SF: Otago v BoP
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Well done Otago. Very hungry all night. Very disappointed by Bop. Nowhere near their best. Ruck clean out was poor. I am not a fan of Cashmores kick and pass execution. Often seem rushed and without direction to me. But he will get better. Lalomilo usually not such a turnstile on defence either. Wonder if some guys were carrying injuries.
Cam Millar was most impressive. Really don't get why Highlanders fans so keen to have him gone.
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@ARHS said in SF: Otago v BoP:
Cam Millar was most impressive. Really don't get why Highlanders fans so keen to have him gone.
I don't! I was willing to live in a world where Cam is the landers 10, Hurley or Solomon is the 22, as Muliania develops behind the scenes,
Josh Jacomb as 10 for the Chiefs & D Mac as the fullback should've been the Vision sold to Jacomb from Jonno
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@Bovidae thought Bop overdid the high kick game even though Judd is excellent at this facet
At the end of the day Otago’s energy and skill across the paddock was just too much for Bop -
Another week where again I think the referee deserves a lot of credit. You don't get open entertaining games like that without the officials applying common sense, so credit to Paul Williams.
Just ten penalties, and I think four of those were in the first 10 minutes.
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@frugby said in SF: Otago v BoP:
Another week where again I think the referee deserves a lot of credit. You don't get open entertaining games like that without the officials applying common sense, so credit to Paul Williams.
Just ten penalties, and I think four of those were in the first 10 minutes.
Funny you say that, I got message from my son saying exactly at end of game, saying he thought Williams should get MOTM as he just made such a great job!
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Just such a massive effort from Otago to be so consistent throughout that whole game. Did not expect them to put a score like that on such a class outfit like BOP.
Cam Millar stood up last night and showed the game is slowing down for him and he really looks comfortable running that team around the field. His game direction has improved massively, kicking game more accurate and when it comes to goal kicking you won’t find anyone better in the comp. It’s his attacking game that has taken the biggest step up this season, he’s back to taking the line on and actually being a threat, he’s had a couple serious ankle injured and can’t help but think that’s impacted his confidence in that aspect of his game. At 23 years old there’s still a lot of maturing and growing to do, he has definitely turned a corner which is promising. He has taken some serious licks on here over the last couple seasons so I couldn’t be happier for the guy.
Like I said after the final round robin win against Auckland, any win from there on was a bonus on what had already been a season above expectations. I’m pretty confident when I say no Otago fan expected a season like this, shield is locked away for summer, 7 wins on the bounce(first time since 1998) and gearing up for a final. Here’s hoping we finish strong and end on a dream season. Either way, proud as punch of this group.
Go the golden O.
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I suspect the improvement we have seen from Millar has a bit to do with Pledger. That kid seems to be a player that facilitates those around him play to better.
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@Crazy-Horse said in SF: Otago v BoP:
I suspect the improvement we have seen from Millar has a bit to do with Pledger. That kid seems to be a player that facilitates those around him play to better.
100%. I forgot to add that in my comment but there is no doubt Pledger has had a positive impact on this side, specifically in having the backline functioning the way it is. Him and Millar look to have a nice combination going on which can only keep growing.
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Had a prior commitment so I couldn't watch the game live - relieved about that in a way as we were well beaten, well played Otago and the best 2 teams of the season are in the final. We looked a bit gassed, maybe a game too far for some players who have had more game time than expected. Having players called up for ABs duties happens to other team not us! Shows how well we've done for 4 seasons, top 8 every time and top 4 for the past 3 seasons.
I would have fancied Otago to win at home against Canterbury but they still have the weapons to hurt the Cantabs in Christchurch.
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@Crazy-Horse said in SF: Otago v BoP:
I suspect the improvement we have seen from Millar has a bit to do with Pledger. That kid seems to be a player that facilitates those around him play to better.
no doubt, gives millar half a second more either with his faster pass or drawing defenders....can be the world of difference to a 10
@ARHS said in SF: Otago v BoP:
Well done Otago. Very hungry all night. Very disappointed by Bop. Nowhere near their best. Ruck clean out was poor. I am not a fan of Cashmores kick and pass execution. Often seem rushed and without direction to me. But he will get better. Lalomilo usually not such a turnstile on defence either. Wonder if some guys were carrying injuries.
Cam Millar was most impressive. Really don't get why Highlanders fans so keen to have him gone.
not all of us, no one is claiming he DC re born...but there is a winning game plans that can be built of having him in a team
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What I am liking about Pledger is the way he often seems to know who he is going to pass to or do before he arrives at the ruck and he will time his arrival accordingly. The kid has an outstanding rugby brain. Fingers crossed his body holds up.
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@Landers92 said in SF: Otago v BoP:
Just such a massive effort from Otago to be so consistent throughout that whole game. Did not expect them to put a score like that on such a class outfit like BOP.
Cam Millar stood up last night and showed the game is slowing down for him and he really looks comfortable running that team around the field. His game direction has improved massively, kicking game more accurate and when it comes to goal kicking you won’t find anyone better in the comp. It’s his attacking game that has taken the biggest step up this season, he’s back to taking the line on and actually being a threat, he’s had a couple serious ankle injured and can’t help but think that’s impacted his confidence in that aspect of his game. At 23 years old there’s still a lot of maturing and growing to do, he has definitely turned a corner which is promising. He has taken some serious licks on here over the last couple seasons so I couldn’t be happier for the guy.
Like I said after the final round robin win against Auckland, any win from there on was a bonus on what had already been a season above expectations. I’m pretty confident when I say no Otago fan expected a season like this, shield is locked away for summer, 7 wins on the bounce(first time since 1998) and gearing up for a final. Here’s hoping we finish strong and end on a dream season. Either way, proud as punch of this group.
Go the golden O.
I agree that Millar had a fantastic season and looked great attacking the line.
One area of concern is he seems to always be getting head knocks. Has he got some technical issues or is size an issue?
