2017 Super Rugby - Preseason games

[Stargazer]

The officiating in this last minute has been terrible. Ref didn't penalise Hooper for tackling a player without the ball, then they missed a forward pass and a knock-on. Try Latu from a driving maul. Robinson converts: 18 - 33 Highlanders

It's half time.

[MajorPom]

@NTA yep, colours to the mast they are supporting the tahs, but not coming across biased or one-eyed in the commentary.

[NTA]

@Stargazer Hasn't penalised the Highlanders for running dummies into the Tahs chasing backline all night either. Could have penalised the Clan winger for running into Hooper's line then stopping, without showing any signs of going for the ball.

Swings and roundabouts.

[Stargazer]

@NTA I guess the refs need these games as warm-ups as well.

[Stargazer]

I wish the NZ teams arranged livestreaming of their preseason games. The Tahs and Reds (I don't know about the other Aussie teams) are much better at that.

[NTA]

@Stargazer its Angus Gardner - he needs more than a preseason.

Clan using the kick through very effectively tonight.

[Stargazer]

The Highlanders have almost completely changed the squad.

[MajorPom]

@NTA critical of Gardner? I thought was arguably top of the shelf last year.

[Stargazer]

@MajorRage I agree. One of the better refs in SR.

[Stargazer]

Try Kayne Hammington after a good break from another player (don't know who). Fletcher Smith converts the try: 18 - 40 Highlanders

[Stargazer]

Hmm, looked more punching than shoving there from Latu ...

[MajorPom]

Pretty average defence across the board - Hooper seems to make breaks at will, and the Clan backline is looking like they are covered in eel slime.

Gradner certainly being pretty liberal ... but pedantic refereeing in pre season is no good for anybody.

[Stargazer]

Taqele Naiyaravoro scores the try. Incredibly bad defence from the Highlanders. About 5 players couldn't tackle Folau.

[NTA]

@MajorRage said in 2017 Super Rugby - Preseason games:

@NTA critical of Gardner? I thought was arguably top of the shelf last year.

He's improved, but just needs a bit more confidence.

[MajorPom]

Poor defence continues as Folau runs 80 odd metres right through the Clan - great run. Tahs then score via about a 5 metre forward pass (Tom Brady pass according to the comms).

[NTA]

Only a couple of forward passes there, but a good run by Folau after some good leadup work.

Kick is good. 23-40 in favour of the visitors

[Stargazer]

Robinson converts the try and it's 25 - 40 to the Landers after 58 minutes.

[NTA]

Robinson might have to be our first-choice kicker anywhere inside the 22

[Stargazer]

A few more subs for the Highlanders.

[Stargazer]

@NTA Yes, he's going well; even on target from the difficult angles.