@george33 said in Highlanders v Moana Pasifika:

That's a good looking 23 you guys will make some serious noise , great coaches , I'm picking U be in top 6/7

making play offs isn't exactly a huge endorsement seeing as you only have to be better than 4 other teams in a comp with MP, Rebels and the force.

I think 7-8 should be the pass mark and 5-6 would be successful

@Kiwiwomble said in Highlanders v Moana Pasifika:

@frugby said in Highlanders v Moana Pasifika:

@Kiwiwomble said in Highlanders v Moana Pasifika:

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I like that team, even lowe is only on the bench so not worried

Pretty much what I would have gone with. Lowe is a curious one because he has only ever played wing at Super Rugby level. I thought they would have wanted specialist midfield cover on the bench.

i thought he might have moved into the midfield a couple of times last year when someone else came onto the wing....but maybe that was just something that we suggested on here? i'd like to see it, hes got a little size and might be able to keep some front foot ball in the final quarter, just as long as they have tried to get him up to speed on defence in the midfield and not just jammed him on as the last name on the team sheet

More so talking about 12. If Gilbert goes down after 5 minutes, I guess Patchell might play there, but I thought they may have put Whaanga there.

@frugby good point

i think just ave some low expectations, a fit body is all im expecting, if gilbert goes down we might just play a very simple game keep it close on set piece, play for territory, crash ball at 12 and try and keep them on the back foot

Danny Toara, Nigel Ah Wong, Pepesane Patafilo, Julian Savea, Viliami Fine, William Havili, Ere Enari, Lotu Inisi, Alamanda Motuga, Miracle Faillagi, Samuel Slade, Tom Savage, Sione Mafielo, Sama Malolo, James Lay (c)

Reserves: Samiuela Moli, Abraham Pole, Suetena Asomua, Allan Craig, Jacob Norris, Aisea Halo, D'Angelo Leuila, Anzleo Tuitavuki

Unavailable due to injury/illness: Sekope Kepu, Ofa Tauatevalu, Sione Havili-Talitui, Solomone Funaki, Iakopo Mapu, Semisi Paea, Jonathan Taumateine, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Henry Taefu.

@Duluth Savea playing 12?...i'd missed that was a thing

I don't remember Norris playing against the Hurricanes. MP have a few loose forwards injured.

@Kiwiwomble said in Highlanders v Moana Pasifika:

@Duluth Savea playing 12?...i'd missed that was a thing

He looked pretty slick there against the Canes.

Has played 12 for Toulon too.

The last time the Highlanders won an opening round game was 2019. Only surviving players are Ayden Johnstone, DLB and PPP

Early scrum penalty for MP

soft carry...

Great to see refs still missing the blatantly obvious

Can you now tackle before someone actually tries to catch the ball?

That will be a YC

That's a red card. Real bad.

@Tim just looking worse each time I see it

@Duluth Mafileo and Lay are a big step up in the scrum from their previous squad.

Have to say I am surprised by the lack of card there

Some very average kicks so far

Some aimless kicking there.