@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2023:
I think the difference between Matera and Burns is the capability of the players and those in the teams.
Matera is one of the best loose forwards in the world, being recruited into one of the best clubs in the world. In terms of options at 6/8 the Crusaders had All Blacks and future Junior All Blacks.
Burns is a player who isn't judged good enough to make his premiership match day squad. He is coming to a team that is in a dire state at 10. It has a few decent young players (Millar, Faleafaga and Hurley). But, the squad players are either struggling at this level, broken or inexperienced. Someone like Burns seems a decent shout despite probably not being up to it. It isn't like Finn Russell coming down at slotting into the Crusaders or the Blues.
Not strictly true. Burns would be wearing the 22 shirt of everyone's fit at Tigers. He's currently injured. He's back up to Pollard this season like he was back up to Ford last season, when he won a player of the month award and came off the bench in the final and scored the winning drop goal. I think the Highlanders fans will like him, he's definitely a character and likes to play attacking rugby (watch for the go to chip and chase move). His tactical kicking is good but he gets frustrated with the kick tennis that's more prevalent in the NH and tries something more innovative which doesn't always come off.
In regards to the Puma you've got I think he's been playing 15 for Bayonne who are doing alright in the Top 14 so might give more overall back three coverage.