Chiefs v Highlanders
-
Highlanders
1 Daniel Lienert-Brown
2 Ash Dixon (cc)
3 Siate Tokolahi
4 Jackson Hemopo
5 Josh Dickson
6 Elliot Dixon
7 Dillon Hunt
8 Luke Whitelock
9 Aaron Smith
10 Lima Sopoaga
11 Tevita Li
12 Rob Thompson
13 Matt Faddes
14 Waisake Naholo
15 Ben Smith (cc)Reserves
16 Greg Pleasants-Tate
17 Aki Seiuli
18 Tyrel Lomax
19 Tom Franklin
20 Shannon Frizell
21 Josh Renton
22 Fletcher Smith
23 Paletasio TomkinsonPulse Energy Highlanders Head Coach, Aaron Mauger, has made four changes to his starting line up to play the Chiefs in Hamilton on Good Friday. Co-captain, Ash Dixon, will take the place of hooker Liam Coltman who has been unwell this week; while tighthead prop Siate Tokolahi returns to the front row. Josh Dickson will make his first appearance for the season in the middle row andTom Franklin, who has started all four previous matches, moves to the bench. In the backs, Matt Faddes will partner Rob Thompson in the midfield. On the bench young Otago midfielder, Patelesio Tomkinson makes the 23 for the first time and Greg Pleasants-Tate also makes his way into the reserves. “The team changes are a reflection of the depth of talent we have in the squad, Josh has played extremely well for the Bravehearts team to earn a start and Matt has shown some nice touches when he has come on for us. As a group we are under no illusions as to the challenge this week, the Chiefs are an in form side playing in front of their home crowd, so it ought to be another great tussle” said Mauger.http://thehighlanders.co.nz/news/895-yourlanders-to-face-the-chiefs-this-friday-night
-
-
I'm not sure why another Taranaki player (Pita Gus Sowakula), not part of the original squad, is on the bench unless Jacobson is also now injured. Allardice must still be unavailable due to his groin injury.
-
Highlanders by 12 or more.
They clearly want Seu at 8. Looks to me like he and Messam should be around the other way.
Given who is available, that backline looks pretty good to me, but I'd prefer to see TTT starting. With Ngatai coming off the bench, I really, really hope that Alaimalo plays the house down at FB, so that our numbnuts coach will put him back at 12 for the 2 games he manages to maintain fitness.
-
Cane's 100th game so no lack of motivation for the team.
-
Fair enough. Landers by 6.
-
I would be far more comfortable with Ngatai starting at fullback. Not sure about Wainui on the wing against the Highlanders fleet-footed pairing.
-
Why on earth do they pick Marty McKenzie over Tiaan Falcon?
-
Maybe he combines better with the Taranaki guys around him?
-
@arhs said in Chiefs v Highlanders:
Maybe he combines better with the Taranaki guys around him?
He's from Taranaki.
Perhaps Falcon is still banged up?
-
He's not from Hawkes Bay...
-
Better news for Chiefs fans, the ref is Glen Jackson.
-
Hold on. Chiefs by 2.
-
The Chiefs back three are all a bit samey. Skill and speed but lacking in power. In fact the whole backline will struggle to bend the Highlander's defensive line. Will be a big test of DMac's ( and ALBs) ability to see and create space.
Hope the weather is good as this match up can often produce some great watching.
Big chance for Weber to show his credentials to selectors. Cane and BBBR will have to dominate the breakdowns as well.
My prediction is not worth the dust on the keyboard.
-
@crucial Alaimalo doesn't seem to be lacking in power...
-
@bones said in Chiefs v Highlanders:
@crucial Alaimalo doesn't seem to be lacking in power...
He doesn't appear to have the same ability in busting through a tackle as the likes of Naholo, Lam, Savea (OK thats debatable), Ioane etc
-
@gt12 said in Chiefs v Highlanders:
Highlanders by 12 or more.
They clearly want Seu at 8. Looks to me like he and Messam should be around the other way.
Given who is available, that backline looks pretty good to me, but I'd prefer to see TTT starting. With Ngatai coming off the bench, I really, really hope that Alaimalo plays the house down at FB, so that our numbnuts coach will put him back at 12 for the 2 games he manages to maintain fitness.
I'm a terrible tipster but that Clan forward pack is a veritable who's that of super rugby. Can't see them besting the Chief's 8.
(Sorry Chiefs ... I've doomed you ... )
-
@booboo huh? 3 ABs, two very good Maori players, a very good super player in Tokolahi and a NZ age group rep.
-
@bones said in Chiefs v Highlanders:
@booboo huh? 3 ABs, two very good Maori players, a very good super player in Tokolahi and a NZ age group rep.
Not to mention the Chiefs pack consists of Tyler Adron, Aidon Ross, Angus Ta'avao and Seu out of place. Granted BBBR and Cane can almost carry this pack alone but they're up against a decent pack - especially the loosies.
-
@nepia I forgot to mention DLB isn't exactly a no name.
-
Damn, Sops off injured. Achilles.
-
Highlanders new tactic is to blind the opposition with their bright jerseys!
-
I'm too busy watching the stockcars from Meeanee (found a free live stream!) to keep a close eye on the game, who is the replacement first five?
-
Alaimalo looks pretty comfortable under the high ball. It’s mad how many good outside backs are about suddenly.
-
Awful pass Harris.
-
Awful by Alaimalo too.
-
@higgins Fletcher Smith.
-
Between BBBR and Cane, we could sneak past these guys.
-
If Dmac were that consistent with his passing all the time, he’d be incredibly dangerous
-
Ta’avua is giving DLB plenty of trouble.
-
@gt12 said in Chiefs v Highlanders:
If Dmac were that consistent with his passing all the time, he’d be incredibly dangerous
He did a few nice cut outs last week too.
-
Try Naholo, but full credit to Thompson. Poor defence from Wainui, but what's new?
F Smith converts. Highlanders lead 7 to 6.
-
What was that dirty fluffybunny Harris doing with BFA on the ground behind the ruck
-
@stargazer said in Chiefs v Highlanders:
Try Naholo, but full credit to Thompson. Poor defence from Wainui, but what's new?
F Smith converts. Highlanders lead 7 to 6.
That’s a mismatch, so hopefully it only gets taken advantage of once.
-
Shit passes from Dmac and awful ball handling from other Chiefs backs. They could have been well in front.
-
Although, maybe I should give some credit to the Landers' defence.
-
Woweeee. Great try! Good kick Dmac, but then Pulu, wow. Try Alaimalo!
-
Nice try!
-
Half time: Chiefs 13 - 7 Highlanders
It's a close one, as expected!
-
McKenzie is fine running, OK kicking, but shit mosty passing . If only there was a position in the backline where he had space in open play
