Highlanders 2019 Discussion
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Thanks @Stargazer for making these lists. It's hard to keep track of what is and isn't official yet
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From your list the glaring issue is a five-eighth. The forwards are competent grafters (largely). But the depth is a problem across the board.
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@antipodean Gatland will probably do alright in that structure.
The issue is whether the current coaches can perform at the Joseph/Brown level. The 40 points conceded per game at the end of the season suggest not.
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@antipodean said in Highlanders 2019 Discussion:
From your list the glaring issue is a five-eighth.
Maybe they could get Hayden Parker back? He's had a few good moments for the Sunwolves this year
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@duluth said in Highlanders 2019 Discussion:
@antipodean said in Highlanders 2019 Discussion:
From your list the glaring issue is a five-eighth.
Maybe they could get Hayden Parker back? He's had a few good moments for the Sunwolves this year
I wondered about that too. They seem to have somehow stalled Fletcher Smiths' development so may as well get an older guy back.
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Having a look around I hope the Highlanders lock in some talent long term, take it from under the nose of others.
I would target a few HB talent. looking at how Hurricanes might be blocked by talent already there. Kereru-Symes, Fakatava, Flanders and even Farrell are long term prospects behind Coltman, Smith, Whitelock. Could be coup for them coming together and learning behind those players.
Also Whetton I would target.
Still worried about first 5, Gatland aint it sorry, not long term at super level. Is perofeta locked into Blues? I would try to snare him away.
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@98blueandgold Flanders has already been signed by the Canes (for 3 years IIRC).
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@98blueandgold Is Ioane not the answer either?
I assume one of the reasons Smith came to Waikato was that he wouldn't have started much for Otago this season.
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@stargazer Bastard!
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@bovidae No, Smith is playing the best of all of them but he is not a long term super rugby answer. It will only be a problem once Smith and Smith leave after the world cup, until that time the 10 will not need to be as dominant.
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@98blueandgold From my observations at Canes pre season earlier this year, they will have Farrell locked up aswell.
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@canes4life great photo
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An article about the quest for the Highlanders to find a starting 10 with a look through Mitre 10 Cup 10s. It's fair to say the cupboard is pretty bare. I full expect the Highlanders are on a substantial hunt overseas, to either bring back a New Zealand player or find someone with a bit of experience to bring in for a year or two. The player I would be going after would be Tom Taylor, just a good steady player and can work in well with exciting outside. But I would say he's on big bikkies over in France, and it would be too hard to turn that money down.
The Highlanders are on the hunt for a third first five-eighth and the Mitre 10 Cup is their hunting range. So can they catch a roaring stag or is it only runts that can be bagged in the national domestic competition?
Tough to find quality No 10
The Highlanders are on the hunt for a third first five-eighth and the Mitre 10 Cup is their hunting range.
Rugby writer Steve Hepburn takes a look around the Mitre 10 Cup and sees if it is more rocks than diamonds.
Northland
Jack Debreczeni
Verdict: Not a bad player, runs reasonably well, good in the tackle and rugged enough.
Chances of heading south: Slight. Born in New Zealand but lived most of life in Australia. Played for the Rebels last year but appears to be a free agent at the moment. He's an Australian really. Can they be trusted to pilot the Highlanders around the paddock?
Auckland
Harry Plummer
Verdict: Promising player who looks to have a bit of time, nice goal-kicker
Chances: Zero. Has signed for the Blues to be the 25th or so player to attempt to be the next Carlos Spencer. Good luck, Harry.
North Harbour
Bryn Gatland
Verdict: Looks all right, has the fundamentals and good goal-kicker
Chances: It is up to him. He is signed by the Highlanders after an average season with the Blues. Is a solid enough performer.
Counties-Manukau
Latiume Fosita
Verdict: A solid operator who does most things right. Does not get the pulse racing.
Chances: Likes to travel having played for three sides in New Zealand, in England and South Africa. Not up to Super Rugby class.
Waikato
Fletcher Smith
Verdict: Started poorly at fullback but as Waikato has turned it around so has Smith as he donned the No10 jersey.
Chances: A head-scratcher this one. Has looked a million dollars in the past couple of weeks and has been with the Highlanders for the past couple of years so maybe could do the hat-trick. A real confidence player.
Bay of Plenty
Mike Delany
Verdict: How old is he? Forty-five? Delany is actually 36 and still plays all right. Good goal-kicker, too.
Chances: Was at the Crusaders last year and if he is still wanted there then will head back to Christchurch. Not a bad back-up but lacks real class.
Hawke's Bay
Tiaan Falcon
Verdict: Another young player who is said to have some real talent. A bit hit-and-miss though.
Chances: Locked in with the Chiefs for next year.
Manawatu
Otere Black, Sam Malcolm
Verdict: Black is just back from a horrific knee injury and looks class. Malcolm is a young guy who has probably reached his level.
Chances: Black is with the Blues while Malcolm is not a goer.
Taranaki
Stephen Perofeta, Ciarhan Matoe
Verdict: Perofeta has some talent but may be slightly overrated. Ditto for Matoe.
Chances: Perofeta is with the Blues while Matoe is too green.
Wellington
Jackson Garden-Bachop
Verdict: Has improved over the past 18 months but has the advantage of playing behind a top pack.
Chances: Signed with the Hurricanes.
Ta$man
Mitch Hunt, Tim O'Malley
Verdict: Hunt is growing in skill and is a quality player while O'Malley looks good in everything he does.
Chances: Hunt is with the Crusaders and O'Malley, originally from Maniototo, is just starting out.
Canterbury
Brett Cameron
Verdict: Looks to have time and poise though it is easy behind a big pack
Chances: Cameron is likely to be one of the 600 players the Crusaders and Canterbury stockpile every year.
Otago
Josh Ioane
Verdict: On the improve and a good runner.
Chances: Locked in at the Highlanders next year and has some class.
Southland
James Wilson
Verdict: Closer to 40 than 30, still has some talent
Chances: Not the worst player one could sign. But best years well behind him.
Overall verdict
It is like looking for a needle in a haystack. Looking for whitebait on the first day of the season. Let's be honest - there is not a lot out there. The Highlanders may just have to go with someone like Fletcher Smith, someone they know.
Anyone with any experience is playing overseas on big money. And their best years are long gone.
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One player not mentioned with Taranaki is Marty McKenzie. I would describe him as flakey but he does have some experience, and filled a similar role with the Chiefs. From Southland too.
As I've said previously, I hope the Chiefs go for Smith over MMac.
There is also Kaleb Trask from BOP.
