Highlanders 2025
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@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
@frugby said in Highlanders 2025:
Pre-season must start next week I guess? Be intrigued to see who pops up with the squad as to whether it is literally just local guys to hold tackle bags, or whether we do have the odd other train-on.
There will be a lock (one at least) as Holland will not be back. Unless it is Shneil Singh or Josh Bekhuis, it'll have to be someone from out of the region.
Highly likely it will be Josh Tengblad, who must surely be on a NDC.
Tengbald is training with them, but they are going to need someone who they can actually pick this season. Tengbald is seen as too young.
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@frugby said in Highlanders 2025:
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
@frugby said in Highlanders 2025:
Pre-season must start next week I guess? Be intrigued to see who pops up with the squad as to whether it is literally just local guys to hold tackle bags, or whether we do have the odd other train-on.
There will be a lock (one at least) as Holland will not be back. Unless it is Shneil Singh or Josh Bekhuis, it'll have to be someone from out of the region.
Highly likely it will be Josh Tengblad, who must surely be on a NDC.
Tengbald is training with them, but they are going to need someone who they can actually pick this season. Tengbald is seen as too young.
I doubt they will bring someone down then. We are just acknowledging we are screwed at lock this year.
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Looks like there is a new jersey for this season. Not a lot of change but slight design change and collar change. Posted highlanders shop link below if you want to check it out.
Highlanders Mens Replica Jersey 2025 Home
Highlanders sublimated replica jersey with rib collar and cover stitch seams for comfort and performance. Bound hem and sleeves with embroidered chest logos, printed sponsors and Anti-Microbial and Wickable finish. STAY COOL Tech fabric.
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@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
@frugby said in Highlanders 2025:
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
@frugby said in Highlanders 2025:
Pre-season must start next week I guess? Be intrigued to see who pops up with the squad as to whether it is literally just local guys to hold tackle bags, or whether we do have the odd other train-on.
There will be a lock (one at least) as Holland will not be back. Unless it is Shneil Singh or Josh Bekhuis, it'll have to be someone from out of the region.
Highly likely it will be Josh Tengblad, who must surely be on a NDC.
Tengbald is training with them, but they are going to need someone who they can actually pick this season. Tengbald is seen as too young.
I doubt they will bring someone down then. We are just acknowledging we are screwed at lock this year.
Holland won't be there on day one as I believe there is a mandatory three week stand down for anyone with the All Blacks, so I would be surprised if someone doesn't pop up. I'd expect Fischli to be there during pre-season, but I kind of think there will be someone.
On the locking situation, I was told that they didn't want anyone who they saw as either injury prone or just not that good, because they feel having big locks is not crucial to Super Rugby.
My read on the situation from that, was that we definitely chased other locks, but couldn't get anything done, and I would not be surprised if part of it is that they couldn't get anyone worth while on a one-year deal as they see Tengbald potentially being ready next year.
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Surely Fishchli is out to go back to the US.
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@SouthernMann Nope. No contract.
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If Sam Fishcli is the answer. The question cannot be, who is a viable locking option to be called in to play Super Rugby...
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@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
If Sam Fishcli is the answer. The question cannot be, who is a viable locking option to be called in to play Super Rugby...
I don't think anyone is suggesting he is. I was more just making the point that I would expect him to be a WTG member for pre-season.
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@frugby said in Highlanders 2025:
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
If Sam Fishcli is the answer. The question cannot be, who is a viable locking option to be called in to play Super Rugby...
I don't think anyone is suggesting he is. I was more just making the point that I would expect him to be a WTG member for pre-season.
If it is just for pre-season it makes more sense being players who will actually be Super players in a year or two. Instead of him...
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@Landers92 said in Highlanders 2025:
Looks like there is a new jersey for this season. Not a lot of change but slight design change and collar change. Posted highlanders shop link below if you want to check it out.
Highlanders Mens Replica Jersey 2025 Home
Highlanders sublimated replica jersey with rib collar and cover stitch seams for comfort and performance. Bound hem and sleeves with embroidered chest logos, printed sponsors and Anti-Microbial and Wickable finish. STAY COOL Tech fabric.
@Landers92 said in Highlanders 2025:
Looks like there is a new jersey for this season. Not a lot of change but slight design change and collar change. Posted highlanders shop link below if you want to check it out.
https://shop.nzsuperrugbyclubs.co.nz/products/highlanders-mens-2025-home-jersey
Pretty boring, nothing making me thing I need to go out and buy it
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@Kiwiwomble I like it! We can't all be fancypants front rowers.
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@Bones said in Highlanders 2025:
@Kiwiwomble I like it! We can't all be fancypants front rowers.
block colours aren't very forgiving for front rowers, some stripes or 90's rip off tartan makes it hard to truely make out the shape....like camouflage....or those wraps they put on concept cars
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@frugby said in Highlanders 2025:
Josh Tengbald is an absolute unit. I reckon the Highlanders have quite possibly planned for him being contracted in 2026, which is possibly part of the reason we only have two locks for 2025
The picture of him front and centre in the Highlanders Christmas parade is photo is hilarious. Clearly head and shoulders taller than everyone else. Although, can't quite work out who he is standing beside. Here is hoping he has an injury free season, plays well well for Highlanders U20s, NZ U20s and steps in to Otago well. I remember reading he had some injury issues this year. On an ODT Rugby Chat he was listed at 207cm. Taller than Dom Bird. Potentially partnering Fabian Holland down the line I'd mean we'd have the tallest locking pair in Super Rugby. Hopefully he maintains athleticism as well. I wonder what the plan is with Dunshea. Has just turned 29. Might get lucky keeping him in 2026, or next year might be his final with the Landers
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@Bovidae said in Highlanders 2025:
Is Tengblad putting on some weight? The NZ U20s should have a good group of locks for 2025.
He is looking fairly sizeable from the picture on the Landers socials. Certainly larger than the pictures of him I saw from his NZ Schools days. I'd say his development is a priority for the club. There are a huge number of lock/sixes around the place too. Could be a plan going forward of just two primary locks
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@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
@frugby said in Highlanders 2025:
Josh Tengbald is an absolute unit. I reckon the Highlanders have quite possibly planned for him being contracted in 2026, which is possibly part of the reason we only have two locks for 2025
Clearly head and shoulders taller than everyone else. Although, can't quite work out who he is standing beside.
That’s Sean Withy in the middle and looks like Kyan Rangitutia beside him who also seems to be a tall set up, especially for an outside back.
