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<blockquote data-quote="Darwin" data-source="post: 461552" data-attributes="member: 24910">I think physicality in the backs will be one of the biggest issues for the Highlanders next year, though the inclusion of Gear will certainly help!&nbsp; Assuming everyone is fit I think the back three of Gear/Poki/Smith more or less picks itself (though Ben Smith is capable in the midfield); who will play in the midfield is really up in the air at this stage though.&nbsp; I thought Treeby had a good debut season at 12 last year, so may have the inside running at the start of the season - I&#039;d probably look at pairing him with Ellison.&nbsp; However I wouldn&#039;t mind seeing a Treeby/Lynn, Treeby/Piutau, Ellison/Lynn, or an Ellison/Piutau pairing - it is great to have options for a change! Playing Sopoaga at 12 is an intriguing prospect, but I&#039;d be tempted to match him with a more physical centre (Piutau or even Treeby, who is very physical despite his size). The only weakness I see in the starting forward pack is openside flanker.&nbsp; Hardie is a very good player at ITM Cup level, but hasn&#039;t really stepped up at Super Rugby level.&nbsp; I was calling for him to get more chances next year (at the expense of Soakai), but whenever he got a chance he didn&#039;t really do anything of note - his tackle rate was very low too.&nbsp; If Eben Joubert could stay fit for more than a couple of games he would be a good option, but he can&#039;t seem to manage that.&nbsp; Perhaps the Highlanders could look to import a promising young 7, but I&#039;m not sure who is available (and whether they are better than Hardie, Boys, Ioane etc).&nbsp; I&#039;m not sure about the Highlanders locking options behind Hoeata and Bekhuis either.&nbsp; Donnelly is gone, and it is rumored that Tuineau is leaving too (and Joseph doesn&#039;t rate him either, as his fitness levels are very poor). Ramsey looked quite good for Otago this year, though is a bit limited.&nbsp; It could be a case of targeting some up and coming locks to fill the void.</blockquote>

[QUOTE="Darwin, post: 461552, member: 24910"] I think physicality in the backs will be one of the biggest issues for the Highlanders next year, though the inclusion of Gear will certainly help! Assuming everyone is fit I think the back three of Gear/Poki/Smith more or less picks itself (though Ben Smith is capable in the midfield); who will play in the midfield is really up in the air at this stage though. I thought Treeby had a good debut season at 12 last year, so may have the inside running at the start of the season - I'd probably look at pairing him with Ellison. However I wouldn't mind seeing a Treeby/Lynn, Treeby/Piutau, Ellison/Lynn, or an Ellison/Piutau pairing - it is great to have options for a change! Playing Sopoaga at 12 is an intriguing prospect, but I'd be tempted to match him with a more physical centre (Piutau or even Treeby, who is very physical despite his size). The only weakness I see in the starting forward pack is openside flanker. Hardie is a very good player at ITM Cup level, but hasn't really stepped up at Super Rugby level. I was calling for him to get more chances next year (at the expense of Soakai), but whenever he got a chance he didn't really do anything of note - his tackle rate was very low too. If Eben Joubert could stay fit for more than a couple of games he would be a good option, but he can't seem to manage that. Perhaps the Highlanders could look to import a promising young 7, but I'm not sure who is available (and whether they are better than Hardie, Boys, Ioane etc). I'm not sure about the Highlanders locking options behind Hoeata and Bekhuis either. Donnelly is gone, and it is rumored that Tuineau is leaving too (and Joseph doesn't rate him either, as his fitness levels are very poor). Ramsey looked quite good for Otago this year, though is a bit limited. It could be a case of targeting some up and coming locks to fill the void. [/QUOTE]

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