Highlanders 2026
-
That's the NPC done... now its just a waiting game to see the FIFTY players we have on the books for 2026! With the way Otago have played, the Highlanders have the chance to build off of that, because as is always said, Dunedin is a rugby city, and it doesn't take much to get them interested.
Most of the Highlanders boys went well in the NPC, but there were a few disappointments who stuck out like a sore thumb.
-
Soane Vikena is clearly a guy who has not been able to translate age-grade rugby to the next level. Was shite in a shite Auckland side outside of one very impressive try against Hawke's Bay.
-
Angus Ta'avao looked like a real old man...
-
Nikora Broughton just ain't big enough. Shown up massively by Lio-Willie and Stodart in the semi-final at Forsyth Barr, and I just can't see justification for him playing any meaningful role next year if he is back
-
Hugh Renton was out injured all campaign. The news here, is that he IS BACK in 2026, but won't be back in full training until the back end of January. I don't envisage him retaining the captaincy as he is likely to play a limited role, and it remains to be seen if he can get back up to speed
-
Taine Robinson struggled with injury, and given the movements with the first fives, he has surely lost ground
-
Andrew Knewstubb... granted he was the starting first five in a title winning side, but everytime I watched him I just thought he was seriously average. I don't think he has the kicking game to be a Super Rugby 10, and I really hope Jamie doesn't try any fancy silly buggers. Just back Millar please.
-
Jake Te Hiwi was reasonable for Otago, but was ultimately behind one guy heading to Japan, and another guy the Highlanders have decided they don't want - and he can't stay fit. In a moon boot since his injury.
-
Josh Whaanga had some good moments for Otago, but he was probably fourth in the pecking order. He just doesn't have the pace needed for the next level I don't think
-
Jimmy the Difference broke his arm, but the upside of that is he should be there on day one for the Landers... hopefully charged up too
-
Taniela Tele'a was another one who was injured, but at least he was fit at the end of the campaign. Did nothing of note in the woeful Auckland team
The positive though, is outside of an injury prone set of midfielders, the guys we wanted to go away and have a good NPC campaign did that, and some.
-
-
Interesting to hear that Renton is back next season. I'm quite surprised given the woeful run of injuries he's had. Good experience to have around the squad.
End of 2026 at the very least I'd like to see us move Vikenna along. Ionae Monau is an obvious pickup for us in that position. Bell had a great NPC, and Soucheon should provide some depth if he goes down injured.
-
The trouble area for the side will be the 10-12-13 backline axis.
We are behind other NZ sides in that area. Which will be magnified if we get injuries.
I also wonder about Whaanga's pace. There have been two instances where you'd expect he should have scored, but just looked like he didn't have the pace to get there. One against Waikato or was it BoP? where he cut in instead of going for the corner and then the break he made against Canterbury on the weekend. The wind he was running into against Canterbury was a factor. It does seem like he doesn't have the pace and potentially knows it. He was always going to fill out over the last couple of years and is probably over 105kg. There needs to be a balance between that and even a 10 - 15m burst of speed to mix in with the size advantage he has.
On Te Hiwi. Injury prone yes, I do think before getting injured (again), he ws on for a bit of a breakout NPC campaign. He came back from injury off the bench and stepped in well once TUJ became unavailable.
Tele'a is a bit on an anomaly at NPC level. Looks great at Super level slips into a poorly performing Auckland team sits on the bench. Rotates onto the wing and fills in where needed. Can just never judge his form for Auckland.
It is just there are quite a few similar midfielders on our books. Big, not overly quick. Jim and Pasitoa are the points of difference from the others who are primarily carriers.
Vikena is a massive concern. That guy just looks like he has lost all confidence. I really want to see 10 - 15kg go on Kempton his ball skills are just out of the box for a hooker.
Broughton is an interesting one. Great skills. Just can't seem to bulk up. May be we may see a focus on his size this upcoming pre-season. He should be coming into his prime years.
-
Now take this with a grain of salt, but I’m hearing some chat about a player arriving into Dunedin last week and had a medical check done before looking to sign on. This player is/was playing France.
Can’t tell you if the player is French or if it’s a kiwi possibly looking to return. Shit it might all be Chinese whispers but as you all know I don’t share it unless the source is at least half decent…
A situation to keep an eye on anyway. Hope I’m not having my leg pulled and end up looking like an idiot haha
-
@Landers92 if you're going to try to out the rat in your organisation, this is a pretty good scheme...
-
-
-
@Bones said in Highlanders 2026:
@Landers92 if you're going to try to out the rat in your organisation, this is a pretty good scheme...
Not sure what you mean by this? Im lost.
Edit: im with you now. Yeah good point. Been reliable enough so far anyway so thought it was worth a share
-
@Chris said in Highlanders 2026:
@Bones said in Highlanders 2026:
Would be a doozy if it's true and we've picked up a hooker from Lyon...
Roxey good addition very nimble.
Not sure who that is but the one I'm thinking of rhymes with Riam Roltman.
-
@Bones said in Highlanders 2026:
@Chris said in Highlanders 2026:
@Bones said in Highlanders 2026:
Would be a doozy if it's true and we've picked up a hooker from Lyon...
Roxey good addition very nimble.
Not sure who that is but the one I'm thinking of rhymes with Riam Roltman.
Ok I didn’t realise he hooked in his spare time
-
@Landers92 Could this not just be Tomas Lavanini, or is it definitely someone different?
-
@frugby I asked that and was told it was someone different.
-
Like I said, take it with a grain of salt. Could be having my leg pulled but thought it could make for some good discussion at the very least.
It isn’t something I can really see happening with already bringing in Lavanini. I guess time will tell
-
@Chris said in Highlanders 2026:
@Bones said in Highlanders 2026:
@Chris said in Highlanders 2026:
@Bones said in Highlanders 2026:
Would be a doozy if it's true and we've picked up a hooker from Lyon...
Roxey good addition very nimble.
Not sure who that is but the one I'm thinking of rhymes with Riam Roltman.
Ok I didn’t realise he hooked in his spare time
Occasionally throws to his own lineout too.
