Skip to content
  • Categories
Collapse

The Silver Fern

  • Tipping
  • Team Sheets
  • Highlights
  • Results
    • All Blacks

      Search every All Blacks Test. Filter results by year, opposition, location, venue, city and RWC stage

    • Super Rugby

      Search every Super Rugby since match 1996

    • NPC

      Search NPC results. Only first division matches from 1976-2005. All results from the 14 team competition (2006-present) are included

Highlanders 2025

Scheduled Pinned Locked Moved Sports Talk
highlanders
1.8k Posts 65 Posters 140.9k Views 5 Watching
  • Oldest to Newest
  • Newest to Oldest
  • Most Votes
Reply
  • Reply as topic
Log in to reply
This topic has been deleted. Only users with topic management privileges can see it.
  • KiwiwombleK Online
    KiwiwombleK Online
    Kiwiwomble
    wrote on last edited by
    #1252

    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

    1 Reply Last reply
    0
    • KiwiwombleK Kiwiwomble

      just read Hayden michaels and Faleafaga are both out for the rest of the season

      Landers92L Offline
      Landers92L Offline
      Landers92
      wrote on last edited by
      #1253

      @Kiwiwomble said in Highlanders 2025:

      just read Hayden michaels and Faleafaga are both out for the rest of the season

      https://www.instagram.com/p/DIahrIhAcAm/?igsh=cHcycWE5NDdkbnVr

      1 Reply Last reply
      1
      • SouthernMannS Offline
        SouthernMannS Offline
        SouthernMann
        wrote on last edited by
        #1254

        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?

        frugbyF 1 Reply Last reply
        1
        • SouthernMannS SouthernMann

          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?

          frugbyF Offline
          frugbyF Offline
          frugby
          wrote on last edited by
          #1255

          @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.

          SouthernMannS 1 Reply Last reply
          0
          • frugbyF frugby

            @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.

            SouthernMannS Offline
            SouthernMannS Offline
            SouthernMann
            wrote on last edited by
            #1256

            @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.

            frugbyF M Landers92L 3 Replies Last reply
            0
            • SouthernMannS SouthernMann

              @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.

              frugbyF Offline
              frugbyF Offline
              frugby
              wrote on last edited by
              #1257

              @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.

              SouthernMannS 1 Reply Last reply
              0
              • frugbyF frugby

                @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.

                SouthernMannS Offline
                SouthernMannS Offline
                SouthernMann
                wrote on last edited by
                #1258

                @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.

                1 Reply Last reply
                1
                • SouthernMannS SouthernMann

                  @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.

                  M Online
                  M Online
                  MacDazzler
                  wrote on last edited by
                  #1259

                  @SouthernMann What happened to Jack Leslie Otago 10/12, injured or left the region?

                  SouthernMannS 1 Reply Last reply
                  0
                  • M MacDazzler

                    @SouthernMann What happened to Jack Leslie Otago 10/12, injured or left the region?

                    SouthernMannS Offline
                    SouthernMannS Offline
                    SouthernMann
                    wrote on last edited by
                    #1260

                    @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

                    1 Reply Last reply
                    0
                    • SouthernMannS SouthernMann

                      @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.

                      Landers92L Offline
                      Landers92L Offline
                      Landers92
                      wrote on last edited by Landers92
                      #1261

                      @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.

                      frugbyF 1 Reply Last reply
                      0
                      • Landers92L Landers92

                        @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.

                        frugbyF Offline
                        frugbyF Offline
                        frugby
                        wrote on last edited by frugby
                        #1262

                        @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.

                        1 Reply Last reply
                        1
                        • K Offline
                          K Offline
                          KiwiInLondon
                          wrote on last edited by
                          #1263

                          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.

                          SouthernMannS 1 Reply Last reply
                          0
                          • K KiwiInLondon

                            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.

                            SouthernMannS Offline
                            SouthernMannS Offline
                            SouthernMann
                            wrote on last edited by
                            #1264

                            @KiwiInLondon said in Highlanders 2025:

                            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.

                            Comparing the pictures from 2021 to now. He does look bigger. He also needs to take responsibility around his playing style and ball security. He is the guy out there doing it.

                            1 Reply Last reply
                            1
                            • KiwiwombleK Online
                              KiwiwombleK Online
                              Kiwiwomble
                              wrote on last edited by
                              #1265

                              Yeah, I would be very surprised if Millar was only 85kg….

                              SouthernMannS 1 Reply Last reply
                              1
                              • KiwiwombleK Kiwiwomble

                                Yeah, I would be very surprised if Millar was only 85kg….

                                SouthernMannS Offline
                                SouthernMannS Offline
                                SouthernMann
                                wrote on last edited by
                                #1266

                                @Kiwiwomble said in Highlanders 2025:

                                Yeah, I would be very surprised if Millar was only 85kg….

                                Cam Millar is a bit of a protected species amongst some fans, I find.

                                While the kid's goal kicking is too notch, there is a lot to be desired around other parts of his game. At the moment there is very little between him and Robinson. Both players have strengths that the other player doesn't. But there are glaring weaknesses with both.

                                When Hurley has a shocker he gets slammed. When Millar doesn't play well people tend to find excuses as to why. Just seems like there is a weird protective dynamic with him. That other players aren't given.

                                GrooterG 1 Reply Last reply
                                1
                                • SouthernMannS SouthernMann

                                  @Kiwiwomble said in Highlanders 2025:

                                  Yeah, I would be very surprised if Millar was only 85kg….

                                  Cam Millar is a bit of a protected species amongst some fans, I find.

                                  While the kid's goal kicking is too notch, there is a lot to be desired around other parts of his game. At the moment there is very little between him and Robinson. Both players have strengths that the other player doesn't. But there are glaring weaknesses with both.

                                  When Hurley has a shocker he gets slammed. When Millar doesn't play well people tend to find excuses as to why. Just seems like there is a weird protective dynamic with him. That other players aren't given.

                                  GrooterG Do not disturb
                                  GrooterG Do not disturb
                                  Grooter
                                  wrote on last edited by
                                  #1267

                                  @SouthernMann some awkward moments for Cam upon return against the Drua yes, however quite often he has been motm for the landers last yr vs the Crusaders and Moana. was Otagos best several games last yr against Manawatu, Canterbury. Taine Robinson just doesn't have the same influence from what I have seen. Happy to be proven wrong

                                  SouthernMannS 1 Reply Last reply
                                  4
                                  • GrooterG Grooter

                                    @SouthernMann some awkward moments for Cam upon return against the Drua yes, however quite often he has been motm for the landers last yr vs the Crusaders and Moana. was Otagos best several games last yr against Manawatu, Canterbury. Taine Robinson just doesn't have the same influence from what I have seen. Happy to be proven wrong

                                    SouthernMannS Offline
                                    SouthernMannS Offline
                                    SouthernMann
                                    wrote on last edited by
                                    #1268

                                    @Grooter said in Highlanders 2025:

                                    @SouthernMann some awkward moments for Cam upon return against the Drua yes, however quite often he has been motm for the landers last yr vs the Crusaders and Moana. was Otagos best several games last yr against Manawatu, Canterbury. Taine Robinson just doesn't have the same influence from what I have seen. Happy to be proven wrong

                                    As mentioned. I think he is an ok player. He is our best choice for the foreseeable future. Probably seeing the trjacteory of Mika Muliaina, until he is ready in a good few seasons time. Millar is a limited player though. Kicks well. Passed well. Isn't overly quick. Not a great lateral mover. Not overly strong. Not a great defender If he is our guy for the next three to five seasons. We need to run a style that plays to his strengths. If we are to play a high tempo running game. We need to consider whether his style matches that strategy.

                                    It was more a comment on him being protected from criticism than having a go at his game. As I've said. I think he is the best choice out of a limited pool for the foreseeable future

                                    1 Reply Last reply
                                    0
                                    • frugbyF Offline
                                      frugbyF Offline
                                      frugby
                                      wrote on last edited by
                                      #1269

                                      I think some of Millar's weaknesses have been a little overstated. It is said he doesn't have a running game, but I also don't remember Taine Robinson making a single break this season. Millar showed vast improvements in the NPC, so I think it is a little odd he was totally done away with.

                                      This season might do him good in the long run, but I also think this is a little bit of a case of Jamie wanting to make a point, and then being overly stubborn.

                                      SouthernMannS 1 Reply Last reply
                                      1
                                      • frugbyF frugby

                                        I think some of Millar's weaknesses have been a little overstated. It is said he doesn't have a running game, but I also don't remember Taine Robinson making a single break this season. Millar showed vast improvements in the NPC, so I think it is a little odd he was totally done away with.

                                        This season might do him good in the long run, but I also think this is a little bit of a case of Jamie wanting to make a point, and then being overly stubborn.

                                        SouthernMannS Offline
                                        SouthernMannS Offline
                                        SouthernMann
                                        wrote on last edited by
                                        #1270

                                        @frugby said in Highlanders 2025:

                                        I think some of Millar's weaknesses have been a little overstated. It is said he doesn't have a running game, but I also don't remember Taine Robinson making a single break this season. Millar showed vast improvements in the NPC, so I think it is a little odd he was totally done away with.

                                        This season might do him good in the long run, but I also think this is a little bit of a case of Jamie wanting to make a point, and then being overly stubborn.

                                        I'm not arguing for Robinson. Just more saying that Millar is a protected player. For quite a few fans. He doesn't get the same level of scrutiny as other developing players.

                                        As I've mentioned, he is the best of a reasonably average group of 10s. But he is what we have. Let's work out how to have the team fit around him. May be not have him get isolated defensively on the wing. May be ensure he does have forward support in contact. Have a big bopper beside him as a get out of jail option if he needs it. Promote his skills and hide his limitations.

                                        1 Reply Last reply
                                        0
                                        • G Offline
                                          G Offline
                                          george33
                                          wrote on last edited by
                                          #1271

                                          Tangitau returning to the Blues, just might happen, contract details, have a side issue, but damn confident,

                                          SouthernMannS KiwiwombleK GrooterG 3 Replies Last reply
                                          0
                                          Reply
                                          • Reply as topic
                                          Log in to reply
                                          • Oldest to Newest
                                          • Newest to Oldest
                                          • Most Votes


                                          • Login

                                          • Don't have an account? Register

                                          • Search
                                          • First post
                                            Last post
                                          0
                                          • Categories
                                          • Search