@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.

Logan Savory

Five Highlanders questions worth pondering

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.

The Silver Fern

Smudge