Highlanders 2026
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There are three major work ons with the on-field performances. Edge defence, ruck management and converting in the 22 when we make incursions.
It is a balance though. We also scored some of the best long-range broken play tries in the comp. We have some great young outside backs and they'll do some damage for us.
With the 22 management and attack. The big issue is the lack of attacking capability at 10. Pledger adds an attacking element. We are unlikely to see him as much as some fans may expect though. It is likely his game time will be carefully managed. Then there is 10, if Millar is our main 10, do we need to have a playmaking 12 beside him in Pasitoa. Pushing Jim out one to centre.
The ruck management, I feel should improve with some of the guys getting bigger and stronger.
Being caught short outwide if defence is a concern. Some of the tries especially scored by the Chiefs and Crusaders in the games they pumped us. Too often they would hold their structure go too wide and suddenly we'd have no one covering the outside 20m. This can't be repeated again next year.
The Wider Training Group will be confirmed at 2 PM.
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@SouthernMann Admittedly I haven't seen much of Pasitoa, but I'd stick with Jim at 12. Millar's lack of physical strength means he will benefit from a powerful bail-out option, and for a guy still finding his way at Super level an experienced level head and extremely consistent performer outside him is a big deal I reckon. The extra playmaking should come from 9, where you have 2 of the best in Fakatava and Pledger. If Kneepkens can come into first receiver a bit as an alternative option as well, I think that's a nice balance.
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WTG - all local except for Senita Lauaki.
No specialist first five cover. Muliaina will be on a NDC though and will likely spend time with the squad. Unless someone has nicked him.
Wingham
Lopas
Lolofie
Tengblad
Casey
Lauaki
Shearer
Grindlay
Harvey
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@handa457 said in Highlanders 2026:
Where was the wider training group announced? I can't see anything online. Also odd that' there's only nine players instead of Tweleve, and no Soucheon thought s few people were saying he would be part of the squad. Great to see Grindlay in there.
It will be announced at 2 PM.
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@SouthernMann thought that was the case. Assumed the early post meant they'd released early. Guess we'll know in a couple of minutes!
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@handa457 Souchon a journeymen, my uso A-One better to be in the environment yes he is still quite raw but at 21 has much time to learn and develop, potential is there, we've never really had a strong polynesian hooker that has succeeded long term so let's see if he can progress in time
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@handa457 said in Highlanders 2026:
@frugby reckon this might speak to a recruitment issue? Bit of a struggle to get players down south?
I think it is just a tactical decision to keep some spots clear.
We have got players willing to move to Dunedin. Just look at Jacomb (even though we will need to wait a year), Tito-Harris and Lavanini.
Of the wider training group. Only Wingham is from the south originally.
Muliaina wil be with the squad a fair bit. But, will also be in and out with Landers and NZ U20s.
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@jimmyb my guess is they want a young lock for the future. Hence the rumours on here that they chased Dylan Eti and Fiti Sa. If Dunshea and Lavinini both head overseas next year that leaves thin depth behind Holland. It’s handy having Crib and Tengblad studying under those two for a season before they’re gone.
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My only issue with Cribb is that we already had several guys who cover 6/lock. Are in that 1.94 - 1.97 range. It seems like Joseph enjoy recruiting players that remind him of himself in his playing days.
Howden, Stodart, Haig and Cribb. Short locks. Tall loosies.
We just don't need all four.
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I suspect it may have been a case of ‘we’d love someone in the 1.97 - 2:04 range but also need someone who’s young, ready to move south and up to super rugby level (or will be soon enough) and he ticked more boxes than anyone else. So I can sympathise with the decision even if I agree I’d have preferred a talker lock.
My bigger concern is that we might try and rush Frizzell back into the mix next year and loose someone like Haig or Stodart because of it.
For me the bigger question isn’t recruiting a 21 year old lock (that feels like the best future proofing we can achieve):
