Reds v Highlanders

[Stargazer]

I can't help thinking that the Landers are not as good as last year. That's a bit unexpected, as last year they had an awful lot of injuries and this year they have not.

[Tordah]

Well, I saw today why DLB was not on the AB's radar. Many, many missed tackles and getting partially dominated by a fat kid that looks barely out of puberty

[Siam]

@stargazer

Yeah last year they coped remarkably well with many injuries, a bit like the Chiefs this year, but the game plan demands high accuracy on attack which was lacking tonight.

Certainly a few creaks and leaks there now

But

With key players rested I'll fucken take that win!

Reds kicking the ball away with 5 to go was flabbergasting.

We're playing ugly but a win away and a break.

Should have scored a try in the last 15 or so

Smith was class. Made the win happen

Ref is an example of how inconsistent law interpretations between refs is frustrating. Many base of the ruck turnovers were just players coming in from and up the side according to most interpretations

Reds blew it really, and that's always funny

[pukunui]

Is that 42:1?

[Smuts]

@siam you’re right most refs would call it. But they’d be wrong. Genuine question: which rule applies?

Those reds were attempting to win the ruck, Smith is the only Highlander on his feet over the ball - why can’t they play him?

[Siam]

@smuts I'm not across many laws in the modern game and, like many, I rely on observable patterns.

Taking out the halfback with the ball at his feet nearly always results in a penalty, doing it off your feet like Higggenwankstain did might satisfy a law wording - I don't know, but on field interpretations seem to trump the rulebook these days and patterns are patterns

[98blueandgold]

I must say I am super happy with the win! I was sure we were going to let this one slip before the game.
Happy to see Squire back just adds an edge. Thought game changed when Aaron came on, just manages game so well you never feel worried, Sopoaga going isnt going to be a huge loss, its when Smith goes we will see issues.
Set piece still a worry but again im just happy with a win.

[Damo]

@98blueandgold Yep me too. Very happy with the surprise win

[Nepia]

@98blueandgold Yep, if any game highlights Smith's value to his team it's this one. They wouldn't have won without him.

Sopoaga has been pants this year - what has happened to him?

[taniwharugby]

love seeing those passes from Aaron Smith when it goes behind the dummy runner out to the next guy, this one was a shorted one to Squire but still a joy to watch.

[shark]

Didn't see the game. In the pics I've seen it looks like they've ditched those appalling fluorescent yellow/green jumpers and reverted to the more normal green: would this be correct?

[Siam]

@shark nah, afraid not, still look like they've just finished a shift retrieving shopping trolleys

[shark]

Bugger. Weird how they're so bloody hard on the eye on TV but in pics they look like the green they used to wear.

[No Quarter]

@nepia said in Reds v Highlanders:

@98blueandgold Yep, if any game highlights Smith's value to his team it's this one. They wouldn't have won without him.

Sopoaga has been pants this year - what has happened to him?

Lost his aura since declaring he was heading overseas.