@taniwharugby

Because the coaches (3 in a row) don't rate the 2nd/3rd choice hookers? Despite what they say in the media.
Why keep picking him in the squad? Well there's no one else and they have experimented with the 3rd hooker spot.

That seems like the most simple explanation.

Unless you have heard something else you haven't said on here?

@Duluth none of that explains why you drop a hooker who plays well for 25mins for a guy who struggles almost everytime he takes the park...and dont even release him to play club rugby.

@taniwharugby said in Highlanders vs Blues:

none of that explains why you drop a hooker who plays well for 25mins for a guy who struggles almost everytime he takes the park...and dont even release him to play club rugby.

The not releasing him part is simple. If someone turns an ankle on match day we need the third hooker in Dunedin

I just think that Parsons has become the Luke Whitelock of hookers - solid, high workrate, good leadership, not much physical impact in the looser phases.

Sweet, I like Lose as commentator. Been so nice without TJs negativity the past few games.

Amusing having the Imperial March for Parsons running out.

@Tim Luke Whitlock is a miles better player and All Black than Parsons.

Some good play from Nonu early on, he looks super keen to impress

Bit slow there to clear defenders, lost a good opportunity

Highlanders defence looking solid so far.

Coltman with two good turnovers, but we are dominating. Need points to reflect that. Black with some nice touches

@Kirwan Yup, the Highlanders will gain confidence from weathering this storm.

Great tackle from Josh Ioane on Rieko Ioane.

That's an early sub at TH.

Great clearance from Ruru

Ha, miracle ball from Karl.

Huge D from the Blues.

Black looking the better bet for ten so far. Bit more limited than Ioane but not as error prone.

Old fashioned dust up

Akira is so good at those mauls

Lentjies and Coltman dominating at breakdown so far.

Dixon getting flung off by a halfback haha.

Papali'i is murdering guys in this game. Nice.