The Silver Fern

<p>It's going to be a very good Auckland side V Lima Sopoaga.</p>

If this was China, Barrett senior would be let loose on all our top retiring female athletes.

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Stockcar86" data-cid="608949" data-time="1472116026"><p>
Otago have Matt Faddes as their star backline player. How can they be leading by this much...</p></blockquote> Because we actually played as a team. It seemed like every Wellington player just wanted to end up on the highlight reel. Otago was also a lot more proficient with its interplay, Tom Franklin was absolutely immense. While halfWalden and Fletcher Smith dominated their inside opponents. For Wellington I thought their boy wonder Umaga Jensen was pretty slick, but they didn't put him in space enough. I'm really glad Mitchell Scott has put his problems behind him, he was an absolute terrier and fizzed in open space. Otago has been quite smart with the turn around games nearly completely swapping their team. I was also really impressed with Sio Tomkinson when he came on, the lad has massive wraps and it's good to see him stand up even if it was just on defence. Matt Proctor was also bloody good with ball in hand, although he was more hungus than Naholo at his worst. Needs to fix that if he wants to move past Super footy. Hopefully this will be Otago's year.

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Smudge" data-cid="608569" data-time="1472002273">
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<p>Tom Franklin could be the next? Or is he not from Whakatane itself?</p>
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<p>
I'm pretty sure he's from Opotiki</p>

<p>Michael Allardice - destination still not known, although he will be going very very cheap. The lads may enjoy his company, although he's rubbish for club PR.</p>

<p>Interesting changes in for the Highlanders, Luke Whitelock moves from no8 to lock, where he played when Squire came on last weekend. While Shane Christie returns to the openside.</p>
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<p>I think the selection of Luke Whitelock at lock is a clear indication the Highlanders are going to attempt to run the Brumbies all over the park.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>There shouldn't be a lot lost lineout wise either, Squire can move into the middle, while Dixon is always camped at the front of the lineout, so Whitelock can jump at the back.</p>
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<p>Interesting as well, that they have reverted to a 5/3 split on the bench, after having six forwards on the bench against the Chiefs. Although I fully expect Aaron Smith and Sopoaga to play full games.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Highlanders by about 12.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Brumbies v Pulse Energy Highlanders - GIO Stadium, Canberra, Fri 22 July 6.00pm (AEST) 8.00pm (NZT)</b></p>
<p>1.   Daniel Lienert-Brown</p>
<p>2.   Ash Dixon</p>
<p>3.   Josh Hohneck</p>
<p>4.   Tom Franklin</p>
<p>5.   Luke Whitelock</p>
<p>6.   Elliot Dixon</p>
<p>7.   Shane Christie ( cc )</p>
<p>8.   Liam Squire</p>
<p>9.   Aaron Smith</p>
<p>10. Lima Sopoaga</p>
<p>11. Patrick Osborne</p>
<p>12. Malakai Fekitoa</p>
<p>13. Matt Faddes</p>
<p>14. Waisake Naholo</p>
<p>15. Ben Smith ( cc )</p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p><b>Reserves</b></p>
<p>16. Liam Coltman</p>
<p>17. Aki Seiuli</p>
<p>18. Siosiua Halanukonuka</p>
<p>19. Mark Reddish</p>
<p>20. Dan Pryor</p>
<p>21. Te Aihe Toma</p>
<p>22. Fletcher Smith</p>
<p>23. Rob Thompson</p>

There's no accommodation in a city of four million people. That's a bit odd.

Fletcher Smith is the Otago 10. Tidy player, but probably not quite ready for Super Rugby. I'm absolutely fizzing about this game. I'll be working at the game too and will have a brilliant vantage point.

Matt Faddes had an absolutely shocking 20 minutes.

That was bloody amazing. Dixon involved three times, great work from all the forwards. Third try.

Ben Smith was very sure it was number 11. Doesn't he know snitches get stitches.

Highlanders lineout has been shit. Time to go back to using Dixon at two. Secure your ball and stop throwing long.

Strange passage of play. The jags attack beautifully, kick ahead, Ben Smith cleans up and counter attacks. Highlanders then lose the ball in contact. The ball get spread wide and Thompson picks up loose ball for the Highlanders and scores. Highlander 14 Jags 3.

Fantastic start, great link play between back and forwards with Ben Smith going over. 7 nil

Oh great and Liam Squire has gone off injured.

This has been embarrassing. One more try please and limp away with the bonus point.

A grad total of 38 people in the crowd.

I love Kaino! Get up Blues. You're my boys!

I thought that was a bloody tough decision on us, really thought that was a clear strip. My Blues boys were hard done by!

<p>Plenty of good cattle sitting on the bench should the starting team struggle to put away the pitiful Kings.</p>
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<p>Everyone's favourite enigma is starting in the wing, while I'm looking forward to see Te Aihe Toma at halfback.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Highlanders by 25.</p>
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<p>1. Daniel Lienert-Brown<br>
2. Ash Dixon<br><span>3. Josh Hohneck<br>
4. Mark Reddish<br>
5. Tom Franklin<br>
6. Gareth Evans<br>
7. Shane Christie (C)<br>
8. Luke Whitelock<br>
9. Te Aihe Toma<br>
10. Marty Banks<br>
11. Ryan Tongia<br>
12. Rob Thompson<br>
13. Jason Emery<br>
14. Jack Wilson<br>
15. Matt Faddes</span></p>
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<p>RESERVES<br>
16. Greg Pleasants-Tate<br>
17. Aki Seiuli<br>
18. Siosuia Halanukonuka<br>
19. Liam Squire<br>
20. Dan Pryor<br>
21. Jamie Booth<br>
22. Lima Sopoaga<br>
23. Patrick Osborne</p>
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