Otago v Auckland
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What changes should Auckland make to the side this week?
Harford looked rushed. Maybe it's because he hasn't played much rugby recently, or maybe he isn't good enough. Either way he should drop back to the bench, Sullivan looked good when he came on. Much better than he did last year at 10
I'd like to see Clark in the starting xv. One of Choat or Segner to the bench. Auckland had plenty of ball but need someone like Clark who can create in the forwards
The wingers need to come in more. If they are going to try to play like the Blues the wingers need to play like the Blues wingers.. hunt the ball and offer angles and pace close to the ruck. The narrow attack was too obvious without that
Did Taele sub on as a winger last week?
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you should play your U15 team to make it competitive
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Yes please to Sullivan at 10. I didn't see his efforts last season so I am still hopeful.
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@Duluth said in Otago v Auckland:
What changes should Auckland make to the side this week?
Whatever you do, you guys should win this comfortably. Maybe a good chance to give some developmental guy a run?!
Based off last weekend, it’s going to take a miracle for Otago to even keep this close.
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From the Auckland website:
Due to an injury to Melbourne Rebels lock Tuaina Tualima, Moana Pasifika’s Ola Tauelangi may step in as a replacement. In the backline, Xavier Tito-Harris could start at fullback, moving Lolagi Visinia to the right wing. There are also options being discussed around who will don the all-important number 10 jersey for Auckland. Harry Plummer is in All Blacks camp and both Alex Harford and Zarn Sullivan picked up injuries in their recent game against Wellington.Any idea who the next 10 option is?
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@Duluth Wish we would get news/updates like that on the Otago website. We can’t even get regular updates on the website right, it’s a monthly E-newsletter. 😂
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At least you guys have the ODT. Their rugby coverage is decent
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@Duluth yes that is true. The ODT headline about Donnelly leaving is going to hit like crack.
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Holland, Haig, Miller, Gilbert, Bell need to stand up big time. Show some leadership and lead by example. Sometimes you need to grow up fast and now is the time for these guys
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@Nogusta said in Otago v Auckland:
Any idea who the next 10 option is?
Wiseguy Faiane might be a chance.
He trained on Monday.Still only 26
Just checked when he last played - 2020 was his last NPC game and 2017 was when he played his only NPC match for Auckland
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@KiwiInLondon said in Otago v Auckland:
Holland, Haig, Miller, Gilbert, Bell need to stand up big time. Show some leadership and lead by example. Sometimes you need to grow up fast and now is the time for these guys
i'll say it again, i just dont see what Gilbert offers at 12...and for all hurleys speed and nice touches...the 25min highlights i saw showed him getting manhandled multiple times, move gilbert back to 15, has a good boot and not often caught out of position...let his big frame get a head of speed up
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@Kiwiwomble said in Otago v Auckland:
@KiwiInLondon said in Otago v Auckland:
Holland, Haig, Miller, Gilbert, Bell need to stand up big time. Show some leadership and lead by example. Sometimes you need to grow up fast and now is the time for these guys
i'll say it again, i just dont see what Gilbert offers at 12...and for all hurleys speed and nice touches...the 25min highlights i saw showed him getting manhandled multiple times, move gilbert back to 15, has a good boot and not often caught out of position...let his big frame get a head of speed up
Gilbert is a major let down for me. Just never stamps what is his perceived authority on the game. I'd have him in the 23 jersey. At the moment, we don't hwve another option at 12. Hurley's tackle on Jack Taylor was top class. Wrapping him up right on the line. I want to see him kept on. Looks like we are down to two wingers at the moment with Kyan Rangitutia and Josh Whaanga. So can't move Whaanga into centre. Umaga-Jensen will be swapped straight into the 13 jersey.
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@SouthernMann i get what your saying about the good that hurley does....but i just feel its far outweighed by the bad...running into contact (as a 15 does often)...and actually being picked up more than once is not good...if he's going to stay he needs to stop playing like a small dog with big dog energy and play to his strengths...never get caught with the ball, work harder to connect with support and offload or kick
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ODT has a new article out saying ‘Some welcome returns following spate of injuries’. That’s some good news at least. Hopefully that’s the bigger names back eg Lio-Willie and Haig, it’s behind a paywall so I’m unable to see it.
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The luckless Josh Timu limped off in the first half against Southland. The midfielder has played just half a dozen professional games in the last two years due to a horrid run of injuries.
He took a whack to the leg but it is not considered too serious and he should be available for Otago’s round three game against Bay of Plenty.
Star winger Jona Nareki took a blow to the head early in the first half and failed an HIA. He was back running at training yesterday but he has a seven-day stand-down and will not feature against Auckland.
Co-captain and powerhouse No 8 Christian Lio-Willie has a hamstring complaint and is another week away from a return to play.
Loosie Tom Sanders has concussion symptoms and is also out of contention.
Highlanders midfielder Jake Te Hiwi requires surgery on his wrist and is out for the season, while winger Jeremiah Asi has a crook shoulder and is also gone for the season.
But there is some good news on the injury front.
Halfback James Arscott, who rolled his ankle at training last week, is back in the mix for selection.
Blindside Oliver Haig has recovered from a head knock and his presence in the lineout will be warmly welcomed by Otago.
Robust midfielder Thomas Umaga-Jenson, who tweaked his knee in a club game, is another returnee. He put in the mahi at training yesterday and his return is timely given Timu’s absence.
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@Landers92 said in Otago v Auckland:
ODT has a new article out saying ‘Some welcome returns following spate of injuries’. That’s some good news at least. Hopefully that’s the bigger names back eg Lio-Willie and Haig, it’s behind a paywall so I’m unable to see it.
Arscott, Haig and Umaga-Jensen to return
