Otago 2025
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Have thought about how the Union has gone about things since it dropped the squad this morning. And have a few thoughts
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A part from the ring ins. The rest of the squad was confirmed months ago
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We wouldn't be able to strip a fit team out of the named squad.
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not naming the back up players diminishes the likely significant role they are likely going to play in the campaign
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the current named group lacks balance. We have no back up 10. No fullback, and like the Highlanders, only two locks.
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Almost reads as if there was little wiggle room around adding additional guys.
Nothing against the guys who are named. Injuries sadly will be impacting several of our key guys.
The lads I'm hoping will get a good go are A one Lolofie, Lucas Casey, Konrad Toleafoa and Dylan Pledger.
While Nareki, Te Hiwi, Whaanga, Haig and fingers crossed Hurley will be champing at the bit if they can recover from their injuries.
I'm also hopeful we see the likes of Rique Miln, big Tengblad, Christian MacEwan and Kyan Rangitutia. It would be disappointing if Rangitutia got a decent run last year and not seen this season.
Much more pessimistic this year than last.
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Hi everyone, just got put onto this forum by a work colleague here in Dunedin. Great to see people actually talk about this stuff, been a long time sufferer relying on the Roar for rugby chat.
Seems like it might be another season of hurt unless everyone can stay 100% fit. 10 and lock remain massive issues, particularly if Holland is out on All Black duty. Shoe horning Haig in seems like a waste. Will be interesting to see who the captain is
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Hurley being gone for the season is a blow for us, but Gilbert is a very tidy 15 at NPC level - to say we have no fullback is harsh. Ditto, to say 10 is an issue I think is equally harsh. At NPC level, Cam Millar is a very good first five - getting a run of games will probably do him a world of good. Accounting for injuries, here is what we could look like v the Stags in R1:
- Lopas
- Bell
- Ma'u
- Tamani
- Tucker
- Toleafoa
- Casey
- Stodart
- Hastie
- Millar
- Asi
- Umaga-Jensen
- Timu
- Powell
- Gilbert
- Coltman
- Pole
- Wingham
- ?
- Taylor
- Pledger
- ?
- ?
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Hurley being gone for the season is a blow for us, but Gilbert is a very tidy 15 at NPC level - to say we have no fullback is harsh. Ditto, to say 10 is an issue I think is equally harsh. At NPC level, Cam Millar is a very good first five - getting a run of games will probably do him a world of good. Accounting for injuries, here is what we could look like v the Stags in R1:
- Lopas
- Bell
- Ma'u
- Tamani
- Tucker
- Toleafoa
- Casey
- Stodart
- Hastie
- Millar
- Asi
- Umaga-Jensen
- Timu
- Powell
- Gilbert
- Coltman
- Pole
- Wingham
- ?
- Taylor
- Pledger
- ?
- ?
@frugby in fairness...he said no BACK UP 10...
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@frugby in fairness...he said no BACK UP 10...
@Kiwiwomble said in Otago 2025:
@frugby in fairness...he said no BACK UP 10...
Cheers for that. If he read the post properly it would have blunted his swipe a bit.
I stand by what I wrote yesterday. The fact the team listed above has question marks instead of options is reflective of the issues with the squad that was named yesterday.
I'd change that pack around a bit. I do not want to see Coltman there unless we have to. So same front row. Then
Stodart and Tucker at lock. With Casey, Taylor and Toleafoa in the loose.
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@Kiwiwomble said in Otago 2025:
@frugby in fairness...he said no BACK UP 10...
Cheers for that. If he read the post properly it would have blunted his swipe a bit.
I stand by what I wrote yesterday. The fact the team listed above has question marks instead of options is reflective of the issues with the squad that was named yesterday.
I'd change that pack around a bit. I do not want to see Coltman there unless we have to. So same front row. Then
Stodart and Tucker at lock. With Casey, Taylor and Toleafoa in the loose.
@SouthernMann said in Otago 2025:
@Kiwiwomble said in Otago 2025:
@frugby in fairness...he said no BACK UP 10...
Cheers for that. If he read the post properly it would have blunted his swipe a bit.
I stand by what I wrote yesterday. The fact the team listed above has question marks instead of options is reflective of the issues with the squad that was named yesterday.
I'd change that pack around a bit. I do not want to see Coltman there unless we have to. So same front row. Then
Stodart and Tucker at lock. With Casey, Taylor and Toleafoa in the loose.
There’s two posts mate. Was referring to the other one which said 10 is an issue
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@SouthernMann said in Otago 2025:
@Kiwiwomble said in Otago 2025:
@frugby in fairness...he said no BACK UP 10...
Cheers for that. If he read the post properly it would have blunted his swipe a bit.
I stand by what I wrote yesterday. The fact the team listed above has question marks instead of options is reflective of the issues with the squad that was named yesterday.
I'd change that pack around a bit. I do not want to see Coltman there unless we have to. So same front row. Then
Stodart and Tucker at lock. With Casey, Taylor and Toleafoa in the loose.
There’s two posts mate. Was referring to the other one which said 10 is an issue
@frugby in that case i would saying only having one proper 10 is an issue
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@SouthernMann said in Otago 2025:
@Kiwiwomble said in Otago 2025:
@frugby in fairness...he said no BACK UP 10...
Cheers for that. If he read the post properly it would have blunted his swipe a bit.
I stand by what I wrote yesterday. The fact the team listed above has question marks instead of options is reflective of the issues with the squad that was named yesterday.
I'd change that pack around a bit. I do not want to see Coltman there unless we have to. So same front row. Then
Stodart and Tucker at lock. With Casey, Taylor and Toleafoa in the loose.
There’s two posts mate. Was referring to the other one which said 10 is an issue
@frugby said in Otago 2025:
@SouthernMann said in Otago 2025:
@Kiwiwomble said in Otago 2025:
@frugby in fairness...he said no BACK UP 10...
Cheers for that. If he read the post properly it would have blunted his swipe a bit.
I stand by what I wrote yesterday. The fact the team listed above has question marks instead of options is reflective of the issues with the squad that was named yesterday.
I'd change that pack around a bit. I do not want to see Coltman there unless we have to. So same front row. Then
Stodart and Tucker at lock. With Casey, Taylor and Toleafoa in the loose.
There’s two posts mate. Was referring to the other one which said 10 is an issue
I meant 10 is an issue if Millar goes down injured. The same way lock “isn’t an issue” Holland can play and there aren’t any injuries. The lack of cover is an issue, particularly if Hurley is out. Gilbert shifts to 10 then who plays fullback? That’s definitely an issue wouldn’t you say?
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@frugby said in Otago 2025:
@SouthernMann said in Otago 2025:
@Kiwiwomble said in Otago 2025:
@frugby in fairness...he said no BACK UP 10...
Cheers for that. If he read the post properly it would have blunted his swipe a bit.
I stand by what I wrote yesterday. The fact the team listed above has question marks instead of options is reflective of the issues with the squad that was named yesterday.
I'd change that pack around a bit. I do not want to see Coltman there unless we have to. So same front row. Then
Stodart and Tucker at lock. With Casey, Taylor and Toleafoa in the loose.
There’s two posts mate. Was referring to the other one which said 10 is an issue
I meant 10 is an issue if Millar goes down injured. The same way lock “isn’t an issue” Holland can play and there aren’t any injuries. The lack of cover is an issue, particularly if Hurley is out. Gilbert shifts to 10 then who plays fullback? That’s definitely an issue wouldn’t you say?
@jimmyb said in Otago 2025:
@frugby said in Otago 2025:
@SouthernMann said in Otago 2025:
@Kiwiwomble said in Otago 2025:
@frugby in fairness...he said no BACK UP 10...
Cheers for that. If he read the post properly it would have blunted his swipe a bit.
I stand by what I wrote yesterday. The fact the team listed above has question marks instead of options is reflective of the issues with the squad that was named yesterday.
I'd change that pack around a bit. I do not want to see Coltman there unless we have to. So same front row. Then
Stodart and Tucker at lock. With Casey, Taylor and Toleafoa in the loose.
There’s two posts mate. Was referring to the other one which said 10 is an issue
I meant 10 is an issue if Millar goes down injured. The same way lock “isn’t an issue” Holland can play and there aren’t any injuries. The lack of cover is an issue, particularly if Hurley is out. Gilbert shifts to 10 then who plays fullback? That’s definitely an issue wouldn’t you say?
@jimmyb said in Otago 2025:
@frugby said in Otago 2025:
@SouthernMann said in Otago 2025:
@Kiwiwomble said in Otago 2025:
@frugby in fairness...he said no BACK UP 10...
Cheers for that. If he read the post properly it would have blunted his swipe a bit.
I stand by what I wrote yesterday. The fact the team listed above has question marks instead of options is reflective of the issues with the squad that was named yesterday.
I'd change that pack around a bit. I do not want to see Coltman there unless we have to. So same front row. Then
Stodart and Tucker at lock. With Casey, Taylor and Toleafoa in the loose.
There’s two posts mate. Was referring to the other one which said 10 is an issue
I meant 10 is an issue if Millar goes down injured. The same way lock “isn’t an issue” Holland can play and there aren’t any injuries. The lack of cover is an issue, particularly if Hurley is out. Gilbert shifts to 10 then who plays fullback? That’s definitely an issue wouldn’t you say?
I actually think loose forward shapes as a bigger problem straight off the bat with Haig out. Unless someone really steps up, I think we screwed there… I’m not so concerned about the lack of a backup for Millar, because there will be someone (probably Miln), even if not on a full contract. Likewise at lock, I still fully expect to see heaps of Tengblad.
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@frugby in that case i would saying only having one proper 10 is an issue
@Kiwiwomble See the other post. Otago have just named their squad really weirdly. There is loads of development players, I can’t understand why they don’t just name them.
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@jimmyb said in Otago 2025:
@frugby said in Otago 2025:
@SouthernMann said in Otago 2025:
@Kiwiwomble said in Otago 2025:
@frugby in fairness...he said no BACK UP 10...
Cheers for that. If he read the post properly it would have blunted his swipe a bit.
I stand by what I wrote yesterday. The fact the team listed above has question marks instead of options is reflective of the issues with the squad that was named yesterday.
I'd change that pack around a bit. I do not want to see Coltman there unless we have to. So same front row. Then
Stodart and Tucker at lock. With Casey, Taylor and Toleafoa in the loose.
There’s two posts mate. Was referring to the other one which said 10 is an issue
I meant 10 is an issue if Millar goes down injured. The same way lock “isn’t an issue” Holland can play and there aren’t any injuries. The lack of cover is an issue, particularly if Hurley is out. Gilbert shifts to 10 then who plays fullback? That’s definitely an issue wouldn’t you say?
@jimmyb said in Otago 2025:
@frugby said in Otago 2025:
@SouthernMann said in Otago 2025:
@Kiwiwomble said in Otago 2025:
@frugby in fairness...he said no BACK UP 10...
Cheers for that. If he read the post properly it would have blunted his swipe a bit.
I stand by what I wrote yesterday. The fact the team listed above has question marks instead of options is reflective of the issues with the squad that was named yesterday.
I'd change that pack around a bit. I do not want to see Coltman there unless we have to. So same front row. Then
Stodart and Tucker at lock. With Casey, Taylor and Toleafoa in the loose.
There’s two posts mate. Was referring to the other one which said 10 is an issue
I meant 10 is an issue if Millar goes down injured. The same way lock “isn’t an issue” Holland can play and there aren’t any injuries. The lack of cover is an issue, particularly if Hurley is out. Gilbert shifts to 10 then who plays fullback? That’s definitely an issue wouldn’t you say?
I actually think loose forward shapes as a bigger problem straight off the bat with Haig out. Unless someone really steps up, I think we screwed there… I’m not so concerned about the lack of a backup for Millar, because there will be someone (probably Miln), even if not on a full contract. Likewise at lock, I still fully expect to see heaps of Tengblad.
@frugby said in Otago 2025:
@jimmyb said in Otago 2025:
@frugby said in Otago 2025:
@SouthernMann said in Otago 2025:
@Kiwiwomble said in Otago 2025:
@frugby in fairness...he said no BACK UP 10...
Cheers for that. If he read the post properly it would have blunted his swipe a bit.
I stand by what I wrote yesterday. The fact the team listed above has question marks instead of options is reflective of the issues with the squad that was named yesterday.
I'd change that pack around a bit. I do not want to see Coltman there unless we have to. So same front row. Then
Stodart and Tucker at lock. With Casey, Taylor and Toleafoa in the loose.
There’s two posts mate. Was referring to the other one which said 10 is an issue
I meant 10 is an issue if Millar goes down injured. The same way lock “isn’t an issue” Holland can play and there aren’t any injuries. The lack of cover is an issue, particularly if Hurley is out. Gilbert shifts to 10 then who plays fullback? That’s definitely an issue wouldn’t you say?
@jimmyb said in Otago 2025:
@frugby said in Otago 2025:
@SouthernMann said in Otago 2025:
@Kiwiwomble said in Otago 2025:
@frugby in fairness...he said no BACK UP 10...
Cheers for that. If he read the post properly it would have blunted his swipe a bit.
I stand by what I wrote yesterday. The fact the team listed above has question marks instead of options is reflective of the issues with the squad that was named yesterday.
I'd change that pack around a bit. I do not want to see Coltman there unless we have to. So same front row. Then
Stodart and Tucker at lock. With Casey, Taylor and Toleafoa in the loose.
There’s two posts mate. Was referring to the other one which said 10 is an issue
I meant 10 is an issue if Millar goes down injured. The same way lock “isn’t an issue” Holland can play and there aren’t any injuries. The lack of cover is an issue, particularly if Hurley is out. Gilbert shifts to 10 then who plays fullback? That’s definitely an issue wouldn’t you say?
I actually think loose forward shapes as a bigger problem straight off the bat with Haig out. Unless someone really steps up, I think we screwed there… I’m not so concerned about the lack of a backup for Millar, because there will be someone (probably Miln), even if not on a full contract. Likewise at lock, I still fully expect to see heaps of Tengblad.
Wasn’t aware that the development players could just come straight in. Seems incredibly stupid not to just to have them as full contracted players from the start. Agreed with the loose forwards. Without Haig (and likely Holland and CLW), the set piece and ruck is going to be a massive issue.
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Otago alongside Southland will be running a mini in-season sub union tournament.
The two Otago metro sides feature several fuys who will feature heavily in the NPC
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Have thought about how the Union has gone about things since it dropped the squad this morning. And have a few thoughts
-
A part from the ring ins. The rest of the squad was confirmed months ago
-
We wouldn't be able to strip a fit team out of the named squad.
-
not naming the back up players diminishes the likely significant role they are likely going to play in the campaign
-
the current named group lacks balance. We have no back up 10. No fullback, and like the Highlanders, only two locks.
-
Almost reads as if there was little wiggle room around adding additional guys.
Nothing against the guys who are named. Injuries sadly will be impacting several of our key guys.
The lads I'm hoping will get a good go are A one Lolofie, Lucas Casey, Konrad Toleafoa and Dylan Pledger.
While Nareki, Te Hiwi, Whaanga, Haig and fingers crossed Hurley will be champing at the bit if they can recover from their injuries.
I'm also hopeful we see the likes of Rique Miln, big Tengblad, Christian MacEwan and Kyan Rangitutia. It would be disappointing if Rangitutia got a decent run last year and not seen this season.
Much more pessimistic this year than last.
@SouthernMann - The good thing with Kyan Rangitutia he can cover both wings, fullback and midfield. He has had his first year, he be more confidant this year, just needs the coaches to show him some trust and he will get the job done week in week out.
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Looks like the Blue side is what we should almost expect for round 1
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Ale Aho has popped up, playing for Southland.
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Hopefully with Hastie gone, we prioritise Dylan Pledger as our starting 9
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Hopefully with Hastie gone, we prioritise Dylan Pledger as our starting 9
@SouthernMann said in Otago 2025:
Hopefully with Hastie gone, we prioritise Dylan Pledger as our starting 9
It would make sense and here’s hoping he starts the majority of games but this is modern day Otago we are talking about… let’s hope the approach is a bit different under Mark Brown.
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Hopefully with Hastie gone, we prioritise Dylan Pledger as our starting 9
@SouthernMann I expect Pledger to be better than Hastie anyway, but I honestly hope Otago do what is best for Otago... I am sick and tired of us being crap.
