Highlanders 2025
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@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
Tai Cribb.
Apparently he is going to play for Auckland this year, but the Blues should have four locks and two lock/six players in their squad too. Worth signing?
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@Tim said in Highlanders 2025:
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
Tai Cribb.
Apparently he is going to play for Auckland this year, but the Blues should have four locks and two lock/six players in their squad too. Worth signing?
He looks a short lock who hasn't filled out yet. We have guys like Stodart, Haig and Howden who are all similar heights and have filled out. Would just seem like bringing in another guy of the same variation.
Haven't seen much of Makiri @Bones. How does he go. I reckon there could be an NPC outside or two who could play their way in. We could be looking for up to three outside backs with Gilbert leaving, likely Lowe and a question mark over Nareki...
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@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
Tai Cribb.
Aha, looks like he is only 1.94m. Although ... Jackson Hemopo was about that height, and was a very good player.
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@SouthernMann seems quick with decent smarts, couldn't tell you much else! Stood out to me whenever I saw him play.
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@Tim said in Highlanders 2025:
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
Tai Cribb.
Aha, looks like he is only 1.94m. Although ... Jackson Hemopo was about that height, and was a very good player.
Yeah was absolute quality. A real what if player interms of what he could have been.
With Cribb, I just think we have several similar players (size wise), and that spot could be better utilised chasing an 8 that can bend the line.
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@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
A real what if player interms of what he could have been.
We might not have to wonder if Ah Kuoi gets called up, definitely deserves it.
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@Kiwiwomble said in Highlanders 2025:
Sam Gilbert (?)
Has this been reported yet?
Sam Gilbert joins Connacht Rugby | 9th May 2025 | News
Connacht Rugby is delighted to announce the signing of New Zealand back Sam Gilbert from Super Rugby side the Highlanders. The 26-year old arrives with a wealth of experience in the highest level of southern hemisphere rugby. He has made 56 Super Rugby appearances for the Dunedin-based outfit,
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@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
@Tim said in Highlanders 2025:
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
Tai Cribb.
Apparently he is going to play for Auckland this year, but the Blues should have four locks and two lock/six players in their squad too. Worth signing?
He looks a short lock who hasn't filled out yet.
Cribb's best position is 6, but he has got by as a lock at U20 and NPC level.
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@Bovidae I agree, but that also assumes these guys wanted to come. Not signing Will Tucker was a fuck up, but also, the bigger issues was Haig & Naeta, who were probably the two down to cover lock, have been unavailable for most of the season.
Hard to say whether not contracting locks is the issue, because we have refused to play our loose forwards there, which was presumably the plan.
There is a long-term plan, I would not be surprised if someone like James Thompson said no to a one-year deal.
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@Daffy-Jaffy yeah, whole discussion just above your post
i agree there are similarities between gilbert and Collins just with their positions switched, Gilbert was growing nicely at 15 and then got moved to the midfield (and every other backline position) when we were short and never quite kicked on...collins was the other way, a very handy midfielder...that got shuffled out to 15 and then got a lot of shit for not being a 15. it maddening in a world where ive seen people have heated debates about the idea of a 13 playing 12....we shuffle other guys around that showed some promise like cheese pieces and then critique them form for not getting better
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@Kiwiwomble It will be interesting to see what position he ends up playing at Connacht.
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@Daffy-Jaffy said in Highlanders 2025:
@Kiwiwomble It will be interesting to see what position he ends up playing at Connacht.
Specialist no 23.
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@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
@Daffy-Jaffy said in Highlanders 2025:
@Kiwiwomble It will be interesting to see what position he ends up playing at Connacht.
Specialist no 23.
Ah, the Manson clause contract, I believe it's now called in rugby circles.
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@Daffy-Jaffy said in Highlanders 2025:
@Kiwiwomble It will be interesting to see what position he ends up playing at Connacht.
They don't have a full back next season so probably there. They had cordero from Argentina but he was poor in defence and poor tactical kicking. If sams goal kicking is over 75% they will love him.
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Injury update.
Nikora Broughton (knee MCL / 2-3 weeks)
Caleb Tangitau (TBC)
James Arscott (Shoulder / TBC)
Hugh Renton (Groin / TBC)
Finn Hurley (Quad / Season)
Hayden Michaels (Hamstring / Season)
Ajay Faleafaga (Broken hand / Season)Concerning to see Tangitau upgraded to a ‘TBC’.
Renton also with a TBC, with the kind of issue he’s got I’d put him on ice for the rest of the season. No need to make the issue worse with the season all but over. Also gets these younger guys extra minutes.
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@Landers92 said in Highlanders 2025:
Concerning to see Tangitau upgraded to a ‘TBC’.
This was posted in the match thread:
@Nogusta said in Hurricanes vs Highlanders:
Tangitau not likely to play again this SR season.
Hearing he may need surgery -
@Duluth said in Highlanders 2025:
@Landers92 said in Highlanders 2025:
Concerning to see Tangitau upgraded to a ‘TBC’.
This was posted in the match thread:
@Nogusta said in Hurricanes vs Highlanders:
Tangitau not likely to play again this SR season.
Hearing he may need surgeryThere was chat that could be the case… didn’t want to believe it. Incredibly disappointing if it ends up happening. Feel like he was ready for the next step up too. Groin injuries are nothing to mess with so hope he gets it right.
