Highlanders 2025

@Kiwiwomble said in Highlanders 2025:

@frugby said in Highlanders 2025:

@HLD2023Champions said in Highlanders 2025:

@SouthernMann Gilbert and Nareki need to go, too many Otago players in that team. They’re all has beens.

Nareki is looking offshore for the end of the year last I heard, but still a very good winger - him and Gilbert are not even on the same planet.

i also just want to add i think Gilbert has been done no favours but being shuffled around wherever we're weak

I used to think this, was plausible, but I actually think the bigger thing that screwed Gilbert over was that ACL injury. He initially shook it off pretty well, but in the space of two years all his pace has gone. He would be a liability as an outside back now I think, which is a shame.

@frugby without doubt, definitely one of those that came back from injury without the confidence in his body

i just also think it wont have helped coming back being uncertain of how and where exactly he was going to be playing

@KiwiInLondon said in Highlanders 2025:

The Highlanders have the potential to have the best lineout, maul, and lock and loose forward combo (including the bench) in the comp imo. If Millar keeps going and the centres stay healthy, there’s a lot of potential (or is that wishful thinking)

Injuries will be key. Because of depth, de Groot, Holland and Fakatava pretty much have to stay fit for us to have any chance of competing at the business end.

We have a reasonably good draw I feel, so if we can hit the ground running them, definitely a good chance at the Top 6.

I’d love another big enforcer in the loose forwards, just like how the chiefs singed Jerome Brown. And possibly another classy centre.

Just piggy backing off what @frugby has posted above. As I posted in the Canes thread, the Howden signing is confirmed. Just asked and had the confirmation. Just cross posting incase someone misses it.

Hope the landers have a plan to sign another First Five. Can’t fully rely on both these young fellas

@HLD2023Champions Miller is fine and is good and has the potential to be great. Falefega is an idiot who’s should go back to club rugby (why no one sees this is beyond me).

Exactly what I mean. Just need another 10 to cover Miller with a bit of experience..

@HLD2023Champions what’s Carter up to these days?

@KiwiInLondon at Chemist wharehouse, in all seriousness I guess Aaron Cruden would be the experienced 10 to ask if he's keen.

Jack of all trades, master of none Sam Gilbert will be the third 10. Hurley at a stretch will be the fourth

@KiwiInLondon said in Highlanders 2025:

Falefega is an idiot

Why's that?

@Bones his decision making is absolutely atrocious. The chip and cross fields kicks in pressure situations, the miss tackles. I could go on

@KiwiInLondon said in Highlanders 2025:

@Bones his decision making is absolutely atrocious. The chip and cross fields kicks in pressure situations, the miss tackles. I could go on

I haven't been watching NPC unfortunately. The way it was phrased sounded more like dickhead off the field than awful decision maker.

@Bones said in Highlanders 2025:

@KiwiInLondon said in Highlanders 2025:

@Bones his decision making is absolutely atrocious. The chip and cross fields kicks in pressure situations, the miss tackles. I could go on

I haven't been watching NPC unfortunately. The way it was phrased sounded more like dickhead off the field than awful decision maker.

He's a good Christian boy. Just a player learning his game. With fewer than 10 NPC games. Making mistakes on the field doesn't make him an idiot. Heck plenty of idiots have been flawless rugby players.

@SouthernMann idiot was more meant as idiotic decisions. Not a comment on his character

As I said. He has played fewer than 10 NPC games. There have been games where he has looked good. Others where he hasn't. He will be there next year. Good to see you have somewhat changed your tune on Hurley, after he was your initial whipping boy.

The more I watch of Millar, the more I think he actually might have the potential to be an All Black first five. Incredible goal kicker, and such a low error rate. Has added a bit of a running game, and has shown playmaking through passing.

After starting the year on fire for the Highlanders, Faleafaga has unfortunately just got worse and worse. I think he is the sort of player who would get better with time in the saddle, but with Millar in front, I don't see where he gets a chance unless there is an injury... I tend to agree that at this stage it would be crazy to go into the season relying on Faleafaga as your only viable backup.

@SouthernMann I still think he prone to brain farts that could prove costly but his running lines and kicking has been v good. Can’t fault him for that. Decision making is still a massive issue imo. I worry whether in a tight game against top opposition he has the cool head to close it out

@frugby said in Highlanders 2025:

The more I watch of Millar, the more I think he actually might have the potential to be an All Black first five. Incredible goal kicker, and such a low error rate. Has added a bit of a running game, and has shown playmaking through passing.

After starting the year on fire for the Highlanders, Faleafaga has unfortunately just got worse and worse. I think he is the sort of player who would get better with time in the saddle, but with Millar in front, I don't see where he gets a chance unless there is an injury... I tend to agree that at this stage it would be crazy to go into the season relying on Faleafaga as your only viable backup.

If Faleafaga comes right though, bloody good 1-2 punch, with good variety when it comes to horses for courses.