Southland v Otago

[SouthernMann]

@KiwiInLondon said in Southland v Otago:

Apparently it’s not 100% confirmed all four are out but all went down in training with injuries

Looking at the back up teams just named. Some interesring players not included. They are; Konrad Toleafoa (no8), Levi Harmon (centre) James Bolton (lock), Dylan Pledger (halfback, of course). That tends to suggest they may be elevated

[KiwiInLondon]

@SouthernMann awful start. A loss this weekend could potential see repercussions for finals spots. I for one can’t understand how these players consistently get injured for Otago. Happened last season as well. Has to be a strength and conditioning/fitness issues because it is abnormally high

[SouthernMann]

One confirmed change. Arscott out and Pledger in. Hopefully the young fella gets on the park. Article stated Lio-Willie is still under a cloud and no deciaion has yet been made on him.

[Landers92]

Just read the ODT article released today, some good updates there. Hopefully no news on Fischli and Timu is good news. That would be a real test had all 4 been out.

Some might even say Pledger is an upgrade, looking forward to seeing how he does.

[Landers92]

Otaaaagooooo. It’s finally here, week 1 and a southern derby! Bring it on. Here’s hoping our most recent pre season game is nothing to worry about.

[Landers92]

Big chance for Aho to stake a claim to be in the lock rotation now that he’s starting. Expecting a big game from Stodart at 8. Will need to lead with the ball carrying now that Lio-Willie is out.

[Grooter]

Hurley with some good defence

[SouthernMann]

Byron Smith outplaying Millar so far

[SouthernMann]

Looks like we have lost Nareki.he went down pretty heavy. Keen to see how kyan Rangitutia goes.

[Grooter]

Stags reserve midfielder looks good

[SouthernMann]

I think he's out of Ponsonby. Read comparisons to Willis Halohalo

[SouthernMann]

Timu gone now. Faleafaga on. Wonder whether it will be Gilbert out on. Or Millar to fullback, Hurley to the wing and Whaanga to centre

[frugby]

@SouthernMann said in Southland v Otago:

Byron Smith outplaying Millar so far

You're kidding? What's Millar meant to do, Otago have had zero possession. All I've seen Smith do is punt aimlessly, and shovel it on/run acrossfield...

[Daffy Jaffy]

@SouthernMann He was with Ponsonby this year but previously the star of the 22/23 champions Manukau Rovers. Was the best player in club rugby last 2 seasons and should have made the Auckland squad last year.

[SouthernMann]

He certainly looks very impressive. This will be a massive second half for Otago if they can get up. Some big imjuries already.

[Landers92]

29% possession in the first half. Playing exactly like last season so far. Good to see we are consistent at least

[Smudge]

@SouthernMann said in Southland v Otago:

I think he's out of Ponsonby. Read comparisons to Willis Halohalo

Probably better than being compared to Dillon Halahalo...

[Landers92]

@SouthernMann said in Southland v Otago:

Byron Smith outplaying Millar so far

I mean, he looks ok but I wouldn’t go that far just yet. I do recall you aren’t a huge Millar fan but for someone who likes both players, they’ve been pretty neck and neck.

[SouthernMann]

Nine players out from the top 23. Makes it hard.

[SouthernMann]

@Smudge said in Southland v Otago:

@SouthernMann said in Southland v Otago:

I think he's out of Ponsonby. Read comparisons to Willis Halohalo

Probably better than being compared to Dillon Halahalo...

Hopefully he is more selective around his alone time and where he does it