Otago v Auckland
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From a Highlanders perspective, I'm really keen to see how Tangitau plays under the roof. Should be a weapon for us next season.
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@SouthernMann he was woeful against Wellington defensively last Friday and had some trouble under the high ball. I'm a Tangitau fan but will definitely have a few kinks to iron out defensively.
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@Canes4life said in Otago v Auckland:
@SouthernMann he was woeful against Wellington defensively last Friday and had some trouble under the high ball. I'm a Tangitau fan but will definitely have a few kinks to iron out defensively.
Which is to he expexted. Got stuff all time for the Blues. I'd expect the plan is to get him ready to be a starting player in 2026. Run him off the bench next year and replace one of the likely departing wingers when they go. There is a lot to like about what he can do. He just needs to fix the boring stuff.
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@Duluth said in Otago v Auckland:
Auckland have Christian Leali'ifano at 10
lol yeah the NPC is the bedrock of NZ rugby success.
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There shouldn't be any Aussies in this comp. I would've preferred Wiseguy Faiane.
At least it should only be for one week. Not sure how bad Sullivan and Harford's injuries are but Plummer will be back next week
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1 Josh Fusitu'a, 2 Soane Vikena, 3 Marcel Renata, 4 Josh Beehre, 5 Michael Curry, 6 Adrian Choat, 7 Anton Segner, 8 Akira Ioane (c), 9 Taufa Funaki, 10 Christian Leali'ifano, 11 Nigel Ah Wong, 12 Tanielu Tele'a, 13 AJ Lam, 14 Lolagi Visinia, 15 Xavier Tito-Harris
Reserves: 16 Sama Malolo, 17 Jordan Lay, 18 Angus Ta'avao, 19 Edward Annandale, 20 Vaiolini Ekuasi, 21 Kemara Hauiti-Parapara, 22 Caleb Tangitau, 23 Xavi Taele
Reserve 10? I'm guessing Visinia? I think he played some club rugby there this year
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@Duluth said in Otago v Auckland:
1 Josh Fusitu'a, 2 Soane Vikena, 3 Marcel Renata, 4 Josh Beehre, 5 Michael Curry, 6 Adrian Choat, 7 Anton Segner, 8 Akira Ioane (c), 9 Taufa Funaki, 10 Christian Leali'ifano, 11 Nigel Ah Wong, 12 Tanielu Tele'a, 13 AJ Lam, 14 Lolagi Visinia, 15 Xavier Tito-Harris
Reserves: 16 Sama Malolo, 17 Jordan Lay, 18 Angus Ta'avao, 19 Edward Annandale, 20 Vaiolini Ekuasi, 21 Kemara Hauiti-Parapara, 22 Caleb Tangitau, 23 Xavi Taele
Reserve 10? I'm guessing Visinia? I think he played some club rugby there this year
Bloody strong side. This could be a veeery long game if we decide to play like we did last week.
Leali’ifano answer an SOS? That’s poor from Auckland. Surely there’s an academy boy or development 10 around. Shit even Rico Simpson. If you’re good enough to be the NZ u20’s 10, you’re good enough for NPC.
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Good to have Haig, Umaga-Jenson and Arscott back at least. A lot of players going to have to step up big time in this one.
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Three debutants off the bench, including the Australian outside back. Interested to see who is out with injury and who is overlooked. Naeata is a big bopper off the bench
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@Landers92 said in Otago v Auckland:
Leali’ifano answer an SOS? That’s poor from Auckland. Surely there’s an academy boy or development 10 around. Shit even Rico Simpson. If you’re good enough to be the NZ u20’s 10, you’re good enough for NPC.
Simpson was injured too
So the first four options all out. No idea what the injuries are but they were described as 'short term'
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Lui Naeata was rumoured to be a potential Highlander at the back end of last year. Interesting to see him pop up again down south. Anyone have knowledge about Hudson Creighton? Is he any good? Really interested to see the battle between Umaga-Jensen and Tele'a.
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yeah, fuck off kevin
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@SouthernMann Yeah a big 8 that has had some off field issues in Japan. Hasn’t been re-signed so having a crack at NPC. I asked a mate who is in Japan and he said Jamie Joseph got him into the Japan environment 2/3 years ago but he wasn’t fit enough so never got a cap. Wonder if it was Joseph that’s got him over to help Otago so he can keep an eye on him?
Only thing we know about Creigton is what you stated earlier up the thread about him being Australian, he has been with the Brumbies since 2022.
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Just thought I’d take a look at the ticket prices for the game tonight… $32 for 1 adult. Nothing short of daylight robbery to be paying $32 to watch an NPC game, what a joke. No wonder people aren’t turning up these days. For reference, Canterbury have adult tickets for $10.
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@Landers92 and so we go around the viscous circle...with only 5 home games (we have mroe in club rugby)...theyre trying to wring every cent....which puts people off going....
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@Kiwiwomble at what point do the realize they’ll most likely bring in just as much money on ticket sales even if they lowered tickets to $15? More people, more money. $32 Just seems crazy. Anyway, it is what it is.
Whats your score prediction for tonight?
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i think auckland have to have 30 point on us so 45-15?
