Highlanders 2026

[Kiwiwomble]

theyre saying 12 months so a blow to Otago too

[frugby]

Every cloud a silver lining.

After years and years of bad luck, it feels like the stars might just be aligning for Folau Fakatava - who is an extremely good halfback in his own right.

[handa457]

@frugby I did wonder how things would play out if Fakatava and Pledger both had the season of their lives who they’d handle that. There’s every possibility Fakatava takes the third halfback slot in the All Blacks with a decent season.

[jimmylazza]

Told ya gasket was blown

[Yeetyaah]

@jimmylazza and we asked to specify what that actually meant and you said nothing

[Kiwiwomble]

i feel a blown gasket is more of a heart or lung issue....this is more like a broken axle

[1kiwi]

Devastating for the young man. Was looking forward to seeing him play Super this year. All the best to him for his recovery. Gutted for you Highlanders fans.

[WoodysRFC]

Curious to see which nine will be added to that WTG squad.

[Bovidae]

@WoodysRFC said in Highlanders 2026:

Curious to see which nine will be added to that WTG squad.

Have the Highlanders had extra players training given they only had 9 in their WTG?

[Landers92]

Super shit news about Pledge, brutal. Hope this doesn’t impact his game at all. Get that recovery right and a full off season in the gym adding a bit of size is about the only positive you can take out of it.

I don’t want to pile on the bad news here but Finn Hurley is/has been in a moon boot. Unsure the severity at the moment, here’s hoping not a major.

[Yeetyaah]

@Landers92 said in Highlanders 2026:

Finn Hurley is/has been in a moon boot

https://www.odt.co.nz/sport/rugby/another-injury-hits-highlanders-follow-pledger-blow

"Another pocket rocket, fullback Finn Hurley, is out for six to eight weeks with a foot injury."

[SouthernMann]

Well that takes Hutley out u til about round 3/4.

Good opportunity for Solomon/Tito-Harris to grt some runs on the board early on.

[Crazy Horse]

@Landers92 said in Highlanders 2026:

Super shit news about Pledge, brutal. Hope this doesn’t impact his game at all.

I think his game is strong enough to come back from this. By that I mean his strengths are not limited to relying on speed and agility. He seems to have a very high rugby IQ so, if he really wants to, I am confident he will find a away to excel if does lose a bit physically.

[Grooter]

@SouthernMann it's all bit sad really was looking forward to to a bench with some spark to it Pledger/Fakatava 21, Hurley 22. I'd almost now suggest really wanting Lucas casey to be in the reserves from day 1 somehow? the guy is worth 7 points on the scoreboard

[Yeetyaah]

Y'all think this drops the Landers down maybe one or two spots on the ladder?

[SouthernMann]

@Yeetyaah said in Highlanders 2026:

Y'all think this drops the Landers down maybe one or two spots on the ladder?

Yip. Certainly does.

Moves from pushing top six to seven - 10 (seven me being quite hopeful).

Fakatava is still a very good halfback. Just the pressure Pledger took off Millar was immense. Not sure Fakatava's style is suited to that.