I like that Lennox is back starting and happy to see Casey get a run in the 7 jersey. Broughton has been solid at 8 so can understand why he’s kept there with his work rate.

Good to see Lavanini back and Haig get a bit of rest on the bench, been a big season for him minutes wise. It’s a shame Bartlett is injured as I was really liking his progression this season behind De Groot.

Nareki at 13 is interesting, keen to see how that unfolds against big Suali’i… Hell of a matchup to throw him into though Narekis defense is usually sound, that 13 channel is a different kettle of fish though.

Have a good feeling about this one and think we get the job done after an awful game last weekend.

Oh and how could I forget. Stoked to see Vikena is dropped from the 23 completely

I can see it working, but Lowe is not a good winger and was settling into the midfield nicely. Isn't Nareki leaving anyway?

@Landers92 said in Highlanders v Waratahs:

I like that Lennox is back starting and happy to see Casey get a run in the 7 jersey. Broughton has been solid at 8 so can understand why he’s kept there with his work rate.

Good to see Lavanini back and Haig get a bit of rest on the bench, been a big season for him minutes wise. It’s a shame Bartlett is injured as I was really liking his progression this season behind De Groot.

Nareki at 13 is interesting, keen to see how that unfolds against big Suali’i… Hell of a matchup to throw him into though Narekis defense is usually sound, that 13 channel is a different kettle of fish though.

Have a good feeling about this one and think we get the job done after an awful game last weekend.

the only thing i can think of is they want nareki, who is normally a very solid defender there....im hoping we're not that superficial and we are going to change other things, maybe more kicks down the middle they want him chasing? or looking to connect nareki, JRK and tangitau more.....but mostly im worried we've just created a weakness out wide that will be exploited

You’re all being incredibly generous to what is a fucking stupid decision. 13 is an incredibly difficult position to defend. The defensive system is already terrible as the current centres never split properly and we constantly get exposed out wide.

So let’s chuck a wing a centre in a must win game?

dont think anyone is defending it or even saying they understand....at most trying to work out potential reasons

@Kiwiwomble maybe to cover Jorge with pace?

@Kiwiwomble said in Highlanders v Waratahs:

dont think anyone is defending it or even saying they understand....at most trying to work out potential reasons

Exactly lol. Choosing to be optimistic and happy they are actually trying something different, not just looking at it and being a nancy all the time… that must be exhausting

Vikena is back on the bench according that sky line up. Ffs

An all Australian referee group. ref, touchies and TMO. Niiiiice. How do they decide that

Lovely start on D for Jona

Beautiful rugby. Good work Tangitau

Thank god for Caleb

Class from Tangitau

Caleb made that look easy. Sualii as we know is no slouch on D

Suaali gets paid a million more than he should

@jimmyb will be the last time he tries to shoot out on Tangitau

Jesus he's a special talent Tangitau

The difference bwtween winning games.

Jesus that was pretty good