Preseason: Highlanders v Crusaders

[SouthernMann]

@Stargazer said in Super Rugby 2023:

Highlanders already having two tries disallowed (to TU-J and MMT), but starting the second half strong. (forward pass and obstruction)

What is a little scary is this is clearly the Highlanders top backline minus Smith and who knows at 10. We just look toothless.

[Stargazer]

@SouthernMann The Highlanders have had far more chances in this second half than the Crusaders.

TU-J, Nareki and Lowe looking good in the backline.

[SouthernMann]

@Stargazer said in Super Rugby 2023:

@SouthernMann The Highlanders have had far more chances in this second half than the Crusaders.

TU-J, Nareki and Lowe looking good in the backline.

And then they just go all around the world on the counter attack.

[Stargazer]

Try to Sean Withy.

21 - 26 Crusaders

The Crusaders started the first half with their better line-up. The Highlanders the second half. It's visible. The Highlanders are coming back.

[Stargazer]

I spoke too soon. Moananu with a barnstorming break and Chapman goes over.

21 - 33 Crusaders

[Stargazer]

Good maul try to Jack Taylor.

28 - 33 Crusaders

[Stargazer]

The commentator hasn't noticed that the Highlanders are playing with two players in the 14 jersey, so Jonah Lowe is very busy haha.

[Grooter]

Nareki didn't leave the field hurt did he? 😬 Lowe and Bogado are the wings

[Grooter]

Jack Taylor you beauty

[Stargazer]

Jack Taylor is a keeper. Great individual try, putting the two Crusaders' backs on the wrong foot.

35 - 33 Highlanders

[Stargazer]

That's the full time score.

[SouthernMann]

@Stargazer said in Super Rugby 2023:

Jack Taylor is a keeper. Great individual try, putting the two Crusaders' backs on the wrong foot.

Looking at Jack Taylor I'm not so annoyed about losing George Bell. This kids looks like diamonds.

[Bovidae]

Taylor looks like a Southlander. He and Kolosi, who started for the Chiefs today, were the NZ U19 hookers.

[Stargazer]

@SouthernMann said in Super Rugby 2023:

Jack Taylor

He was in the NZU19 squad, but I can't remember him. He didn't play for Southland in the NPC, did he? A bit young, I guess. Good for the future.

[SouthernMann]

@Stargazer said in Super Rugby 2023:

@SouthernMann said in Super Rugby 2023:

Jack Taylor

He was in the NZU19 squad, but I can't remember him. He didn't play for Southland in the NPC, did he? A bit young, I guess. Good for the future.

He would be 19 I'd reckon still. Or may be just 20. In 2021 he penned a three year deal with the Highlanders. He started in the Southland trial, de Groot played in prior to his return to the All Blacks.

Henry Bell will be back with the squad next year, could be a good combo between the two. I do feel they will be quite methodical with Taylor's integration to the main squad. He looks a heck of a talent. Not sure how big he is, might need a fair bit of gym work.

[Kiwiwomble]

Get in!! Means almost nothing but I still love it

Almost the most important thing out of these games is any injuries?

[Kiwiwomble]

Anyone seen any highlights?

[Daffy Jaffy]

@Kiwiwomble
Full game replay on Highlanders Facebook page -

Video

[Stargazer]

@Daffy-Jaffy That was the geo-restricted livestream. Is it still restricted to NZ?

[Daffy Jaffy]

@Stargazer Yes it is. I am in NZ but checked it with my VPN set on UK and it would not play.