Highlanders 2023
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I'm interested to know which positions have been filled over the last couple of months. Have heard Leni Apisai as the third hooker. Which is pushing Henry Bell to MLR.
We know about Jonah Lowe.
The forwards are generally fine; locks are good, same with props, starting loosies very good, lack a bit of depth. Big problem is hooker. Our stock seems a bit rubbish. Although, Marshall has been good for Waikato.
First five is a big problem. Hunt hasn't played footy in months due to concussion. That leaves Banks and Koroi as our contracted first fives. Cam Millar doesn't start his contract until 2024. Sam Gilbert may find himself playing a bit of footy in the 10 jersey.
Midfield may be interesting. Thomas Umaga-Jensen and Josh Timu are locks. The tractor Scott Gregory should get in there too, on the basis of no one else being around. Tomkinson goooone, Punivai and Paea probably not coming back. Probably two spots available in the midfield rotation.
Outside backs might be interesting. CGB, Gilbert, Lowe and Nareki will be there. Will Dawai be back? Alaimalo is long goone. He will need a replacement. Will Koroi be classified as a 10?
Annnnd, the big question; Will the Highlanders be beggers not choosers and have to draft in Jackson Garden-Bachop?
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2023:
We know about Jonah Lowe
I don't know what we know. What do we know?
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@friedrugby said in Highlanders 2023:
Selby-Rickit off to the Chiefs I hear. Tucker to replace him.
Will be interesting to see if he gets gametime for the Chiefs. Will be tough to see him punching past their three ABs. On the otherside I doubt the Landers will be too cut up about losing him. The top three locks are quite handy and probably sitting ahead of Selby-Rickett now.
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@friedrugby said in Highlanders 2023:
Selby-Rickit off to the Chiefs I hear. Tucker to replace him.
That’s a surprise the Chiefs must be letting a lock go as they had
Retallick
Lord
Vai
Ahkoui
McWannell -
@friedrugby said in Highlanders 2023:
Selby-Rickit off to the Chiefs I hear. Tucker to replace him.
Will be interesting to see if he gets gametime for the Chiefs. Will be tough to see him punching past their three ABs. On the otherside I doubt the Landers will be too cut up about losing him. The top three locks are quite handy and probably sitting ahead of Selby-Rickett now.
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@Chris Don't forget Lord is probably out injured most of the season, and Ah Kuoi and Va'ai might both be more suited to playing 6.
@friedrugby said in Highlanders 2023:
@Chris Don't forget Lord is probably out injured most of the season, and Ah Kuoi and Va'ai might both be more suited to playing 6.
Is not Lord back for start of SR.Yep I can see AH Kuoi being used at 6 with Bay Of Plenty using him there for NPC.
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@friedrugby said in Highlanders 2023:
@Chris Don't forget Lord is probably out injured most of the season, and Ah Kuoi and Va'ai might both be more suited to playing 6.
Is not Lord back for start of SR.Yep I can see AH Kuoi being used at 6 with Bay Of Plenty using him there for NPC.
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@SouthernMann Don't think the coaches were ever that fond of MSR... as we know, a bit of a special record off the field.
@friedrugby said in Highlanders 2023:
@SouthernMann Don't think the coaches were ever that fond of MSR... as we know, a bit of a special record off the field.
From a Highlanders perspevtive. You have Dickson who has been in the All Black set up. Then Holland is just an absolute sponge and keeps on improving everytime he steps on the field. We know what PPP can do when he is on. Max Hicks is also a solid bench option. So not phased by MSR going.
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@friedrugby said in Highlanders 2023:
@SouthernMann Don't think the coaches were ever that fond of MSR... as we know, a bit of a special record off the field.
From a Highlanders perspevtive. You have Dickson who has been in the All Black set up. Then Holland is just an absolute sponge and keeps on improving everytime he steps on the field. We know what PPP can do when he is on. Max Hicks is also a solid bench option. So not phased by MSR going.
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@SouthernMann I think an MSR/Dickson combo is excellent. A bit of a "lite" version of Retallick/Whitelock.
@Bones said in Highlanders 2023:
@SouthernMann I think an MSR/Dickson combo is excellent. A bit of a "lite" version of Retallick/Whitelock.
Skill wise Holland blows them both out of the water. Dickson is the mongrel, Holland just can do everything. The guy is young though. Only in his second year out of school. There is no way he can or should play every week. Plenty of rotation between him, PPP and Dickson is in order. Think Max Hicks can add a fair bit coming on late too. Really like the idea of him, Withy, Fakatava, Ma'u and hopefully Pole bringing aome heat off the bench.
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@Bones said in Highlanders 2023:
@SouthernMann I think an MSR/Dickson combo is excellent. A bit of a "lite" version of Retallick/Whitelock.
Skill wise Holland blows them both out of the water. Dickson is the mongrel, Holland just can do everything. The guy is young though. Only in his second year out of school. There is no way he can or should play every week. Plenty of rotation between him, PPP and Dickson is in order. Think Max Hicks can add a fair bit coming on late too. Really like the idea of him, Withy, Fakatava, Ma'u and hopefully Pole bringing aome heat off the bench.
@SouthernMann I just remember MSR making a brief comeback and showing really well around the park.
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@Chris Don't forget Lord is probably out injured most of the season, and Ah Kuoi and Va'ai might both be more suited to playing 6.
@friedrugby said in Highlanders 2023:
@Chris Don't forget Lord is probably out injured most of the season, and Ah Kuoi and Va'ai might both be more suited to playing 6.
If true, MSR could take Brown's spot with Ah Kuoi becoming a 6. I honestly wouldn't be too bothered if PGS left.
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@friedrugby said in Highlanders 2023:
Selby-Rickit off to the Chiefs I hear. Tucker to replace him.
Stupid. Should be the other way around.
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@Yeetyaah screw you, you can have the crim...we'll take the future AB
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@Yeetyaah yeah...winky face wasn't really enough to show how i was joking
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another new coach! surely flutey and/or christie are moving on?
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another new coach! surely flutey and/or christie are moving on?
@Kiwiwomble Christie indicated he wouldn't be back at the end of the SR season. Dermody is replacing himself.
Edit: It might have been mentioned in the commentary but he is off-contract.
Chris this got a right chuckle out of me
