Highlanders 2025
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Moving completely on from the Dermody leadership group. Gilbert is a weird player. Never been able to establish himself in any position, from 10 right through to fullback, except centre. He's now coming into his sixth year with the side and we don't even know what position he is. He is just an average utility back. Seems a great bloke though. Will probably be a decent coach down the line
@SouthernMann as we've discussed before, i dont feel thats really on him, he wasn't moved from 15 because he was bad...we had a hole at 10 to cover a for a while...and then we had a hole at 12...i still feel 15 would have been his best position (not better than JRK)...if he'd been able to stick at it and develop...but whilst he was covering other positions where we were weak...we backfilled 15 with a stronger option
its kind of interesting seeing such a sea change from Dermody's reign...because JJ was director of rugby (or whatever his job title was) so you would have though he had some input last year
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@SouthernMann as we've discussed before, i dont feel thats really on him, he wasn't moved from 15 because he was bad...we had a hole at 10 to cover a for a while...and then we had a hole at 12...i still feel 15 would have been his best position (not better than JRK)...if he'd been able to stick at it and develop...but whilst he was covering other positions where we were weak...we backfilled 15 with a stronger option
its kind of interesting seeing such a sea change from Dermody's reign...because JJ was director of rugby (or whatever his job title was) so you would have though he had some input last year
@Kiwiwomble said in Highlanders 2025:
@SouthernMann as we've discussed before, i dont feel thats really on him, he wasn't moved from 15 because he was bad...we had a hole at 10 to cover a for a while...and then we had a hole at 12...i still feel 15 would have been his best position (not better than JRK)...if he'd been able to stick at it and develop...but whilst he was covering other positions where we were weak...we backfilled 15 with a stronger option
That's the issue with Gilbert. He's a contingency player. Someone who is ok, until another better player turns up. But, he is never the 'better' player. For a guy who has played nearly 50 games, there have been very few where he has been one of the best on the paddock. As a fullback he lacked the ability break the line. Then was an ok stop-gap 10. Pushed to 12, was soft in contact and couldn't break the line. Wasn't able to beat players one on one when on the wing. Has all the attributes to be a top quality player. Just isn't. This year, he is our 3/4th string 10. Probably 2nd/3rd 12. Fourth in line at fullback. But, likely to be one of the first picked for the bench (apart from Mike Manson), due to his utility value.
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Speaking of Manson, I'm pretty disappointed he wasn't named bench captain, even if he's new to the squad.
@Smudge said in Highlanders 2025:
Speaking of Manson, I'm pretty disappointed he wasn't named bench captain, even if he's new to the squad.
its probably a "goes without saying" kind of deal...just gives of "king of the bench" vibes
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He is called the instigator of impact.
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Yeah bit suprised about that. Can’t remember the last time I heard a winger named as captain. Big Hugh seems under some competition too. Suprised Groota isn’t Captain. Though equally I’m not surprised Sam Gilbert didn’t make the cut. He’s not a guaranteed starter anymore
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@handa457 said in Highlanders 2025:
Can’t remember the last time I heard a winger named as captain.
To be fair he spends a lot of time at the back of the breakdown or thereabouts.
@Bones thats a god point and might be a sign of why they picked him, always seems happy to get stuck in doing the hard work
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I foresaw leftfield, Renton definitely embodies the hard bastard type eight, lead by example guy Jamie has tended love.
Tavatavanawai though, that is all sorts of left field!
Have to be careful to read too much into these things, but the fact Withy (who was probably the obvious pick?) hasn’t been chosen might suggest he is far from the nailed on starter most assumed…
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I foresaw leftfield, Renton definitely embodies the hard bastard type eight, lead by example guy Jamie has tended love.
Tavatavanawai though, that is all sorts of left field!
Have to be careful to read too much into these things, but the fact Withy (who was probably the obvious pick?) hasn’t been chosen might suggest he is far from the nailed on starter most assumed…
@frugby said in Highlanders 2025:
I foresaw leftfield, Renton definitely embodies the hard bastard type eight, lead by example guy Jamie has tended love.
Tavatavanawai though, that is all sorts of left field!
Have to be careful to read too much into these things, but the fact Withy (who was probably the obvious pick?) hasn’t been chosen might suggest he is far from the nailed on starter most assumed…
How many players have captained two franchises? I know Renton was earmarked as a long term Canes skipper and captained the side on a few occasions before injuries curtailed that when he was younger. Renton is definitely captain material and his form last year definitely warrants it.
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@frugby said in Highlanders 2025:
I foresaw leftfield, Renton definitely embodies the hard bastard type eight, lead by example guy Jamie has tended love.
Tavatavanawai though, that is all sorts of left field!
Have to be careful to read too much into these things, but the fact Withy (who was probably the obvious pick?) hasn’t been chosen might suggest he is far from the nailed on starter most assumed…
How many players have captained two franchises? I know Renton was earmarked as a long term Canes skipper and captained the side on a few occasions before injuries curtailed that when he was younger. Renton is definitely captain material and his form last year definitely warrants it.
@Canes4life said in Highlanders 2025:
@frugby said in Highlanders 2025:
I foresaw leftfield, Renton definitely embodies the hard bastard type eight, lead by example guy Jamie has tended love.
Tavatavanawai though, that is all sorts of left field!
Have to be careful to read too much into these things, but the fact Withy (who was probably the obvious pick?) hasn’t been chosen might suggest he is far from the nailed on starter most assumed…
How many players have captained two franchises? I know Renton was earmarked as a long term Canes skipper and captained the side on a few occasions before injuries curtailed that when he was younger. Renton is definitely captain material and his form last year definitely warrants it.
Guys I can think of... Andrew Hore, Glen Taylor, and with an asterix is Luke Whitelock, who may have led a pre-season Crusaders side. When did Renton have the Canes armband. On Withy. I reckon Lasaqa is a roughie to get a start. Big issue for him is that he didn't play NPC. I'm looking forward to seeing him going around in preseason.
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@Canes4life said in Highlanders 2025:
@frugby said in Highlanders 2025:
I foresaw leftfield, Renton definitely embodies the hard bastard type eight, lead by example guy Jamie has tended love.
Tavatavanawai though, that is all sorts of left field!
Have to be careful to read too much into these things, but the fact Withy (who was probably the obvious pick?) hasn’t been chosen might suggest he is far from the nailed on starter most assumed…
How many players have captained two franchises? I know Renton was earmarked as a long term Canes skipper and captained the side on a few occasions before injuries curtailed that when he was younger. Renton is definitely captain material and his form last year definitely warrants it.
Guys I can think of... Andrew Hore, Glen Taylor, and with an asterix is Luke Whitelock, who may have led a pre-season Crusaders side. When did Renton have the Canes armband. On Withy. I reckon Lasaqa is a roughie to get a start. Big issue for him is that he didn't play NPC. I'm looking forward to seeing him going around in preseason.
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
@Canes4life said in Highlanders 2025:
@frugby said in Highlanders 2025:
I foresaw leftfield, Renton definitely embodies the hard bastard type eight, lead by example guy Jamie has tended love.
Tavatavanawai though, that is all sorts of left field!
Have to be careful to read too much into these things, but the fact Withy (who was probably the obvious pick?) hasn’t been chosen might suggest he is far from the nailed on starter most assumed…
How many players have captained two franchises? I know Renton was earmarked as a long term Canes skipper and captained the side on a few occasions before injuries curtailed that when he was younger. Renton is definitely captain material and his form last year definitely warrants it.
Guys I can think of... Andrew Hore, Glen Taylor, and with an asterix is Luke Whitelock, who may have led a pre-season Crusaders side. When did Renton have the Canes armband. On Withy. I reckon Lasaqa is a roughie to get a start. Big issue for him is that he didn't play NPC. I'm looking forward to seeing him going around in preseason.
I’m pretty certain he was given it a couple times. One was at the end of his debut.
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Highlanders latest social media post below.
INJURY UPDATE: Oliver Haig
Haig has sustained a fracture in his right foot which will require surgery this week and is expected to be able to return to play in 10 weeks.
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Highlanders latest social media post below.
INJURY UPDATE: Oliver Haig
Haig has sustained a fracture in his right foot which will require surgery this week and is expected to be able to return to play in 10 weeks.
@Landers92 said in Highlanders 2025:
Highlanders latest social media post below.
INJURY UPDATE: Oliver Haig
Haig has sustained a fracture in his right foot which will require surgery this week and is expected to be able to return to play in 10 weeks.
One thing the Highlanders have been really good at compared to the other NZ teams has been providing injury updates. That's a big loss for the Landers but I guess it opens up opportunity for the likes of Howden to stake his claim. I've got a feeling he will be an All Black eventually and he will be the one the Canes let get away.
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Massive loss at six, although off-set by Howden. The bigger loss is the juggling act we are doing at lock. Haig would have dropped into lock should one of Holland or Dunshea got injured. Now it is Stodart, and at a pinch Howden or Naeata. I wouldn't be surprised if Josh Tengblad has to play a lot earlier for the Landers than planned.
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Massive loss at six, although off-set by Howden. The bigger loss is the juggling act we are doing at lock. Haig would have dropped into lock should one of Holland or Dunshea got injured. Now it is Stodart, and at a pinch Howden or Naeata. I wouldn't be surprised if Josh Tengblad has to play a lot earlier for the Landers than planned.
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
Massive loss at six, although off-set by Howden. The bigger loss is the juggling act we are doing at lock. Haig would have dropped into lock should one of Holland or Dunshea got injured. Now it is Stodart, and at a pinch Howden or Naeata. I wouldn't be surprised if Josh Tengblad has to play a lot earlier for the Landers than planned.
Howden can slot in there if need be, he jumped in there towards the end of a few games for the Canes and didn't go badly, you just lose a bit of height but gain more mobility.
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@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
Massive loss at six, although off-set by Howden. The bigger loss is the juggling act we are doing at lock. Haig would have dropped into lock should one of Holland or Dunshea got injured. Now it is Stodart, and at a pinch Howden or Naeata. I wouldn't be surprised if Josh Tengblad has to play a lot earlier for the Landers than planned.
Howden can slot in there if need be, he jumped in there towards the end of a few games for the Canes and didn't go badly, you just lose a bit of height but gain more mobility.
@Canes4life said in Highlanders 2025:
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
Massive loss at six, although off-set by Howden. The bigger loss is the juggling act we are doing at lock. Haig would have dropped into lock should one of Holland or Dunshea got injured. Now it is Stodart, and at a pinch Howden or Naeata. I wouldn't be surprised if Josh Tengblad has to play a lot earlier for the Landers than planned.
Howden can slot in there if need be, he jumped in there towards the end of a few games for the Canes and didn't go badly, you just lose a bit of height but gain more mobility.
And I think that is one of the likely solutions. At 50 or 60 minutes. A lock goes off. Withy goes to six. Lasaqa comes on and Howden goes to lock. Stodart also likely to be on the bench. Or Broughton
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Massive loss at six, although off-set by Howden. The bigger loss is the juggling act we are doing at lock. Haig would have dropped into lock should one of Holland or Dunshea got injured. Now it is Stodart, and at a pinch Howden or Naeata. I wouldn't be surprised if Josh Tengblad has to play a lot earlier for the Landers than planned.
@SouthernMann Tengbald is very highly thought of, but this is a year too soon.
I’m guessing a lock will come in as injury cover?
At my first look, I think the Drua game at home is a likely return date.
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@Canes4life said in Highlanders 2025:
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
Massive loss at six, although off-set by Howden. The bigger loss is the juggling act we are doing at lock. Haig would have dropped into lock should one of Holland or Dunshea got injured. Now it is Stodart, and at a pinch Howden or Naeata. I wouldn't be surprised if Josh Tengblad has to play a lot earlier for the Landers than planned.
Howden can slot in there if need be, he jumped in there towards the end of a few games for the Canes and didn't go badly, you just lose a bit of height but gain more mobility.
And I think that is one of the likely solutions. At 50 or 60 minutes. A lock goes off. Withy goes to six. Lasaqa comes on and Howden goes to lock. Stodart also likely to be on the bench. Or Broughton
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
@Canes4life said in Highlanders 2025:
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
Massive loss at six, although off-set by Howden. The bigger loss is the juggling act we are doing at lock. Haig would have dropped into lock should one of Holland or Dunshea got injured. Now it is Stodart, and at a pinch Howden or Naeata. I wouldn't be surprised if Josh Tengblad has to play a lot earlier for the Landers than planned.
Howden can slot in there if need be, he jumped in there towards the end of a few games for the Canes and didn't go badly, you just lose a bit of height but gain more mobility.
And I think that is one of the likely solutions. At 50 or 60 minutes. A lock goes off. Withy goes to six. Lasaqa comes on and Howden goes to lock. Stodart also likely to be on the bench. Or Broughton
Yeah that would work well considering JJ usually likes to pay up tempo towards the back end of games anyway.
