Highlanders vs Chiefs

Bovidae

From my understanding kautai and Aumua are available. Just that kautai isn’t getting selected

Kautai was meant to be on the bench for the Sharks game but was a late withdrawl with his back injury. I haven't seen his name in the Marist side in club rugby so maybe he is still having issues.

Aumua and Verney have been dud selections for whatever reason.

gt12

@stargazer said in Highlanders vs Chiefs:

@gt12 said in Highlanders vs Chiefs:

@bovidae said in Highlanders vs Chiefs:

@gt12
I agree, but they have decided Alaimalo is their fullback. I'll be fucked off if Stevenson doesn't re-sign although the Blues aren't an attractive option.

Good to see Cane back.

At least play him at 14 then, so he is selected at the level he deserves to play at, and gets a chance to be in front of the AB selectors. WTF is Cooper doing?

Wainui plays for Taranaki; Stevenson doesn't.

Fuck.

Thanks, but, fuck. He’ll never break in now.

Wainui on the bench is just his role too, covers midfield and wing.

Crucial

@nepia said in Highlanders vs Chiefs:

What is frustrating about this is Stevenson is an original member of the squad, Wainui-Cooper is a replacement who has stayed around and held a spot in his non preferred position. He's actually been playing ok, but Alaimalo and Stevenson just offer more in a back 3.

You'd have to think there were reasons seen in training that we aren't party to. Either that or Cooper sees more value in Stevenson being an impact player.

TBF though, I see Stevenson come on sometimes and 'out-flaky' DMac. He does some great things and some odd things.
The type of stuff that will iron out with more gametime, but maybe Cooper doesn't feel he can afford that from a starter.

Bones

Yeah Stevenson reminds me of a slightly better Ambrose Curtis. I haven't seen him stake a claim and I reckon Wainui has actually been very good this season. So it strikes me as odd that people are up in arms over what appears to be a 60/40 decision in Wainui's favour.

ARHS

Wainui had defensive and positional lapses on several occasions early in the season, costing tries. He seemed a bit slow to anticipate things on the wing and got flat-footed - leaving huge gaps. But, he has improved, and got better on attack. Stevenson can have suspect hands, but covers the ground very well and makes cover tackles, and does clearance kicks well. I felt that Alaimalo lost confidence mid-season, but has height to contest the aerial ball, and for finishing. I want to see the investment made in Stevenson as I feel he has the most potential of the 3, just ahead of Alaimalo.

The frustration comes from seeing original selections like Stevenson, Aumua and Kautai overlooked for replacements like Wainui and Prattley, while Fa'aulii and Sowakula seemed to get extended opportunities ahead of others. At least we are seeing continuity, and combinations being developed.

Talisker

I've only managed to catch a few games so far this season, Rob Thompson has caught my eye, he's been playing well when I've watched the matches.
What up with Dan Pryor? Has he been injured?

I should be able to watch the rest of the season now, looking forward to it

cgrant

I would have liked to see Paripari Parkinson on the bench. He was impressive vs the French Barbarians. He should be fielded against more serious opposition (i.e The Chiefs) to test his qualities.

taniwharugby

@talisker yeah Pryor has been injured (although played recently) and has also signed to Sanix BLues in Japan.

gt12

Alaimalo in!!

Player intro says Alaimalo is 196 cm tall, another giraffe!

Didn’t realize he was so tall.

gt12

ALB with a great little offload there.

I have to admit, if they can use him like that, Alaimalo will be very useful at 15. Just need to get Stevenson at 14.

gt12

Highlanders look like they’re still in NZ.

Chiefs in - very patient.

taniwharugby

@gt12 yep every bit of it!

gt12

Fuck me, Ngatai takes 60 using the wind.

taniwharugby

who's 'home' game is it?

kiwiinmelb

Highlanders look asleep

gt12

@taniwharugby

I fucked up my tipping because I forgot this game was in Fiji!

KiwiMurph

@taniwharugby said in Highlanders vs Chiefs:

who's 'home' game is it?

Highlanders

gt12

Chiefs in again...

Jacobsen looks pretty good so far. It’s all Chiefs though, so that’s not surprising I guess.

What’s this wind worth?

Stargazer

TJ about Tu'inukuafe: "Rumour is that he might be heading south next year".

Where?????? There are three franchise south of the Chiefs. Which team needs a LH? Crusaders lose Crockzilla, what about the Canes and Landers?

taniwharugby

@stargazer so the rumour of the CHiefs roster being full obviously didnt include Tu'inukuafe

The Silver Fern

Highlanders vs Chiefs