Crazy-Horse said in Highlanders 2024:
I understand you disagree with him and think he's not a good writer, but really?
Being a poor writer is would have him make grammatical mistakes or lack structure in his sentences.
He is an active troll, whose goal (seems he is successful in) is to piss people off. His writing is lazy, filled with clichés, and unnecessary jabs. The bloke has the reckons of a drunk at the pub on a Friday night, whose friend group only just tolerates him.
What was he trying to achieve. It was a baiting piece to get reactions like mine. So well done to the contributor.
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