Highlanders 2025
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@Kiwiwomble No, to much abuse, said what I said.
@george33 said in Highlanders 2025:
@Kiwiwomble No, to much abuse, said what I said.
I haven’t abused you, simply asked questions when you said that you would answer any that were asked
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@george33 said in Highlanders 2025:
@Canes4life well, Stick by this 1, nogusta, look at his rumour, Sullivan, Funaki, both back and were always going to be, I can take the heat,
Wait...How come I'm catching strays here?
Leave me out of your convos please -
@handa457 Hastie's big issue is he drifts out of the game so much, to the point others have to fill in at halfback. Which makes me wonder if his communication isn't very good either. You can't carry a halfback if he's that remiss in his core role.
@Bones agree he fades in games. But just wonder if that's inexperience at this level more than anything else. Normally a young guy like Hastie would be spending 2 - 3 seasons getting twenty minutes off the bench at the end of games. Feel like he's been thrown in the deep end, and then thrown to the wolves for a pretty reasonable set of teething problems.
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@george33 stray bullets? Never mind champ...I wasn't sure why I had the honor of getting a mention by you.
@Nogusta said in Highlanders 2025:
@george33 stray bullets? Never mind champ...I wasn't sure why I had the honor of getting a mention by you.
You've got some of the best intel on this forum. Hardly ever get stuff wrong. Always look forward to spotting your posts!
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@Nogusta said in Highlanders 2025:
@george33 stray bullets? Never mind champ...I wasn't sure why I had the honor of getting a mention by you.
You've got some of the best intel on this forum. Hardly ever get stuff wrong. Always look forward to spotting your posts!
@SouthernMann Hearing Nogusta say he hasn’t heard anything fills you with confidence.
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@handa457 Hastie's big issue is he drifts out of the game so much, to the point others have to fill in at halfback. Which makes me wonder if his communication isn't very good either. You can't carry a halfback if he's that remiss in his core role.
@Bones said in Highlanders 2025:
@handa457 Hastie's big issue is he drifts out of the game so much, to the point others have to fill in at halfback. Which makes me wonder if his communication isn't very good either. You can't carry a halfback if he's that remiss in his core role.
Too slow to the breakdown for all his upside… Lennox, Fakatava and Pledger all quicker with a better pass - can see why Hastie would get let go.
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@frugby a bit wild we're letting Hastie slip through the cracks. His box kicking has been impressive as has his offloading and sniping around the rucks. You'd have to feel he's the sort of guy who could at least make All Blacks XV in a season or two. I'd probably carry him over Lennox who I've yet to see do much at this level.
Sounds like JJ is planning on cutting some contracts short next season. Wonder if Michaels, Wingham, Falefaga and Hastie all get cut?
Here's a left field pick too - I wonder if Bell gets cut and Ioane Mounau from the crusaders gets picked up?
@handa457 said in Highlanders 2025:
Sounds like JJ is planning on cutting some contracts short next season. Wonder if Michaels, Wingham, Falefaga and Hastie all get cut?
Faleafaga going to Japan so I hear… Michaels and Wingham clearly aren’t rated, but may depend on if they can get someone better
Here's a left field pick too - I wonder if Bell gets cut and Ioane Mounau from the crusaders gets picked up?
Both signed to their respective sides till 2026. The fact Bell has been picked over Taylor this week I think is telling. Offers more grunt work at this moment in time… I think hooker would be the least of our worries.
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Perhaps to get the thread back on track (not hypocritical at all). We still have what seems like an obvious route to the top six. It will require the team to really step up but injured players are coming back and the top 23 is finally insight.
Can we beat the chiefs this weekend? Maybe. But a loosing bonus point and no injures is a must.
Crusaders at home. Definitely vulnerable and at home, the highlanders have a real chance and I back them. Close win
Moana: this has to be a bonus point win.
Bye: perfect timing after three big games. Injured players are back, a good rest before the final three games
Hurricanes: a must win. Back the team to do it. Close win
Crusaders: tougher at home. Has to be a bonus point loss at least
Chiefs: Chiefs will likely be fighting for a top 2 finish in this game so will come out firing. Tough one at home, bonus point loss.
Leaves the Highlanders with 33 points with hopefully a positive points differential. May be enough to sneak into 6.
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Perhaps to get the thread back on track (not hypocritical at all). We still have what seems like an obvious route to the top six. It will require the team to really step up but injured players are coming back and the top 23 is finally insight.
Can we beat the chiefs this weekend? Maybe. But a loosing bonus point and no injures is a must.
Crusaders at home. Definitely vulnerable and at home, the highlanders have a real chance and I back them. Close win
Moana: this has to be a bonus point win.
Bye: perfect timing after three big games. Injured players are back, a good rest before the final three games
Hurricanes: a must win. Back the team to do it. Close win
Crusaders: tougher at home. Has to be a bonus point loss at least
Chiefs: Chiefs will likely be fighting for a top 2 finish in this game so will come out firing. Tough one at home, bonus point loss.
Leaves the Highlanders with 33 points with hopefully a positive points differential. May be enough to sneak into 6.
@KiwiInLondon said in Highlanders 2025:
Perhaps to get the thread back on track (not hypocritical at all). We still have what seems like an obvious route to the top six. It will require the team to really step up but injured players are coming back and the top 23 is finally insight.
Can we beat the chiefs this weekend? Maybe. But a loosing bonus point and no injures is a must.
Crusaders at home. Definitely vulnerable and at home, the highlanders have a real chance and I back them. Close win
Moana: this has to be a bonus point win.
Bye: perfect timing after three big games. Injured players are back, a good rest before the final three games
Hurricanes: a must win. Back the team to do it. Close win
Crusaders: tougher at home. Has to be a bonus point loss at least
Chiefs: Chiefs will likely be fighting for a top 2 finish in this game so will come out firing. Tough one at home, bonus point loss.
Leaves the Highlanders with 33 points with hopefully a positive points differential. May be enough to sneak into 6.
Can’t see you guys beating us at home with our best side on the park. Maybe a bonus point defeat would be a fair estimate.
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@KiwiInLondon said in Highlanders 2025:
Perhaps to get the thread back on track (not hypocritical at all). We still have what seems like an obvious route to the top six. It will require the team to really step up but injured players are coming back and the top 23 is finally insight.
Can we beat the chiefs this weekend? Maybe. But a loosing bonus point and no injures is a must.
Crusaders at home. Definitely vulnerable and at home, the highlanders have a real chance and I back them. Close win
Moana: this has to be a bonus point win.
Bye: perfect timing after three big games. Injured players are back, a good rest before the final three games
Hurricanes: a must win. Back the team to do it. Close win
Crusaders: tougher at home. Has to be a bonus point loss at least
Chiefs: Chiefs will likely be fighting for a top 2 finish in this game so will come out firing. Tough one at home, bonus point loss.
Leaves the Highlanders with 33 points with hopefully a positive points differential. May be enough to sneak into 6.
Can’t see you guys beating us at home with our best side on the park. Maybe a bonus point defeat would be a fair estimate.
@Canes4life said in Highlanders 2025:
@KiwiInLondon said in Highlanders 2025:
Perhaps to get the thread back on track (not hypocritical at all). We still have what seems like an obvious route to the top six. It will require the team to really step up but injured players are coming back and the top 23 is finally insight.
Can we beat the chiefs this weekend? Maybe. But a loosing bonus point and no injures is a must.
Crusaders at home. Definitely vulnerable and at home, the highlanders have a real chance and I back them. Close win
Moana: this has to be a bonus point win.
Bye: perfect timing after three big games. Injured players are back, a good rest before the final three games
Hurricanes: a must win. Back the team to do it. Close win
Crusaders: tougher at home. Has to be a bonus point loss at least
Chiefs: Chiefs will likely be fighting for a top 2 finish in this game so will come out firing. Tough one at home, bonus point loss.
Leaves the Highlanders with 33 points with hopefully a positive points differential. May be enough to sneak into 6.
Can’t see you guys beating us at home with our best side on the park. Maybe a bonus point defeat would be a fair estimate.
It’s the second “easiest” game on the highlanders schedule. So it is a must win. Hurricanes have been far from convincing and the best players have been flaky. Think it will be a bit closer than you think.
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@Canes4life said in Highlanders 2025:
@KiwiInLondon said in Highlanders 2025:
Perhaps to get the thread back on track (not hypocritical at all). We still have what seems like an obvious route to the top six. It will require the team to really step up but injured players are coming back and the top 23 is finally insight.
Can we beat the chiefs this weekend? Maybe. But a loosing bonus point and no injures is a must.
Crusaders at home. Definitely vulnerable and at home, the highlanders have a real chance and I back them. Close win
Moana: this has to be a bonus point win.
Bye: perfect timing after three big games. Injured players are back, a good rest before the final three games
Hurricanes: a must win. Back the team to do it. Close win
Crusaders: tougher at home. Has to be a bonus point loss at least
Chiefs: Chiefs will likely be fighting for a top 2 finish in this game so will come out firing. Tough one at home, bonus point loss.
Leaves the Highlanders with 33 points with hopefully a positive points differential. May be enough to sneak into 6.
Can’t see you guys beating us at home with our best side on the park. Maybe a bonus point defeat would be a fair estimate.
It’s the second “easiest” game on the highlanders schedule. So it is a must win. Hurricanes have been far from convincing and the best players have been flaky. Think it will be a bit closer than you think.
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@Canes4life said in Highlanders 2025:
@KiwiInLondon said in Highlanders 2025:
Perhaps to get the thread back on track (not hypocritical at all). We still have what seems like an obvious route to the top six. It will require the team to really step up but injured players are coming back and the top 23 is finally insight.
Can we beat the chiefs this weekend? Maybe. But a loosing bonus point and no injures is a must.
Crusaders at home. Definitely vulnerable and at home, the highlanders have a real chance and I back them. Close win
Moana: this has to be a bonus point win.
Bye: perfect timing after three big games. Injured players are back, a good rest before the final three games
Hurricanes: a must win. Back the team to do it. Close win
Crusaders: tougher at home. Has to be a bonus point loss at least
Chiefs: Chiefs will likely be fighting for a top 2 finish in this game so will come out firing. Tough one at home, bonus point loss.
Leaves the Highlanders with 33 points with hopefully a positive points differential. May be enough to sneak into 6.
Can’t see you guys beating us at home with our best side on the park. Maybe a bonus point defeat would be a fair estimate.
It’s the second “easiest” game on the highlanders schedule. So it is a must win. Hurricanes have been far from convincing and the best players have been flaky. Think it will be a bit closer than you think.
@KiwiInLondon said in Highlanders 2025:
@Canes4life said in Highlanders 2025:
@KiwiInLondon said in Highlanders 2025:
Perhaps to get the thread back on track (not hypocritical at all). We still have what seems like an obvious route to the top six. It will require the team to really step up but injured players are coming back and the top 23 is finally insight.
Can we beat the chiefs this weekend? Maybe. But a loosing bonus point and no injures is a must.
Crusaders at home. Definitely vulnerable and at home, the highlanders have a real chance and I back them. Close win
Moana: this has to be a bonus point win.
Bye: perfect timing after three big games. Injured players are back, a good rest before the final three games
Hurricanes: a must win. Back the team to do it. Close win
Crusaders: tougher at home. Has to be a bonus point loss at least
Chiefs: Chiefs will likely be fighting for a top 2 finish in this game so will come out firing. Tough one at home, bonus point loss.
Leaves the Highlanders with 33 points with hopefully a positive points differential. May be enough to sneak into 6.
Can’t see you guys beating us at home with our best side on the park. Maybe a bonus point defeat would be a fair estimate.
It’s the second “easiest” game on the highlanders schedule. So it is a must win. Hurricanes have been far from convincing and the best players have been flaky. Think it will be a bit closer than you think.
The Canes have been unconvincing yes but we haven’t had our best team on the park this year yet after being shafted with injuries from the get go. I’m predicting the Canes to be a much better side by the time that fixture comes around. You’ll find it will end up being one of the harder games to win on that remaining fixture list once the likes of Aumua, Lomax etc get into form. Am I saying it will be a hiding, no, but it won’t be easy as you’re suggesting. The Landers are also on a horrible losing streak to the Canes so that has to be factored in as well.
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@KiwiInLondon they will just select Petone Jesus from now on and win the RWC.
@Bones said in Highlanders 2025:
@KiwiInLondon they will just select Petone Jesus from now on and win the RWC.
We already do, he plays no 8.
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@handa457 said in Highlanders 2025:
Sounds like JJ is planning on cutting some contracts short next season. Wonder if Michaels, Wingham, Falefaga and Hastie all get cut?
Faleafaga going to Japan so I hear… Michaels and Wingham clearly aren’t rated, but may depend on if they can get someone better
Here's a left field pick too - I wonder if Bell gets cut and Ioane Mounau from the crusaders gets picked up?
Both signed to their respective sides till 2026. The fact Bell has been picked over Taylor this week I think is telling. Offers more grunt work at this moment in time… I think hooker would be the least of our worries.
@frugby said in Highlanders 2025:
@handa457 said in Highlanders 2025:
Sounds like JJ is planning on cutting some contracts short next season. Wonder if Michaels, Wingham, Falefaga and Hastie all get cut?
Faleafaga going to Japan so I hear… Michaels and Wingham clearly aren’t rated, but may depend on if they can get someone better
Here's a left field pick too - I wonder if Bell gets cut and Ioane Mounau from the crusaders gets picked up?
Both signed to their respective sides till 2026. The fact Bell has been picked over Taylor this week I think is telling. Offers more grunt work at this moment in time… I think hooker would be the least of our worries.
faleafaga would be disappointing, thought he was part of the "long term youth rebuild" and we havent seen loads of him yet
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@KiwiInLondon said in Highlanders 2025:
@Canes4life said in Highlanders 2025:
@KiwiInLondon said in Highlanders 2025:
Perhaps to get the thread back on track (not hypocritical at all). We still have what seems like an obvious route to the top six. It will require the team to really step up but injured players are coming back and the top 23 is finally insight.
Can we beat the chiefs this weekend? Maybe. But a loosing bonus point and no injures is a must.
Crusaders at home. Definitely vulnerable and at home, the highlanders have a real chance and I back them. Close win
Moana: this has to be a bonus point win.
Bye: perfect timing after three big games. Injured players are back, a good rest before the final three games
Hurricanes: a must win. Back the team to do it. Close win
Crusaders: tougher at home. Has to be a bonus point loss at least
Chiefs: Chiefs will likely be fighting for a top 2 finish in this game so will come out firing. Tough one at home, bonus point loss.
Leaves the Highlanders with 33 points with hopefully a positive points differential. May be enough to sneak into 6.
Can’t see you guys beating us at home with our best side on the park. Maybe a bonus point defeat would be a fair estimate.
It’s the second “easiest” game on the highlanders schedule. So it is a must win. Hurricanes have been far from convincing and the best players have been flaky. Think it will be a bit closer than you think.
The Canes have been unconvincing yes but we haven’t had our best team on the park this year yet after being shafted with injuries from the get go. I’m predicting the Canes to be a much better side by the time that fixture comes around. You’ll find it will end up being one of the harder games to win on that remaining fixture list once the likes of Aumua, Lomax etc get into form. Am I saying it will be a hiding, no, but it won’t be easy as you’re suggesting. The Landers are also on a horrible losing streak to the Canes so that has to be factored in as well.
@Canes4life said in Highlanders 2025:
@KiwiInLondon said in Highlanders 2025:
@Canes4life said in Highlanders 2025:
@KiwiInLondon said in Highlanders 2025:
Perhaps to get the thread back on track (not hypocritical at all). We still have what seems like an obvious route to the top six. It will require the team to really step up but injured players are coming back and the top 23 is finally insight.
Can we beat the chiefs this weekend? Maybe. But a loosing bonus point and no injures is a must.
Crusaders at home. Definitely vulnerable and at home, the highlanders have a real chance and I back them. Close win
Moana: this has to be a bonus point win.
Bye: perfect timing after three big games. Injured players are back, a good rest before the final three games
Hurricanes: a must win. Back the team to do it. Close win
Crusaders: tougher at home. Has to be a bonus point loss at least
Chiefs: Chiefs will likely be fighting for a top 2 finish in this game so will come out firing. Tough one at home, bonus point loss.
Leaves the Highlanders with 33 points with hopefully a positive points differential. May be enough to sneak into 6.
Can’t see you guys beating us at home with our best side on the park. Maybe a bonus point defeat would be a fair estimate.
It’s the second “easiest” game on the highlanders schedule. So it is a must win. Hurricanes have been far from convincing and the best players have been flaky. Think it will be a bit closer than you think.
The Canes have been unconvincing yes but we haven’t had our best team on the park this year yet after being shafted with injuries from the get go. I’m predicting the Canes to be a much better side by the time that fixture comes around. You’ll find it will end up being one of the harder games to win on that remaining fixture list once the likes of Aumua, Lomax etc get into form. Am I saying it will be a hiding, no, but it won’t be easy as you’re suggesting. The Landers are also on a horrible losing streak to the Canes so that has to be factored in as well.
Not the Canes thread, but there are a lot of assumptions here. Outside of Higgins & Proctor, who else is really left to come back - and midfield has hardly been an issue.
What if these Highlanders players get themselves fit and we play better?
I’m not suggesting the Landers win this game, because for starters it is weeks away, but as a general point it is incredibly naive to expect any teams form to just magically turnaround from here, because that traditionally hasn’t ever happened in Super Rugby. I’d wager that the current top six stays as it is.
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@frugby said in Highlanders 2025:
@handa457 said in Highlanders 2025:
Sounds like JJ is planning on cutting some contracts short next season. Wonder if Michaels, Wingham, Falefaga and Hastie all get cut?
Faleafaga going to Japan so I hear… Michaels and Wingham clearly aren’t rated, but may depend on if they can get someone better
Here's a left field pick too - I wonder if Bell gets cut and Ioane Mounau from the crusaders gets picked up?
Both signed to their respective sides till 2026. The fact Bell has been picked over Taylor this week I think is telling. Offers more grunt work at this moment in time… I think hooker would be the least of our worries.
faleafaga would be disappointing, thought he was part of the "long term youth rebuild" and we havent seen loads of him yet
@Kiwiwomble said in Highlanders 2025:
@frugby said in Highlanders 2025:
@handa457 said in Highlanders 2025:
Sounds like JJ is planning on cutting some contracts short next season. Wonder if Michaels, Wingham, Falefaga and Hastie all get cut?
Faleafaga going to Japan so I hear… Michaels and Wingham clearly aren’t rated, but may depend on if they can get someone better
faleafaga would be disappointing, thought he was part of the "long term youth rebuild" and we havent seen loads of him yet
Would he really though? In the 12 games he has appeared in, we have won just 2. He has skills to break a game open, but I think the sample size of around 500 minutes (+ what we have seen for Otago) is that he can’t control a game at all.
I’ve said it for a long-time, he should be played in the midfield, or even at fullback.
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@Kiwiwomble said in Highlanders 2025:
@frugby said in Highlanders 2025:
@handa457 said in Highlanders 2025:
Sounds like JJ is planning on cutting some contracts short next season. Wonder if Michaels, Wingham, Falefaga and Hastie all get cut?
Faleafaga going to Japan so I hear… Michaels and Wingham clearly aren’t rated, but may depend on if they can get someone better
faleafaga would be disappointing, thought he was part of the "long term youth rebuild" and we havent seen loads of him yet
Would he really though? In the 12 games he has appeared in, we have won just 2. He has skills to break a game open, but I think the sample size of around 500 minutes (+ what we have seen for Otago) is that he can’t control a game at all.
I’ve said it for a long-time, he should be played in the midfield, or even at fullback.
@frugby i think thats kind of what im feeling, rather than changing the plan we had for him as we see what he naturally....we let him go (maybe)
was it jonah that played loosies through school? when it was clear his strengths might lay elsewhere they didn't just let him go
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@frugby i think thats kind of what im feeling, rather than changing the plan we had for him as we see what he naturally....we let him go (maybe)
was it jonah that played loosies through school? when it was clear his strengths might lay elsewhere they didn't just let him go
@Kiwiwomble said in Highlanders 2025:
@frugby i think thats kind of what im feeling, rather than changing the plan we had for him as we see what he naturally....we let him go (maybe)
was it jonah that played loosies through school? when it was clear his strengths might lay elsewhere they didn't just let him go
There are also other factors at play (such as coachability/attitude to non-selection)... not worth the hassle for a player who despite his talents, is not that good.
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@Kiwiwomble said in Highlanders 2025:
@frugby i think thats kind of what im feeling, rather than changing the plan we had for him as we see what he naturally....we let him go (maybe)
was it jonah that played loosies through school? when it was clear his strengths might lay elsewhere they didn't just let him go
There are also other factors at play (such as coachability/attitude to non-selection)... not worth the hassle for a player who despite his talents, is not that good.
@frugby fair enough
its also not so much him specifically, it was just part of the thing i was optimistic about, we've had a couple of years where the results continue to be average...but there was hope in the long term plan...and its starting to feel like the old days, go form year to year hoping someone gets ignored in auckland and they come down aiming to prove something
