Highlanders 2025
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All I’ll say is Rome wasn’t built in a day. 100% have done well to solidify the front row, great loose forward mix. Calculated risk at lock, but at SR Level, tend to think we could get away with someone like Stodart at lock so long as Holland/Dunshea are next to them.
Midfield looks better I think, and outside backs also. The last few squad members are always going to be a little poor, this is an improved squad… a lot hinges on JRK though, fullback could be a real Achilles heel, so will be keen to see what injury cover we have there
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we've definitely got the stock for old school JJ ball...ie strong up front, hit those rucks, get them to commit or go backwards
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Okay so first thing on Hastie, could be a similar case to Luca Inch last year, where he gets cut later on… there is definitely something there, perhaps the miscommunication is that he is definitely gone for 2026, but will hold my hands up and will say I was wrong.
Bartlett in for Johnstone a nice one. All in all pack looks good, but the backline honks a little. Robinson a nice pickup I reckon.
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@frugby interesting comparison. What actually happened to Luca Inch? I heard he withdraw from the squad but was suprised to have never heard from him again. Including not seeing him at Ta$man. Was there an off field incident?
@handa457 yeah, just seems to have disappeared
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Naeata is the selection that just really confuses me. Especially not having a third genuine locks in the squad. Which sugessts any of Haig, Howden, Naeata and Stodart will have time from 50 - 80 mins at lock. While they will also be required to start some games. Surely we could habe just picked up someone like Hugo Plummer as a safe option. Instead of looking to go all in with the four loose forwards option. It isn't like Dunshea and Holland are injury free players.
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And a commercial story on the Highlanders by one of the best reporters in NZ ... https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360483433/highlanders-applies-liquidate-sponsor-over-120000-payment
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jeez, thats awkward....not exactly high profile (i recognised them)...but that seems like a lot of money
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I was feeling confident when JJ got announced as coach but this squad has completely knocked that out of me. Is Dunedin so unappealing that no decent players want to move there?
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@game_film said in Highlanders 2025:
Where did Pari-Pari move on to? Can’t believe he’s 28
Japan mate. Tokatsu Green Rockets
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Pari Pari was nothing short of a big passenger. Tha k you for your service and enjoy smashing little blokes in Japan. @KiwiInLondon don't be too disheartened. A lot of guys arw still improving. Just a couple of weird selections. Especially Naeata. I don't know what other players they could have gone after.
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Pari Pari was nothing short of a big passenger. Tha k you for your service and enjoy smashing little blokes in Japan. @KiwiInLondon don't be too disheartened. A lot of guys arw still improving. Just a couple of weird selections. Especially Naeata. I don't know what other players they could have gone after.
@SouthernMann I think I’ll go with the glass half empty approach this season. The years of optimism have caused too many issues with the blood pressure
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@SouthernMann I think I’ll go with the glass half empty approach this season. The years of optimism have caused too many issues with the blood pressure
@KiwiInLondon said in Highlanders 2025:
@SouthernMann I think I’ll go with the glass half empty approach this season. The years of optimism have caused too many issues with the blood pressure
I just pick a certain group of players, hope they go well. Hope we play a fun style to watch and that we don't get smoked. The team on the whole is better than last year. It'll just depend on JRK at the back,and whether he gets on the paddock. We get half a dozen injuries and we are wrecked
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Love this squad don’t get me wrong, but Arscott and Hastie as our backup halfbacks still doesn’t excite me. Both done nothing for Otago this year would’ve loved to see them throw Pledger in straight away and possibly sign Lenox.
As for the rest of the backline, Taine Robinson is a perfect signing imo. Finally gets the chance to prove himself and get some minutes hopefully.
Midfield looking strong, we just hope TUJ and Te Hiwi can keep themselves healthy and battle with Telea for the 12/13 spots.
Not sure who’s gonna be the primary 15 while JRK is out, possibly Taine? Or Hurley? Let’s hope it’s not Gilbert.
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Backing id love to see (personal opinion)
- Fakatava
- Miller
- Manson
- Umaga-Jensen
- Telea
- Tavatavanawi
- Robinson (while JRK out)
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Backing id love to see (personal opinion)
- Fakatava
- Miller
- Manson
- Umaga-Jensen
- Telea
- Tavatavanawi
- Robinson (while JRK out)
@upthelanders I could be wrong here but Robinson seems too similar to Cam Millar to have in the starting backline, I expect Caleb Tangitau to press his claim for a spot outwide but unsure if he would be comfortable at 15
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Pure speculation on this locking situation, wondering if Howden has been brought down with the specific intention of playing lock?
1.96m, so probably has the height (just)… when you consider him and Naeta were the last two signed, just seems the likely option.
