Highlanders 2025
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@frugby said in Highlanders 2025:
@Landers92 Wonder how many years he has to run in Japan? Still only 30, he could be a good pickup.
The sad thing is if you aren't an All Black and you are in and around 30. NZ rugby isn't for you. Our game is for young blokes and All Blacks (and DLB).
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
@frugby said in Highlanders 2025:
@Landers92 Wonder how many years he has to run in Japan? Still only 30, he could be a good pickup.
The sad thing is if you aren't an All Black and you are in and around 30. NZ rugby isn't for you. Our game is for young blokes and All Blacks (and DLB).
Really depends what motivates a guy I suppose. Some do stay/come back, but as you say that is rare.
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@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
@frugby said in Highlanders 2025:
@Landers92 Wonder how many years he has to run in Japan? Still only 30, he could be a good pickup.
The sad thing is if you aren't an All Black and you are in and around 30. NZ rugby isn't for you. Our game is for young blokes and All Blacks (and DLB).
Really depends what motivates a guy I suppose. Some do stay/come back, but as you say that is rare.
@frugby said in Highlanders 2025:
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
@frugby said in Highlanders 2025:
@Landers92 Wonder how many years he has to run in Japan? Still only 30, he could be a good pickup.
The sad thing is if you aren't an All Black and you are in and around 30. NZ rugby isn't for you. Our game is for young blokes and All Blacks (and DLB).
Really depends what motivates a guy I suppose. Some do stay/come back, but as you say that is rare.
Plan for the rule not the exception. It is why there is risks around recruiting guys in their late 20s wanting a final push for higher honours. You get a few good years out of them, but can't build a team around them.
For most players, 'rugby' is going to be the most they will ever they will ever earn. They need to maximise. Even with the best intentions money makes the world go around.
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@frugby said in Highlanders 2025:
@Landers92 Wonder how many years he has to run in Japan? Still only 30, he could be a good pickup.
The sad thing is if you aren't an All Black and you are in and around 30. NZ rugby isn't for you. Our game is for young blokes and All Blacks (and DLB).
@SouthernMann I know someone who is well versed on Japanese clubs and he explained a guy like Fakatava (2) ABs caps or Jona Nareki NZ 7s are unlikely to be sought after as often as they're in the same tier Limit as internationals Smith, TJP, Kolbe, Cane etc. It's why Hansen is keen the Josh Dicksons, Joey Manu, Tom Robinsons, Blair Ryalls.
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@SouthernMann I know someone who is well versed on Japanese clubs and he explained a guy like Fakatava (2) ABs caps or Jona Nareki NZ 7s are unlikely to be sought after as often as they're in the same tier Limit as internationals Smith, TJP, Kolbe, Cane etc. It's why Hansen is keen the Josh Dicksons, Joey Manu, Tom Robinsons, Blair Ryalls.
@Grooter said in Highlanders 2025:
@SouthernMann I know someone who is well versed on Japanese clubs and he explained a guy like Fakatava (2) ABs caps or Jona Nareki NZ 7s are unlikely to be sought after as often as they're in the same tier Limit as internationals Smith, TJP, Kolbe, Cane etc. It's why Hansen is keen the Josh Dicksons, Joey Manu, Tom Robinsons, Blair Ryalls.
Yeah. Three categories. Category A, B and C. Category B players are non capped players who could be eligible players. C players are the likes of Smith and Kolbe. If clubs plan well category B players eventually become category A players.
Guys like Fakatava are more likely to go to Europe. Seems they are more open to having capped guys.
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@SouthernMann I know someone who is well versed on Japanese clubs and he explained a guy like Fakatava (2) ABs caps or Jona Nareki NZ 7s are unlikely to be sought after as often as they're in the same tier Limit as internationals Smith, TJP, Kolbe, Cane etc. It's why Hansen is keen the Josh Dicksons, Joey Manu, Tom Robinsons, Blair Ryalls.
@Grooter said in Highlanders 2025:
@SouthernMann I know someone who is well versed on Japanese clubs and he explained a guy like Fakatava (2) ABs caps or Jona Nareki NZ 7s are unlikely to be sought after as often as they're in the same tier Limit as internationals Smith, TJP, Kolbe, Cane etc. It's why Hansen is keen the Josh Dicksons, Joey Manu, Tom Robinsons, Blair Ryalls.
It's why Mitch Drummond hasn't been a target in Japan either, due to playing 20 mins for the ABs in 2018, so it's not worth investing in him, a big reason why he has stayed put (told to me by someone very close to him)
Crusaders player, I know, but same sort of example.
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@frugby said in Highlanders 2025:
@Landers92 Wonder how many years he has to run in Japan? Still only 30, he could be a good pickup.
The sad thing is if you aren't an All Black and you are in and around 30. NZ rugby isn't for you. Our game is for young blokes and All Blacks (and DLB).
@SouthernMann I’ve got a mate who’s a former Highlander who I spoke to about Dickson a few months back. The general gist was that the Japan deal had come from left field and it was only the death of his brother which motivated him to take it.
I certainly got the vibe that he only took the deal initially because he wanted to get out of Dunedin because of how hard his brothers loss had hit him. But equally that family commitments meant it wouldn’t be a long time he’d be away.
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just read Hayden michaels and Faleafaga are both out for the rest of the season
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just read Hayden michaels and Faleafaga are both out for the rest of the season
@Kiwiwomble not huge losses given limited game time both are getting. Given we’re unsure if Michael’s will even be back next season this could be curtains on his super rugby career.
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not a huge loss to the first string but season ending injuries mean we just dont have the bodies to give our first string a chop out with bringing in new people...but then theyre often not up too it
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just read Hayden michaels and Faleafaga are both out for the rest of the season
@Kiwiwomble said in Highlanders 2025:
just read Hayden michaels and Faleafaga are both out for the rest of the season
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Whether they are regulars or not. The squad is quite thin at the moment. If Broughton and Howden are still out. We are in a real tight spot with loose forwards. With only four fit guys available, if Stodart is primarily seen as a lock.
Not sure who can br brought in as 10 cover. Gilbert may need to reprise that role. Seemed like he came on for Millar at the weekend?
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Whether they are regulars or not. The squad is quite thin at the moment. If Broughton and Howden are still out. We are in a real tight spot with loose forwards. With only four fit guys available, if Stodart is primarily seen as a lock.
Not sure who can br brought in as 10 cover. Gilbert may need to reprise that role. Seemed like he came on for Millar at the weekend?
@SouthernMann In theory if none of those who were out are back, then the loosies/locks who were in the 23 are the only ones left fit.
I’m expecting Dunshea, Tangitau & Vikena to be back, but Howden looked pretty ginger on Saturday.
Considering there is only six games left, I doubt they replace Faleafaga unless we get another injury… we may need loose forward cover this week though.
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@SouthernMann In theory if none of those who were out are back, then the loosies/locks who were in the 23 are the only ones left fit.
I’m expecting Dunshea, Tangitau & Vikena to be back, but Howden looked pretty ginger on Saturday.
Considering there is only six games left, I doubt they replace Faleafaga unless we get another injury… we may need loose forward cover this week though.
@frugby said in Highlanders 2025:
@SouthernMann In theory if none of those who were out are back, then the loosies/locks who were in the 23 are the only ones left fit.
I’m expecting Dunshea, Tangitau & Vikena to be back, but Howden looked pretty ginger on Saturday.
Considering there is only six games left, I doubt they replace Faleafaga unless we get another injury… we may need loose forward cover this week though.
Be interesting to know the extend of Broughton's injury and when it occurred. Must have been fairly limiting if the choice was him or a bloke who played club footy in the afternoon, and they chose the lad who played club footy.
Dunshea comes back and Stodart drops to the bench. That adds to some cover at 6/8.
Hopefully Vikena in for a straight swap for Bell. Same for Tangitau.
Can't imagine there are too many viable replacements for Ajay running around. Probably the best option is the 10 for Harbour in Dunedin Club who has moved down from Wellington. Rique Miln. Some decent wraps on the kid.
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@frugby said in Highlanders 2025:
@SouthernMann In theory if none of those who were out are back, then the loosies/locks who were in the 23 are the only ones left fit.
I’m expecting Dunshea, Tangitau & Vikena to be back, but Howden looked pretty ginger on Saturday.
Considering there is only six games left, I doubt they replace Faleafaga unless we get another injury… we may need loose forward cover this week though.
Be interesting to know the extend of Broughton's injury and when it occurred. Must have been fairly limiting if the choice was him or a bloke who played club footy in the afternoon, and they chose the lad who played club footy.
Dunshea comes back and Stodart drops to the bench. That adds to some cover at 6/8.
Hopefully Vikena in for a straight swap for Bell. Same for Tangitau.
Can't imagine there are too many viable replacements for Ajay running around. Probably the best option is the 10 for Harbour in Dunedin Club who has moved down from Wellington. Rique Miln. Some decent wraps on the kid.
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
@frugby said in Highlanders 2025:
@SouthernMann In theory if none of those who were out are back, then the loosies/locks who were in the 23 are the only ones left fit.
I’m expecting Dunshea, Tangitau & Vikena to be back, but Howden looked pretty ginger on Saturday.
Considering there is only six games left, I doubt they replace Faleafaga unless we get another injury… we may need loose forward cover this week though.
Be interesting to know the extend of Broughton's injury and when it occurred. Must have been fairly limiting if the choice was him or a bloke who played club footy in the afternoon, and they chose the lad who played club footy.
Broughton went down in the warmup right in front of me… looked in agony and could hardly walk… was tough to see but looked a muscle injury so doubt you’ll see him before the bye.
Dunshea comes back and Stodart drops to the bench. That adds to some cover at 6/8.
I’d be tempted to have Dunshea finish the game… Cribb drops out regardless.
Hopefully Vikena in for a straight swap for Bell. Same for Tangitau.
Would imagine so. Think they were really just resting niggles
Can't imagine there are too many viable replacements for Ajay running around. Probably the best option is the 10 for Harbour in Dunedin Club who has moved down from Wellington. Rique Miln. Some decent wraps on the kid.
If we really got another injury they’d probably look for someone like Koller or Harford, but seems unlikely.
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@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
@frugby said in Highlanders 2025:
@SouthernMann In theory if none of those who were out are back, then the loosies/locks who were in the 23 are the only ones left fit.
I’m expecting Dunshea, Tangitau & Vikena to be back, but Howden looked pretty ginger on Saturday.
Considering there is only six games left, I doubt they replace Faleafaga unless we get another injury… we may need loose forward cover this week though.
Be interesting to know the extend of Broughton's injury and when it occurred. Must have been fairly limiting if the choice was him or a bloke who played club footy in the afternoon, and they chose the lad who played club footy.
Broughton went down in the warmup right in front of me… looked in agony and could hardly walk… was tough to see but looked a muscle injury so doubt you’ll see him before the bye.
Dunshea comes back and Stodart drops to the bench. That adds to some cover at 6/8.
I’d be tempted to have Dunshea finish the game… Cribb drops out regardless.
Hopefully Vikena in for a straight swap for Bell. Same for Tangitau.
Would imagine so. Think they were really just resting niggles
Can't imagine there are too many viable replacements for Ajay running around. Probably the best option is the 10 for Harbour in Dunedin Club who has moved down from Wellington. Rique Miln. Some decent wraps on the kid.
If we really got another injury they’d probably look for someone like Koller or Harford, but seems unlikely.
@frugby said in Highlanders 2025:
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
@frugby said in Highlanders 2025:
@SouthernMann In theory if none of those who were out are back, then the loosies/locks who were in the 23 are the only ones left fit.
I’m expecting Dunshea, Tangitau & Vikena to be back, but Howden looked pretty ginger on Saturday.
Considering there is only six games left, I doubt they replace Faleafaga unless we get another injury… we may need loose forward cover this week though.
Be interesting to know the extend of Broughton's injury and when it occurred. Must have been fairly limiting if the choice was him or a bloke who played club footy in the afternoon, and they chose the lad who played club footy.
Broughton went down in the warmup right in front of me… looked in agony and could hardly walk… was tough to see but looked a muscle injury so doubt you’ll see him before the bye.
Dunshea comes back and Stodart drops to the bench. That adds to some cover at 6/8.
I’d be tempted to have Dunshea finish the game… Cribb drops out regardless.
Hopefully Vikena in for a straight swap for Bell. Same for Tangitau.
Would imagine so. Think they were really just resting niggles
Can't imagine there are too many viable replacements for Ajay running around. Probably the best option is the 10 for Harbour in Dunedin Club who has moved down from Wellington. Rique Miln. Some decent wraps on the kid.
If we really got another injury they’d probably look for someone like Koller or Harford, but seems unlikely.
With the 10s. It is all hypothetical. But Miln has been a part of the Bravehearts. I think they will probably bring him in for a look. Not to play. But to have a look.
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@frugby said in Highlanders 2025:
@SouthernMann In theory if none of those who were out are back, then the loosies/locks who were in the 23 are the only ones left fit.
I’m expecting Dunshea, Tangitau & Vikena to be back, but Howden looked pretty ginger on Saturday.
Considering there is only six games left, I doubt they replace Faleafaga unless we get another injury… we may need loose forward cover this week though.
Be interesting to know the extend of Broughton's injury and when it occurred. Must have been fairly limiting if the choice was him or a bloke who played club footy in the afternoon, and they chose the lad who played club footy.
Dunshea comes back and Stodart drops to the bench. That adds to some cover at 6/8.
Hopefully Vikena in for a straight swap for Bell. Same for Tangitau.
Can't imagine there are too many viable replacements for Ajay running around. Probably the best option is the 10 for Harbour in Dunedin Club who has moved down from Wellington. Rique Miln. Some decent wraps on the kid.
@SouthernMann What happened to Jack Leslie Otago 10/12, injured or left the region?
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@SouthernMann What happened to Jack Leslie Otago 10/12, injured or left the region?
@MacDazzler said in Highlanders 2025:
@SouthernMann What happened to Jack Leslie Otago 10/12, injured or left the region?
Still around I believe. Been injured a lot. Hasn't been listed for Southern this year.
Good indication the right players are standing out in one of the Dunedin Club form sides from the weekend.
Form backline was Hastie, Robinson, Cockburn (Taieri winger), Te Hiwi, J Whaanga, Rangitutia and Manson.
https://www.facebook.com/100039805975828/posts/1436918754311643/?mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6v
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@frugby said in Highlanders 2025:
@SouthernMann In theory if none of those who were out are back, then the loosies/locks who were in the 23 are the only ones left fit.
I’m expecting Dunshea, Tangitau & Vikena to be back, but Howden looked pretty ginger on Saturday.
Considering there is only six games left, I doubt they replace Faleafaga unless we get another injury… we may need loose forward cover this week though.
Be interesting to know the extend of Broughton's injury and when it occurred. Must have been fairly limiting if the choice was him or a bloke who played club footy in the afternoon, and they chose the lad who played club footy.
Dunshea comes back and Stodart drops to the bench. That adds to some cover at 6/8.
Hopefully Vikena in for a straight swap for Bell. Same for Tangitau.
Can't imagine there are too many viable replacements for Ajay running around. Probably the best option is the 10 for Harbour in Dunedin Club who has moved down from Wellington. Rique Miln. Some decent wraps on the kid.
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
@frugby said in Highlanders 2025:
@SouthernMann In theory if none of those who were out are back, then the loosies/locks who were in the 23 are the only ones left fit.
I’m expecting Dunshea, Tangitau & Vikena to be back, but Howden looked pretty ginger on Saturday.
Considering there is only six games left, I doubt they replace Faleafaga unless we get another injury… we may need loose forward cover this week though.
Be interesting to know the extend of Broughton's injury and when it occurred. Must have been fairly limiting if the choice was him or a bloke who played club footy in the afternoon, and they chose the lad who played club footy.
Dunshea comes back and Stodart drops to the bench. That adds to some cover at 6/8.
Hopefully Vikena in for a straight swap for Bell. Same for Tangitau.
Can't imagine there are too many viable replacements for Ajay running around. Probably the best option is the 10 for Harbour in Dunedin Club who has moved down from Wellington. Rique Miln. Some decent wraps on the kid.
Broughtons injury happened against the Reds. It’s a rib injury. Unsure of what it is exactly but if it’s a rib cartilage injury then they are pretty debilitating and there’s nothing he can do but rest, would have known in the warm ups if we was ready or not. Hopefully the injury @frugby is talking about in pre game isn’t something else.
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@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
@frugby said in Highlanders 2025:
@SouthernMann In theory if none of those who were out are back, then the loosies/locks who were in the 23 are the only ones left fit.
I’m expecting Dunshea, Tangitau & Vikena to be back, but Howden looked pretty ginger on Saturday.
Considering there is only six games left, I doubt they replace Faleafaga unless we get another injury… we may need loose forward cover this week though.
Be interesting to know the extend of Broughton's injury and when it occurred. Must have been fairly limiting if the choice was him or a bloke who played club footy in the afternoon, and they chose the lad who played club footy.
Dunshea comes back and Stodart drops to the bench. That adds to some cover at 6/8.
Hopefully Vikena in for a straight swap for Bell. Same for Tangitau.
Can't imagine there are too many viable replacements for Ajay running around. Probably the best option is the 10 for Harbour in Dunedin Club who has moved down from Wellington. Rique Miln. Some decent wraps on the kid.
Broughtons injury happened against the Reds. It’s a rib injury. Unsure of what it is exactly but if it’s a rib cartilage injury then they are pretty debilitating and there’s nothing he can do but rest, would have known in the warm ups if we was ready or not. Hopefully the injury @frugby is talking about in pre game isn’t something else.
@Landers92 said in Highlanders 2025:
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
@frugby said in Highlanders 2025:
@SouthernMann In theory if none of those who were out are back, then the loosies/locks who were in the 23 are the only ones left fit.
I’m expecting Dunshea, Tangitau & Vikena to be back, but Howden looked pretty ginger on Saturday.
Considering there is only six games left, I doubt they replace Faleafaga unless we get another injury… we may need loose forward cover this week though.
Be interesting to know the extend of Broughton's injury and when it occurred. Must have been fairly limiting if the choice was him or a bloke who played club footy in the afternoon, and they chose the lad who played club footy.
Dunshea comes back and Stodart drops to the bench. That adds to some cover at 6/8.
Hopefully Vikena in for a straight swap for Bell. Same for Tangitau.
Can't imagine there are too many viable replacements for Ajay running around. Probably the best option is the 10 for Harbour in Dunedin Club who has moved down from Wellington. Rique Miln. Some decent wraps on the kid.
Broughtons injury happened against the Reds. It’s a rib injury. Unsure of what it is exactly but if it’s a rib cartilage injury then they are pretty debilitating and there’s nothing he can do but rest, would have known in the warm ups if we was ready or not. Hopefully the injury @frugby is talking about in pre game isn’t something else.
Looked like something different to me… would be a strange reaction to a rib injury to be clutching at your leg in pain.
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Re. Millar and the struggles with the physicality. Website has him at 185cm and 85kgs. That’s borderline underweight for an athlete of 6 foot. It’s seems very strange to me that no one in the strength and conditioning team since 2021 (NPC debut) has worked with him to put on 4-5kgs of muscle. It would make the world of difference. At that age, weight, and height, physiologically that is incredibly easy.
