Highlanders vs. Blues

[Stargazer]

Does anyone know for how long Moala is still signed with the Blues? All I can find is info about him re-signing (in October 2014) for the 2015 & 2016 seasons, but nothing about the next re-signing. I'm asking because with the arrival of SBW at the Blues, his starting days may be over soon (if SBW performs well and stays healthy), unless they move him to the left wing and Nanai to fullback at the expense of Collins. So I'm wondering for how many seasons he has re-signed in 2016.

[mariner4life]

That's only a hooker away from a sick team.

[Frye]

Strong looking backline.
Even better when SBW starts and Moala comes off the bench .

[Tim]

Highlanders: Ben Smith (c), Tevita Li, Malakai Fekitoa, Richard Buckman, Patrick Osborne, Marty Banks, Aaron Smith, Luke Whitelock, Dillon Hunt, Elliot Dixon, Tom Franklin, Alex Ainley, Siosuia Halanukonuka, Liam Coltman, Daniel Lienert-Brown.

Reserves: Greg Pleasants-Tate, Aki Seiuli, Siate Tokolahi, Joe Wheeler, Liam Squire, Kayne Hammington, Fletcher Smith, Matt Faddes.

[Tim]

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/91265587/all-blacks-liam-squire-and-ben-smith-return-to-highlanders-for-crunch-match

[Bovidae]

I'm looking forward to this game, with plenty of important match-ups looking ahead to AB selection.

Can the Blues finally beat a NZ team away from home?

[Chris B.]

@Bovidae Man-for-man, on paper, they should do - but, I will have no money riding on them.

[antipodean]

I know I've made this error before, but man for man I think the Blues have this, despite the returning players for the Clan.

[Stargazer]

Tuipulotu ruled out of the game; Tupou takes his place on the bench.

[Tim]

Fug. What was the reason?

[nzzp]

@Stargazer

Ouch. Tuipolotou a big loss. Short on ball carriers iin the forwards now I reckon

[Stargazer]

@Tim They (the commentators) didn't say why.

[ACT Crusader]

I like this backline for the Landers. Good combinations with complimentary skills. I'd actually have it ahead of the Blues one, but I do like the Blues forward pack if PT was starting.

[Gunner]

How good is Duffie in the air?
3 standout takes in less than 4 minutes.

[Stargazer]

Commentators about Pulu: "He's been great all season". Seriously?

[KiwiMurph]

TJ 'Blues didn't want Tevita Li' - well actually they did want to retain him you knob, he chose to go south.

[mariner4life]

Great try! White boys carving up!

[Gunner]

@Gunner said in Highlanders vs. Blues:

How good is Duffie in the air?
3 standout takes in less than 4 minutes.

Not too bad at creating a bit of good attack either.

Most improved certificate for 2017 goes to you pal!

[Mattasaurus]

Great try

[nzzp]

@Gunner said in Highlanders vs. Blues:

Most improved certificate for 2017 goes to you pal!

Beats the 'certificates of participation' we have been handing out