2017 Super Rugby - Preseason games

[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.

[NTA]

@Stargazer said in 2017 Super Rugby - Preseason games:

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

And its a bit windy, too

[Stargazer]

The Highlanders really need to work on that line-out. It's been bad all evening.

[Stargazer]

Good try from Irae Simone for the Tahs. Weak defence from the Highlanders again.

[NTA]

@Stargazer said in 2017 Super Rugby - Preseason games:

Good try from Irae Simone for the Tahs. Weak defence from the Highlanders again.

Don't think it was that - they ran two guys (one of them Skelton) at a hole and Hegarty delayed the pass just enough to suck in another guy.

[Stargazer]

Reece Robinson again converts the try and it's 32 - 40 to the Highlanders after 60 minutes.

[NTA]

Brookvale turf breaking up