Highlanders 2025
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Fair enough lads , just hearing whispers . Nothing more nothing less . Go Landers !
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@CtownCowboy whispers can be intriguing 🤔 if Jacomb magically found his way to Dunedin with Kneepkens, Lennox and Loft we'd have to take a game to New Plymouth 😂
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Who offshore is in the conversation? Otere Black could be one. Presumably Lima’s a bit long in the tooth. Bryn Gatland could be a good pickup. Or Fergus Bruke
Maybe Fletcher Smith, Ihaia West & Tiaan Falcon are all still playing too right? Though none impress me.
Eight should have been a no brainer with Semesi Tupou, but just like Christian Lio Willie we like him go. I think Malachi Wrampling Gideon could be a good pickup. But he’s extremely green.
Prop’s a hard one. We need a good tighthead and Loosehead and they don’t grow on trees. Finley Brewis is one I like the look of but he’s always injured. Alex Fidow, Siate Tokahlahi or Oli Jager could be good shouts.
Thirteen - we should just bring back Malakai Fekitoa for a final season.
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@handa457 said in Highlanders 2025:
Who offshore is in the conversation? Otere Black could be one. Presumably Lima’s a bit long in the tooth. Bryn Gatland could be a good pickup. Or Fergus Bruke
Maybe Fletcher Smith, Ihaia West & Tiaan Falcon are all still playing too right? Though none impress me.
Eight should have been a no brainer with Semesi Tupou, but just like Christian Lio Willie we like him go. I think Malachi Wrampling Gideon could be a good pickup. But he’s extremely green.
Prop’s a hard one. We need a good tighthead and Loosehead and they don’t grow on trees. Finley Brewis is one I like the look of but he’s always injured. Alex Fidow, Siate Tokahlahi or Oli Jager could be good shouts.
Thirteen - we should just bring back Malakai Fekitoa for a final season.
When the various development contracts were being handed out that year, Semesi had obvious shortcomings. Can’t really blame the landers for passing him up.
Ihaia west has been killing it in France and won’t pass up on his French salary for Dunedin.
The most realistic hope would be a good Aussie 10 that’s sitting on the bench somewhere. We won’t get high quality European 10s over here
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@KiwiInLondon do you mind elaborating on his shortcomings?
It’s a bit hard (outside looking in) to understand how a bloke who dominated NPC, was 21 and in a position we critically needed was overlooked. Especially with how he’s kicked on.
Obviously factors I’m probably not seeing. But interested to hear more.
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@handa457 said in Highlanders 2025:
@KiwiInLondon do you mind elaborating on his shortcomings?
It’s a bit hard (outside looking in) to understand how a bloke who dominated NPC, was 21 and in a position we critically needed was overlooked. Especially with how he’s kicked on.
Obviously factors I’m probably not seeing. But interested to hear more.
The criticism was that he is too short to be a top level 8, is one dimensional, a poor trainer and doesn't get involved enough. Several of those criticisms have been disproven this year
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@handa457 Alex Fidow was last spotted playing rugby league. Siate Tokolahis best days were done before he even left the Highlanders so won’t be near it now. Oli Jager… he went back home to Ireland so he could play test footy for them. You could safely put a line through those 3 I’d say.
Off shore will probably be an option for a couple clubs when it comes to tight head so recruitment won’t be easy. Especially when you consider how valued they are in the northern hemisphere.
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@handa457 said in Highlanders 2025:
Who offshore is in the conversation? Otere Black could be one. Presumably Lima’s a bit long in the tooth. Bryn Gatland could be a good pickup. Or Fergus Bruke
You can also put a line through Fergus Burke right now. He’s just left the Crusaders for Saracens and has commited himself to playing for Scotland. Why would he come back and for for the Highlanders.
Unfortunately, any 10 we sign will likely be in a mentor type of role at the back end of his career. To be honest with you, can’t really say I’m on board with it seeing how Burns and Patchell turned out…
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@Landers92 said in Highlanders 2025:
@handa457 said in Highlanders 2025:
Who offshore is in the conversation? Otere Black could be one. Presumably Lima’s a bit long in the tooth. Bryn Gatland could be a good pickup. Or Fergus Bruke
You can also put a line through Fergus Burke right now. He’s just left the Crusaders for Saracens and has commited himself to playing for Scotland. Why would he come back and for for the Highlanders.
Unfortunately, any 10 we sign will likely be in a mentor type of role at the back end of his career. To be honest with you, can’t really say I’m on board with it seeing how Burns and Patchell turned out…
I'd put money on a prop being Georgian, Argentinian or South African.
I doubt any of the potential overseas guys will be returning NZers.
There is a reason why most of these guys are gone already. None of the guys mentioned by others would offer any improvement.
Any guy brought in from overseas needs to be a massive improvement on what we have. I wonder if there are guys in the South African provincial sides playing up north who could be interested in two or three years down in NZ.
Like you I don't see the benefit of another Patchell or Burns one and done.
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We've done alright out of Saffa cricketers, should be able to rustle up a prop from there at least.
Reihana looked pretty comfortable last week and has potential. He and Jacomb look to be it locally really, unless you want to chase young Spencer or Cashmore based on pedigree - haven't really seen them play myself..
Miller I don't mind but he needs to do some serious weight training, he's having the ball ripper out of his arms regularly. He also stands too deep, which may be partially because he's physically outmatched. He's undoubtedly got some very good skills, but he looks kinda like a skinny kid playing against adults. -
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
@handa457 said in Highlanders 2025:
@KiwiInLondon do you mind elaborating on his shortcomings?
It’s a bit hard (outside looking in) to understand how a bloke who dominated NPC, was 21 and in a position we critically needed was overlooked. Especially with how he’s kicked on.
Obviously factors I’m probably not seeing. But interested to hear more.
The criticism was that he is too short to be a top level 8, is one dimensional, a poor trainer and doesn't get involved enough. Several of those criticisms have been disproven this year
Sav has had a crack about the Highlanders' snubbing of Semesi, with those famous maroon-and-gold tinted glasses on.
Five Highlanders questions worth pondering
Have the Highlanders gone backward in 2025? And did the Highlanders have a recruitment shocker? Some Highlanders questions that are worth pondering.
The inability to snap up 21-year-old No 8 Semisi Tupou Taeiloa, when he was right under the noses of the Highlanders decision-makers, is a shocker.
There are sure to be some red faces whenever the name Semisi Tupou Taeiloa gets a mention at the moment.
Tupou Taeiloa was one of the Southland Stags’ best in 2024, and Stags coach Matt Saunders urged the Highlanders to include him in their mix.
The strong ball-carrying No 8 is the sort of player the Highlanders need right now, but on top of that, at 21, he would have provided a long-term Nasi Manu-type option for the Highlanders.
Even a wider contract would have been enough to lock him in when the Highlanders had their chance, but instead it was the sound of crickets from Highlanders HQ.
They showed no interest in the powerhouse loose forward.
Saunders and Rugby Southland then turned their focus to Moana Pasifika to try to find Tupou Taeiloa another Super Rugby opportunity.
It was initially just a short-term training opportunity, but the Moana Pasifika decision makers quickly loved what they saw.
The Southland Stag hasn’t just remained in the Moana Pasifika setup beyond the preseason but has turned out to be one of their best players to date.
Unfortunately for those at the Highlanders, the horse - or should we say the Stag - has now bolted. The Tribune understands Moana Pasifika has locked in Tupou Taeiloa long-term.
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@reprobate said in Highlanders 2025:
We've done alright out of Saffa cricketers, should be able to rustle up a prop from there at least.
Reihana looked pretty comfortable last week and has potential. He and Jacomb look to be it locally really, unless you want to chase young Spencer or Cashmore based on pedigree - haven't really seen them play myself..
Miller I don't mind but he needs to do some serious weight training, he's having the ball ripper out of his arms regularly. He also stands too deep, which may be partially because he's physically outmatched. He's undoubtedly got some very good skills, but he looks kinda like a skinny kid playing against adults.Reihana is signed through 2026 with the Crusaders.
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@Smudge said in Highlanders 2025:
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
@handa457 said in Highlanders 2025:
@KiwiInLondon do you mind elaborating on his shortcomings?
It’s a bit hard (outside looking in) to understand how a bloke who dominated NPC, was 21 and in a position we critically needed was overlooked. Especially with how he’s kicked on.
Obviously factors I’m probably not seeing. But interested to hear more.
The criticism was that he is too short to be a top level 8, is one dimensional, a poor trainer and doesn't get involved enough. Several of those criticisms have been disproven this year
Sav has had a crack about the Highlanders' snubbing of Semesi, with those famous maroon-and-gold tinted glasses on.
Five Highlanders questions worth pondering
Have the Highlanders gone backward in 2025? And did the Highlanders have a recruitment shocker? Some Highlanders questions that are worth pondering.
The inability to snap up 21-year-old No 8 Semisi Tupou Taeiloa, when he was right under the noses of the Highlanders decision-makers, is a shocker.
There are sure to be some red faces whenever the name Semisi Tupou Taeiloa gets a mention at the moment.
Tupou Taeiloa was one of the Southland Stags’ best in 2024, and Stags coach Matt Saunders urged the Highlanders to include him in their mix.
The strong ball-carrying No 8 is the sort of player the Highlanders need right now, but on top of that, at 21, he would have provided a long-term Nasi Manu-type option for the Highlanders.
Even a wider contract would have been enough to lock him in when the Highlanders had their chance, but instead it was the sound of crickets from Highlanders HQ.
They showed no interest in the powerhouse loose forward.
Saunders and Rugby Southland then turned their focus to Moana Pasifika to try to find Tupou Taeiloa another Super Rugby opportunity.
It was initially just a short-term training opportunity, but the Moana Pasifika decision makers quickly loved what they saw.
The Southland Stag hasn’t just remained in the Moana Pasifika setup beyond the preseason but has turned out to be one of their best players to date.
Unfortunately for those at the Highlanders, the horse - or should we say the Stag - has now bolted. The Tribune understands Moana Pasifika has locked in Tupou Taeiloa long-term.
Everything is clear now that we made a mistake by shelving Tupou. However, the kid had plenty of opportunities to snag a spot with the Landers. He went through the U20s, was in the HP programme and would have been well known to the org. Something went wrong with both him and the franchise.
Also cracks me up how much Southland thinks it is a them v the world when Tupou is essentially a Dunedin kid who got ignored by Otago.
The more I have pondered where in the world is the best place to find some decent back cavalry. The more I'm landing on South Africa. We even have a good scout in Tony Brown working for the national union.
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@Landers92 said in Highlanders 2025:
@handa457 Alex Fidow was last spotted playing rugby league. Siate Tokolahis best days were done before he even left the Highlanders so won’t be near it now. Oli Jager… he went back home to Ireland so he could play test footy for them. You could safely put a line through those 3 I’d say.
Off shore will probably be an option for a couple clubs when it comes to tight head so recruitment won’t be easy. Especially when you consider how valued they are in the northern hemisphere.
Alex Fidow has been back playing club rugby in Wellington in the last three years but he's no longer a prop. He played number 8 the last two seasons for Para Plim and I think he played lock on Saturday just gone.
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@Canes4life said in Highlanders 2025:
@Landers92 said in Highlanders 2025:
@handa457 Alex Fidow was last spotted playing rugby league. Siate Tokolahis best days were done before he even left the Highlanders so won’t be near it now. Oli Jager… he went back home to Ireland so he could play test footy for them. You could safely put a line through those 3 I’d say.
Off shore will probably be an option for a couple clubs when it comes to tight head so recruitment won’t be easy. Especially when you consider how valued they are in the northern hemisphere.
Alex Fidow has been back playing club rugby in Wellington in the last three years but he's no longer a prop. He played number 8 the last two seasons for Para Plim and I think he played lock on Saturday just gone.
Should of stuck it out with union by the sounds of it then…
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@Landers92 said in Highlanders 2025:
@Canes4life said in Highlanders 2025:
@Landers92 said in Highlanders 2025:
@handa457 Alex Fidow was last spotted playing rugby league. Siate Tokolahis best days were done before he even left the Highlanders so won’t be near it now. Oli Jager… he went back home to Ireland so he could play test footy for them. You could safely put a line through those 3 I’d say.
Off shore will probably be an option for a couple clubs when it comes to tight head so recruitment won’t be easy. Especially when you consider how valued they are in the northern hemisphere.
Alex Fidow has been back playing club rugby in Wellington in the last three years but he's no longer a prop. He played number 8 the last two seasons for Para Plim and I think he played lock on Saturday just gone.
Should of stuck it out with union by the sounds of it then…
Yeah, he's lost loads of weight, when he started out with the Lions the coach apparently made him cry because he drilled him about being 140kg. He's now sitting around just over 100kg so is a completely different player. Definitely not a prop anymore.
This is what he looked like when he came back to Welly.
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R.E Overseas signing, the indication I had it was more likely a Patchell than a Sopoaga... I am at the point now, where particularly at first five I'll take a quality operator.
Burns and Patchell would walk into this current team with the current form of our 10s, and I just want to win rugby games. We have signed a catalogue of 10s since Sopoaga, and none of them have bettered him. Josh Ioane had his moments but blotted things off the field. I'd say Patchell and Burns, had it not been for injuries at the wrong time, would easily have been 3rd and 4th on that list.
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@frugby said in Highlanders 2025:
R.E Overseas signing, the indication I had it was more likely a Patchell than a Sopoaga... I am at the point now, where particularly at first five I'll take a quality operator.
Burns and Patchell would walk into this current team with the current form of our 10s, and I just want to win rugby games. We have signed a catalogue of 10s since Sopoaga, and none of them have bettered him. Josh Ioane had his moments but blotted things off the field. I'd say Patchell and Burns, had it not been for injuries at the wrong time, would easily have been 3rd and 4th on that list.
Who ever it is, they need to be around for 2 - 3 seasons. Especially if Millar is seen as primarily a back up 10. That means the mystery player is there to hold the role until Muliaina is old enough.
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@frugby said in Highlanders 2025:
R.E Overseas signing, the indication I had it was more likely a Patchell than a Sopoaga... I am at the point now, where particularly at first five I'll take a quality operator.
Burns and Patchell would walk into this current team with the current form of our 10s, and I just want to win rugby games. We have signed a catalogue of 10s since Sopoaga, and none of them have bettered him. Josh Ioane had his moments but blotted things off the field. I'd say Patchell and Burns, had it not been for injuries at the wrong time, would easily have been 3rd and 4th on that list.
You can have Hohepa and Cashmore.
We'll add in Enari for free.
