[2017 Super Rugby] Round 5: Brumbies vs. Highanders

[TRF_stormer2010]

...

 

[Makos]

Highlanders: Ben Smith (c), Patelesio Tomkinson, Malakai Fekitoa, Richard Buckman, Patrick Osborne, Fletcher Smith, Aaron Smith, Luke Whitelock, Dillon Hunt, Elliot Dixon, Tom Franklin, Alex Ainley, Siate Tokolahi, Liam Coltman, Daniel Lienert-Brown.

Reserves: Greg Pleasants-Tate, Aki Seiuli, Siosiua Halanukonuka, Joe Wheeler, Gareth Evans, Kayne Hammington, Marty Banks, Matt Faddes.

I think the Highlanders will win. But it won't be easy because the Brumbies found some form vs the Tahs.

Some good news for the Highlanders finally. They have a number of players returning from injury so their bench will be a lot stronger. Ainley is back in lock & Tate is returning.

In the backs Tevita Li is left out, probably due to his bad game last week and stupid late yellow card. I thought this was a bit harsh. He doesn't get a spot on the bench either, so I guess Tony Brown doesn't want to waste bench spots with wingers. Osborne is back and replaces him, who is extremely reliable.

Tomkinson goes on the wing so Buckman can return to the midfield. I thought Thompson had been playing well in the middle & is unlucky to lose his spot.

A win is really important for the Highlanders to gain some momentum.

 

[Kiwiwomble]

...god knows...

 

[TRF Mr Fish]

Highlanders: Ben Smith (c), Patelesio Tomkinson, Malakai Fekitoa, Richard Buckman, Patrick Osborne, Fletcher Smith, Aaron Smith, Luke Whitelock, Dillon Hunt, Elliot Dixon, Tom Franklin, Alex Ainley, Siate Tokolahi, Liam Coltman, Daniel Lienert-Brown.

Reserves: Greg Pleasants-Tate, Aki Seiuli, Siosiua Halanukonuka, Joe Wheeler, Gareth Evans, Kayne Hammington, Marty Banks, Matt Faddes.

I think the Highlanders will win. But it won't be easy because the Brumbies found some form vs the Tahs.

Some good news for the Highlanders finally. They have a number of players returning from injury so their bench will be a lot stronger. Ainley is back in lock & Tate is returning.

In the backs Tevita Li is left out, probably due to his bad game last week and stupid late yellow card. I thought this was a bit harsh. He doesn't get a spot on the bench either, so I guess Tony Brown doesn't want to waste bench spots with wingers. Osborne is back and replaces him, who is extremely reliable.

Tomkinson goes on the wing so Buckman can return to the midfield. I thought Thompson had been playing well in the middle & is unlucky to lose his spot.

A win is really important for the Highlanders to gain some momentum.

Apparently Li and Thompson are being rested (they've played every game so far).

 

[mosfeldt]

I forgot what a beast Scott Fardy is. And Henry Speight - I remember him against Ireland in 2014, he was a monster. He hasn't been capped much for Australia since, or?

 

[Makos]

Gutsy stuff from the Highlanders, that was some great defense in the 2nd half.

As I thought, an arm wrestle of a match edged by the Highlanders who have that extra bit of quality.

This should set their season on the way now, they have a good run of fixtures & players will be returning from injury.


The referee was very inconsistent, missed a lot of obvious stuff.

The Brumbies really need a new halfback, that kid with the blonde hair was very poor and cost them a lot of attacking opportunities.

 

[galumay]

Yes, the young half struggled under pressure. It is a characteristic of Kiwi teams, that ability to grind a win out even when they probably are not at their best. Its a real mental toughness which is impressive.

 

[smartcooky]

Gutsy stuff from the Highlanders, that was some great defense in the 2nd half.

As I thought, an arm wrestle of a match edged by the Highlanders who have that extra bit of quality.

And there are a lot of dirt trackers in that team. They have 11 players who would probably make the matchday 23 out with injury

Liam Squire
Shane Christie
Ash Dixon
Dan Pryor
Lima Sopoaga
Waisake Naholo
Adrian Smith
Josh Dickson
James Lentjes
Jason Emery (season)
Hayden Parker (season)

 

[Makos]

And there are a lot of dirt trackers in that team. They have 11 players who would probably make the matchday 23 out with injury

Liam Squire
Shane Christie
Ash Dixon
Dan Pryor
Lima Sopoaga
Waisake Naholo
Adrian Smith
Josh Dickson
James Lentjes
Jason Emery (season)
Hayden Parker (season)

Incredible isn't it?

The players attitude and belief hasn't faltered though. They're a very resilient team.

Also Christie is one to add to that list. Still no word on his fitness situation, I'm very concerned for him. It's beginning to sound like his career maybe finished.

 

[The Jones Boy]

Excellent result for the Highlanders. The Brumbies are no mugs.

 

[Kiwiwomble]

thats the kind of ticker we've been missing, great to see