Highlanders v Hurricanes
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Big game this one. Landers team probably one of the more unpredictable of the season. I can see it being something along the lines of:
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de Groot
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Bell
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Ainsley
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Holland
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Parkinson
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Withy
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Harmon
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Broughton
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Fakatava
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Faleafaga
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Nareki
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Gilbert
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Te Hiwi
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Tavatavanawai
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Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens
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Taylor
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Lienert-Brown
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Ma'u
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Hicks (if fit, if not then Sanders)
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Haig
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Hastie
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Patchell
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Lowe/Timu
If it was me, I'd 100% start Haig. I thought he was very good when he came on, and he offers another dynamic ball carrier in the loose which we are crying out for. Week after week, despite Billy Harmon's terrific form, we are getting outplayed in that department. Broughton to be rewarded for some good impact off the bench, but for the love of god, can we move on from playing two opensides... I'm not sure it has ever worked on a consistent basis for any side (ABs get away with it to an extent because Ardie is that good).
10 and 13 the other positions of contention. Faleafaga starting become undeniable... I was sceptical at first, but gee... that boy has got a running game and a half... his potential could well be All Black level.
13, not exactly spoilt for choices. If we are really brave, we'll chuck Nareki/Tavatavanawai in there (probably Nareki), but I think Te Hiwi probably the safer option, particularly against a quality Canes midfield.
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@foobaNZ yeah Sullivan will be available from my understanding, whether they include him yet is another question altogether. Definitely prefer him to Rayasi on the bench.
TBH the Canes could go with multiple loose forward options and we won't lose much such is their depth atm. Great problem to have.
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@frugby thanks for the update on the Landers and player availability. The Canes will be on red alert for this one having gone down there in the pre season only to be handed a bit of a hiding. I know they used plenty of wider squad members in that game but that loss won't be forgotten, especially considering it was Laidlaw's first game as a Cane's coach.
TAB odds currently have the Landers at $3.50, the Canes at $1.33 and a draw at $18 which seems about right on form.
The Landers looked to have found their groove against the Chiefs but probably left it a little late in the piece to make a full comeback. I'm looking forward to this one, always helter skelter between these sides, especially under the roof.
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@Canes4life I would not be surprised if Lakai started at 8, not saying he will or should, but could be in thinking. Really can't make up my mind who should get a lot of positions really so team in a good place I think. I did note that Sullivan was taking part in warm ups etc on Friday, and Vijoen was obviously cover at 9 for any last minute injuries there, no sign of Roigard etc.
I will add apart from game itself I was mightily impressed with Love's arm, when they were shooting t/shirts into crowd from that gun type thing, he actually grabbed a couple and threw them right to top of stand. He would of been good on bounary at cricket! -
@Dan54 Love was a top cricketer at school aswell and could have gone down that path but chose Rugby. He played in the Black clash earlier in the year and pulled off a stunning catch but it was over the boundary unfortunately.
Re the loosies, they could almost pick Iose, Flanders or Lakai at 8 and they'll do the job. Good postition to be in atm. Hope the good health of the players continues.
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Tele'a is a massive loss. Mainly due to.tjr step down is so significant. If Timu is available, I'd play him. Just from an experience perspective. There is no doubt the Canes have the better players. But, there is something in this that says it'll be a big of a banana skin game for them. We have gone close in all of our loses. I reckon this will end up with either getting pumped of sneaking a win. For the time being Faleafaga is best coming off the bench. Have him running at tired defences. Let Patchell run the game for 50 minutes.
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im kind of feeling if we dont have the cattle to cover when needed we dont deserve to win, so will be a good test, Telea has had a heavy workload so a rest isn;t the end of the world...if we can sneak a couple of wins and get him back late in the season it could be ok
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@SouthernMann said in Highlanders v Hurricanes:
For the time being Faleafaga is best coming off the bench. Have him running at tired defences. Let Patchell run the game for 50 minutes.
I was pro this heading into last week, but Faleafaga is starting to become undeniable. We've looked better for three straight games from the moment he stepped onto the park.
Without Tele'a, I think having another genuine ball runner in the backline, particularly with real pace could be essential.
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@Canes4life said in Highlanders v Hurricanes:
@frugby Faleafaga looks like a young Sopoaga aye. He’s definitely the best of the young talent the Landers have at their disposal.
Dare I say it, better even. Sopoaga took four (admittedly injury disrupted) seasons to find his feet. Faleafaga is doing it Year One.
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My least favourite Highlander to start at centre. Rest of the team predictable. Rohan Wingham and Timu on the bench
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@SouthernMann Lowe at centre?
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That's the one. Hopefully he warms up those tackling shoulders. He has some work to do. I can't believe we still have next year with him as well.
