Highlanders 2026
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I think this Jacomb scenario is quite unique in the fact that the All Blacks potentially stand to benefit from it in a really sizeable way in a key position where we have few options. Would never happen with a forward, as there is plenty of game time to go around - likewise a halfback. Maybe an outside back or a midfielder, but there is 2-3 of those on the field at all times.
A starting Super Rugby first five is the one and the only, and they generally play a minimum of 65 minutes before getting subbed in an important game - so in that sense it is quite hard to force your way past an established AB in that position.
I don't really see this exact scenario repeating itself, and in truth, plenty of guys have been released from their contracts to go elsewhere in the past couple of years. That is literally how the Chiefs got Brodie McAllister this season.
You can say it is poor form from the Highlanders, but I also think it is very rare that a team tries to keep a player against their wishes. Jacomb doesn't want to move to the Highlanders now because he wants to play for the Highlanders, it ultimately boils down to the fact that this is his best route into the All Blacks in 2026, and given Mo'unga is returning, can he afford to wait a year?
Displacing DMac from the Chiefs 10 jersey is virtually impossible. Feels like now or never if he wants to be an All Black - and it should be pointed out in this situation, that there is no guarantee he is good enough for the ABs, but I think effectively denying the guy a chance, given all the circumstances is equally deplorable from the Chiefs.
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@frugby although didnt Dmac start at 15 and Jacomb 10 in several games? Ideally does this force the Chiefs to.start Dmac at 10 week in week out?
If that is the case, both Dmac at 10 consistently and Jacomb starting for the Highlanders is best all round for NZ rugby.
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@taniwharugby said in Highlanders 2026:
didnt Dmac start at 15 and Jacomb 10
7 times this season in 17 games that he played.
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@taniwharugby Jacomb started the first four games of the season, and then 3 more.
His chances once the season got properly underway were limited - and part of that was because he didn't exactly take his chance.
Lost v Waratahs (Subbed at 49')
Win v Force
Loss v Hurricanes (35-17 with no DMac in the squad) -
Do we know if Tanielu Tele’a has resigned..?
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The other thing to consider for Highlanders supporters is that if Jacomb's agent gets his wish then maybe Fakatava's agent goes down the same path, if he isn't named in the AB XV squad next week. Why stay if you are so far down the pecking order and can earn more money overseas?
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@Bovidae said in Highlanders 2026:
The other thing to consider for Highlanders supporters is that if Jacomb's agent gets his wish then maybe Fakatava's agent goes down the same path, if he isn't named in the AB XV squad next week. Why stay if you are so far down the pecking order and can earn more money overseas?
Fair enough to Fakatava. No one would stand in his way. Unlikely to be a starting player. Has given his all, if he can get a good deal. Go get it lad.
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I like Fakatava, and think it would be a real shame if he left. He offers a point of difference to our other halfbacks, in that he is genuinely creative for others around the ruck - which I think suits how a lot of people want to see us play, more direct with forward runners - he makes half gaps and momentum for exactly those kind of runs. We've seen the difference Roigard has made, as the defence needs to cover him. Fakatava has that too, whereas a number of those in front of him do not. He's also probably the best 9 in the country at hitting a runner in a gap close to the line. For him to be as far down the pecking order as he is makes no sense to me at all.
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@reprobate said in Highlanders 2026:
I like Fakatava, and think it would be a real shame if he left. He offers a point of difference to our other halfbacks, in that he is genuinely creative for others around the ruck - which I think suits how a lot of people want to see us play, more direct with forward runners - he makes half gaps and momentum for exactly those kind of runs. We've seen the difference Roigard has made, as the defence needs to cover him. Fakatava has that too, whereas a number of those in front of him do not. He's also probably the best 9 in the country at hitting a runner in a gap close to the line. For him to be as far down the pecking order as he is makes no sense to me at all.
I agree with you about Fakatava but to me it makes total sense why he isn't selected. The coaches want to play a wide game and not have a player who drives and controls play close to the ruck. All of Fakatavas qualities are the opposite to how they want to play.
To me he is actually the halfback most similar to JGP and its no surprise that he found more success playing overseas because that suits their style.
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@brodean Yeah, I mean they're wrong about the game plan and Roigard running in close proved that - but I do get your point. That applies definitely for Ratima, maybe Hotham. Does it really apply for Preston, Christie, Roe? I wouldn't say any of them are really get the ball wide quick halfbacks.
It reminds me a bit of Lachlan Boshier. Best 7 in the country at the time but couldn't get a look in because the ABs didn't want a fetcher at 7. Now it seems we do, and he's gone. There's a danger in homogenising the way we play.
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I think its also because he also has a tendency to be a greedy little fluffybunny.
And the gaps we are talking about are fewer and far between at test match footy, so the issues he has with kicking from hand and directing play become more apparent.
That’s not to say with good coaching they couldn’t use his skills as a point of difference or that I wouldn’t select him ahead of Christie.
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@gt12 said in Highlanders 2026:
I think its also because he also has a tendency to be a greedy little fluffybunny.
And the gaps we are talking about are fewer and far between at test match footy, so the issues he has with kicking from hand and directing play become more apparent.
That’s not to say with good coaching they couldn’t use his skills as a point of difference or that I wouldn’t select him ahead of Christie.
Haven't seen a lot of that in the All Blacks recently.
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@gt12 said in Highlanders 2026:
I think its also because he also has a tendency to be a greedy little fluffybunny.
And the gaps we are talking about are fewer and far between at test match footy, so the issues he has with kicking from hand and directing play become more apparent.
That’s not to say with good coaching they couldn’t use his skills as a point of difference or that I wouldn’t select him ahead of Christie.
Historically yep - though I actually think the hungus has decreased quite a lot in the last couple of seasons, and has also been to some degree a function of playing in poor teams and trying to do too much himself.
Issues with kicking from hand and directing play are widespread in the halfbacks supposedly ahead of him too. -
@frugby Will Tucker would be a huge asset to the team if Dunshea heads offshore end of next season. Height, experience and locally commuter (plus the added benefit of really having come right as a player) make him someone I’d want to lock down.
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@frugby said in Highlanders 2026:
I see Will Tucker said he is returning to NZ in February. Hoping the Landers have him in the WTG.
The team he has signed for is in a lower league and finish a lot earlier than the higher leagues over in Japan. I guess that does leave his options open for Super
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An exciting aspect of this team is it will have players people want to come and watch.
Gone are the years where our stay players have been our loosehead prop, Billy Harmon, Sam Gilbert and Jona Nareki (who will still be a quality Super player).
Fans will be genuinely excited to turn up and watch guys like Pledger, Casey, Holland, Jacomb (hopefully), Jim, JRK, Hurley, Tangitau.
We have had some boring bloody teams in recent years. This won't be one. The core of the side will be around for years to come as well.
Reflecting on the Otago success. What is great, is most of our Landers are primarily depth guys. Out of the team that has had this brillant run. Only two are likely walk up starters in Nareki and Pledger.
The side is looking like it will play exciting and winning rugby. Hopefully.
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@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2026:
An exciting aspect of this team is it will have players people want to come and watch.
Gone are the years where our stay players have been our loosehead prop, Billy Harmon, Sam Gilbert and Jona Nareki (who will still be a quality Super player).
Fans will be genuinely excited to turn up and watch guys like Pledger, Casey, Holland, Jacomb (hopefully), Jim, JRK, Hurley, Tangitau.
We have had some boring bloody teams in recent years. This won't be one. The core of the side will be around for years to come as well.
Reflecting on the Otago success. What is great, is most of our Landers are primarily depth guys. Out of the team that has had this brillant run. Only two are likely walk up starters in Nareki and Pledger.
The side is looking like it will play exciting and winning rugby. Hopefully.
You will (again). Sometimes you gotta go backwards to go forward, and you guys are well on your way to becoming a top 4 side again towards the end of the decade.
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https://www.facebook.com/reel/689258384220692/?mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6v
This try here just confirms my feelings hurley as a super sub has the potential to be wonderful & well Broughton thinking it's touch rugby needless to say if we want a big Munter at 8 Stodart is the man & if we want a more Dynamic 8 Casey should be trialed he would probably pass with flying colors
