Highlanders
Match thread
Hurricanes
@Kiwiwomble said in Highlanders vs Hurricanes:
@frugby i agree in principle....just feel we've seen it too many times, go for touch and immediately lose the lineout
But we haven't this year though. I think for this team to take steps forwards, you have to try to play on top of the game - that was something Otago did really well.
To take a step from being an underdog to being a genuine top side, you need to be brave and turn down points to go for the corner. It might not work straight away, but in the big moments, the best teams deliver tries.
Obviously you don't have to do this every time, but we over do it.
If the mindset is to take 3s because we either:
a) Don't think we can win the lineout
b) Don't think we can score tries
Then we are doing something wrong. If you aren't happy with the lineout, change the players. If you don't think you can score tries, then sack the attack coach, because on paper that is as lethal a back three as there is in the competition.
We are taking the 2nd most penalty goals in the competition.
For those interested, these stat packs are great: https://super.rugby/superrugby/match-centre/match-packs/2026-srp-rd6/2026-srp-rd6-highlanders-v-hurricanes/
@frugby said in Highlanders vs Hurricanes:
@Kiwiwomble said in Highlanders vs Hurricanes:
@frugby i agree in principle....just feel we've seen it too many times, go for touch and immediately lose the lineout
But we haven't this year though. I think for this team to take steps forwards, you have to try to play on top of the game - that was something Otago did really well.
The Pledger effect. He ran the play close to the line. Found runners and made the space. It can't be underestimated how much impact he had. There would have been a big improvement in our attacking shape close to the line if he was playing and not struggling to open cassette players.
Otago without him this year will not make the semi finals.
Tyrel Lomax will miss the Hurricanes’ clash with the Highlanders on Friday night.
Coach hopeful he could return to face the Reds next weekend.
@SouthernMann Not exactly what I am talking about.
It is a mentality - hence why we absolutely slotted Auckland even without Pledger.
It is hard to explain, and possibly isn't even measurable, but sometimes teams play in a way where they are in command. They score certain types of tries, they take bold decisions as a team.
I don't believe that even if this Highlanders team gets out in front, that they will keep kicking away, because they don't play in that manner. Otago did.
A real shame there is no coverage of the development game that is about to kick off… it’s not like it’s being played in the stadium the super rugby game is about to be in or anything…..
@frugby said in Highlanders vs Hurricanes:
@SouthernMann Not exactly what I am talking about.
It is a mentality - hence why we absolutely slotted Auckland even without Pledger.
It is hard to explain, and possibly isn't even measurable, but sometimes teams play in a way where they are in command. They score certain types of tries, they take bold decisions as a team.
I don't believe that even if this Highlanders team gets out in front, that they will keep kicking away, because they don't play in that manner. Otago did.
It is an attitude thing. Which comes with belief. With Otago, it is traceable as the belief grew the performances improved for the better.
Which is often led by a player or two. Especially if it breaks a trend of previous performances.
Go back to last year. This team, more or less should have picked up two wins against the Canes and beaten the Crusaders away (or at least drew with them). It isn't about attacking shape or threats. It is a mindset.
Before they can dominate and run away with games. They need to close some out. Incremental improvement. Looking from last year, we need fo avoid blowouts. Which happened twice against the Chiefs and once against the Crusaders.
The improvment process is a bit painful. Walk before we run. It is why we often see floggings at the back of the season. Teams are full of confidence, like Otago was and down on it like Auckland was. A perfect mix.
@Canes4life said in Highlanders vs Hurricanes:
Hunters beat the Bravehearts 38-27
Entertaining game?
That was probably the best few phases from a set piece all season. Pasitoa has the ability to hold a defender, which Millar does not. Big advantage
@Yeetyaah said in Highlanders vs Hurricanes:
What a defensive howler from Proctor
Not the first time
@jimmyb said in Highlanders vs Hurricanes:
That was probably the best few phases from a set piece all season. Pasitoa has the ability to hold a defender, which Millar does not. Big advantage
What I was banging on about in the pre-season. There are game playing aspects to Pasitoa's game Millar can't match
@Yeetyaah said in Highlanders vs Hurricanes:
Hurricanes on fraud watch
9 mins into the game. Good one.
@Canes4life hook line and sinkerrrrrr
@Canes4life said in Highlanders vs Hurricanes:
Barrett offers no punch at all.
but it took two defenders to put him down and creates issues in the defensive line
@jimmyb said in Highlanders vs Hurricanes:
Well an argument against Pasitoa. That’s an u12 mistake
It is like what my mate says about golf.
Improve your worst. We can all hit birdies.
It is about avoiding the triples and quads. Millar plays bogey and par golf. Pasitoa plays birdie and triple bogey golf.
@mattasaurus he has decided hurricanes have a better scrum no matter what happens