Highlanders v Chiefs

[Grooter]

@SouthernMann will be a tough ask for us but if we somehow upset the Chiefs this weekend Mitch Dunshea should replace Brad Thorn in that 30 years fan XV

[Bovidae]

What do I know!

️ Emoni Narawa plays his 50th off the bench
️ Leroy Carter returns to the starting left wing
️ Simon Parker to make his return in the 20 jersey
️ Ratima unavailable due to the approaching birth of his second child

PLAYERS UNAVAILABLE DUE TO INJURY
Samipeni Finau – Concussion Protocol – Expected return Rnd 3
Wallace Sititi – Hamstring – Expected return Rnd 3
Jayden Sa – Shoulder – Expected return Rnd 3
Brodie McAlister – Hand – Expected return Rnd 5
Isaac Hutchinson – Knee – Expected return Rnd 8

[Kiwiwomble]

@SouthernMann said in Highlanders v Chiefs:

Sadly with the loss of Angus Ta’avao's son, he is not be available.

Team list

HIGHLANDERS V CHIEFS – 7:05PM, SATURDAY 21ST FEBRUARY, FORSYTH BARR STADIUM
STARTING XV

Ethan de Groot

Jack Taylor

Rohan Wingham

Oliver Haig

Mitch Dunshea

Te Kamaka Howden

Sean Withy (VC)

Lucas Casey

Folau Fakatava

Cameron Millar

Jona Nareki (50th Highlanders Game)

Timoci Tavatavanawai (C)

Jonah Lowe

Caleb TangitauJacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens

IMPACT
16. Henry Bell, 17. Josh Bartlett, 18. Sosefo Kautai, 19. Will Stodart, 20. Veveni Lasaqa, 21. Adam Lennox, 22. Reesjan Pasitoa, 23. Tanielu Tele’a

thats wild its only nareki's 50th , feels like hes been around forever

I like pictures

[frugby]

Whilst obviously far from weak, the lack of Finau and Ratima fills me with some belief.

Parker obviously good, but not as elusive.

[SouthernMann]

Cam Millar will be stoked Finau isn't playing

[frugby]

In many ways the Millar v Jacomb battle might have already been decided upon internally, but I think it would be hilarious if Millar outplayed Jacomb and the Highlanders win.

I really think people underestimate the value of Millar’s goal kicking.

[Kiwiwomble]

@frugby agreed, i really like Millar with the right gameplan

[SouthernMann]

@frugby said in Highlanders v Chiefs:

In many ways the Millar v Jacomb battle might have already been decided upon internally, but I think it would be hilarious if Millar outplayed Jacomb and the Highlanders win.

I really think people underestimate the value of Millar’s goal kicking.

It is the matchup of the night.

The local fan favourite v the guy who has been signed to take his jersey.

Media can even ask Jacomb if he regrets signing for the Highlanders like Gibbes hopes he does.

[Bones]

@frugby said in Highlanders v Chiefs:

I really think people underestimate the value of Millar’s goal kicking.

Maybe if he didn't miss what should be nailed on conversions he would be estimated.

[Kiwiwomble]

he kicked at 90% for the NPC and nailed the winner, yeah he missed a sitter, everyone has and no ones perfect but his kicking is definitely more of a strength than a weakness

[SouthernMann]

@Kiwiwomble said in Highlanders v Chiefs:

he kicked at 90% for the NPC and nailed the winner, yeah he missed a sitter, everyone has and no ones perfect but his kicking is definitely more of a strength than a weakness

The goal kicking isn't the problem.

It was the absolute sigh when he decided to kick one straight down Will Jordan's throat in the 22.

[SouthernMann]

JJs presser

Playing with a straight bat on the All Blacks.

Big old Ross the cameraman from TVNZ had some read through questions from Andrew Sav

Was asked about the Bravehearts. Said we had a very experienced pack and a light backline. Gave a shout out to Mika as an 18 year old running the backline.

Limiting excitment about the one result so far.

[Bones]

@Kiwiwomble said in Highlanders v Chiefs:

he kicked at 90% for the NPC and nailed the winner, yeah he missed a sitter, everyone has and no ones perfect but his kicking is definitely more of a strength than a weakness

Let's not overestimate his goal kicking when he misses a sitter.

[Kiwiwomble]

@Bones its not an overestimation when its backed by stats, 90% over a season is elite in general, but even very good people stuff the odd sitter

[Grooter]

@SouthernMann said in Highlanders v Chiefs:

JJs presser

Playing with a straight bat on the All Blacks.

Big old Ross the cameraman from TVNZ had some read through questions from Andrew Sav

Was asked about the Bravehearts. Said we had a very experienced pack and a light backline. Gave a shout out to Mika as an 18 year old running the backline.

Limiting excitment about the one result so far.

Had a mate go to last weeks Bravehearts game in Timaru, he said he was impressed with Muliaina, couldn't believe he was still only a teenager

[Bones]

@Kiwiwomble said in Highlanders v Chiefs:

@Bones its not an overestimation when its backed by stats, 90% over a season is elite in general, but even very good people stuff the odd sitter

The point is, it's not underestimated. That's a silly thing to say,. Everyone knows he can kick goals, but if he's going to miss sitters, well then his ability is overestimated - he's not going to get many match winners to make up for it.

[frugby]

This post is deleted!

[nostrildamus]

@SouthernMann said in Highlanders v Chiefs:

Limiting excitment about the one result so far.

He seems a bit more jittery than normal (at the start at least?)

[jimmyb]

Shocked Tele’a is still in the team but suppose there’s no real options.

Chiefs scrum shouldn’t pose the same issues the crusaders did. Hopefully the lineup is sorted out and I genuinely think the Highlanders are competitive if the backline defence holds itself together

[Mr Fish]

@jimmyb said in Highlanders v Chiefs:

Shocked Tele’a is still in the team but suppose there’s no real options.

Chiefs scrum shouldn’t pose the same issues the crusaders did. Hopefully the lineup is sorted out and I genuinely think the Highlanders are competitive if the backline defence holds itself together

Wouldn't be so sure on that one.