Highlanders v Reds
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Highlanders team to play the Reds (7.35pm, Friday 22 February, Dunedin)
1 Ayden Johnstone
2 Liam Coltman
3 Tyrel Lomax
4 Jackson Hemopo
5 Josh Dickson
6 Shannon Frizell
7 Dillon Hunt
8 Luke Whitelock (cc)
9 Aaron Smith
10 Josh Ioane
11 Tevita Li
12 Teihorangi Walden
13 Rob Thompson
14 Waisake Naholo
15 Ben Smith (cc)Reserves
16 Ash Dixon
17 Daniel Lienert-Brown
18 Siate Tokolahi
19 Jack Whetton
20 Marino Mikaele Tu’u
21 Kayne Hammington
22 Marty Banks
23 Matt FaddesUnavailable due to injury: Tevita Nabura – knee (season), Liam Squire (hip)
Jackson Hemopo will return to lock for the Highlanders clash on Friday night against the Reds. Hemopo who was impressive in the first-round win against the Chiefs makes way for Shannon Frizell on the blindside. Dillon Hunt will replace James Lentjes at openside and Marino Mikaele Tu’u who can play all three loose forward positions is on the bench. Jack Whetton, a hard driving lock, will make his Super Rugby debut off the bench for the Highlanders. In the backs, Aaron Smith, will start at halfback and after a good first up performance, Josh Ioane, retains the number 10 jersey with the experienced Marty Banks as back up. Teihorangi Walden will resume his midfield partnership with Rob Thompson and there will be an opportunity for a Waisake Naholo crowd chant as he takes his familiar place on the right wing. Pulse Energy Highlanders Head Coach, Aaron Mauger, is expecting a tough encounter against a fresh Reds following their first round bye, “the Reds will bring a lot of energy and physicality to the encounter, history shows it’s always a tough game for us. The team is excited to be at home in front of our own fans for the first time this season, no doubt the players will draw some energy from their support”.
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Are Buckman and Franklin injured, not selected or not back from Japan yet?
Tu'u looking good for an AB cap with his selection on the reserves bench.
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Has Parkinson been dropped or is he injured? Thought he did really well last week.
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@Nepia I think Buckman and Franklin started training with the Landers last week. So probably not match ready, yet.
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Parkinson seems unlucky, but that looks like a better landers team. Them by plenty I’d say.
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I'd pick Parkinson over Dickson in a heartbeat (not even necessary to mention Whetton). Odd selection decision if Parkinson isn't injured.
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They did say they’d take him slowly, and if he’s going to miss games, this looks a good one.
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@gt12 said in Highlanders v Reds:
They did say they’d take him slowly, and if he’s going to miss games, this looks a good one.
Not entirely sure what you mean with that, but the main question is why? I can't remember Parkinson getting injured on the Maori ABs tour? I agree this is one of those games you could use to give players a rest, if needed.
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You’ll have to ask the coaches - I just remember reading it in an article, with something about also having plenty of locking options.
Here:
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@gt12 Thanks for posting that article. It's clear now that they intend to carefully manage the workload of some of their players - including Parkinson - due to their age.
His ability to hit rucks with his big frame was always going to see him rise quickly but Hammett said the Highlanders had also built up his fitness. "Pari was one of those guys who had it [size] anyway, but some young guys take a while to grow into their bodies, or to feel comfortable with it," Hammett said. "For us it was being able to run with it and Tyrel [Lomax] is very similar. "He had the size and it was just around being able to run and maintain intensity." Despite Parkinson's obvious potential Hammett said the Highlanders would monitor the workloads of all their young forwards. From hard-won experience at the Hurricanes, where he held back Ardie Savea and Beauden Barrett in their own interests, Hammett acknowledges it isn't an easy sell to the public. However, he said there would be no compromises when it came to player welfare. "For us it's managing the load for a young player that's playing well that we don't burn them out," Hammett said.
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Bryce Hegarty, Chris Feauai-Sautia, Jordan Petaia, Samu Kerevi (c), Sefa Naivalu, Hamish Stewart, Moses Sorovi, Caleb Timu, Liam Wright, Angus Scott-Young, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Izack Rodda, Taniela Tupou, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Feao Fotuaika
Reserves: Alex Mafi, Harry Hoopert, Ruan Smith, Harry Hockings, Fraser McReight, Tate McDermott, Duncan Paia’aua, Isaac Lucas
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Reds media release (handy to know which players are on debut): http://www.redsrugby.com.au/News/NewsArticles/tabid/581/ArticleID/18470/St-George-Queensland-Reds-name-team-for-first-match-of-2019-against-Highlanders.aspx
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@Duluth Far out that is a very weak Reds side.
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So of the starting 15 for the Reds 8 were born overseas. 4 from NZ, 2 Fiji, 1 Tonga and 1 South Africa. Its always great to see Australians embracing multiculturalism.
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@chimoaus said in Highlanders v Reds:
So of the starting 15 for the Reds 8 were born overseas. 4 from NZ, 2 Fiji, 1 Tonga and 1 South Africa. Its always great to see Australians embracing multiculturalism.
to be fair that's probably a pretty fair reflection of Brisbane rugby
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@mariner4life people actually want to move there. It's weird, tbh
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A Smith - Ioane - B Smith - Thompson! Great team try!
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How is this clown permitted to ref at this level? Maul brought down twice in front of him and nothing.
Try regardless after Smith steps inside and Thompson with a perfect line in support.
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@antipodean said in Highlanders v Reds:
How is this clown permitted to ref at this level? Maul brought down twice in front of him and nothing.
Try regardless after Smith steps inside and Thompson with a perfect line in support.
#refwhinge
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Highlanders first up defence getting exposed by the Reds.
