Super Rugby: Highlanders vs. Reds in Dunedin (29/03/2013)

[easy2288]

When is Highlanders going to win? Next week they play the Blues

 

[Amobokoboko]

I think the Blues will win next week.

 

[Larksea]

highlanders just can seem to win, i think they deserved a win this week. It was just one of those games the rub of the green from the ref went against them and it was the difference. The officials missed a number of knock-ons and forward passes and they were mostly by the reds.

Still disappointed because they had a chance to push at the end but decided to opt for a big play ~50m out instead of keeping the ball in hand which should have been the only option. I don't know who made that decision but it was a shocker.

I hope they put 2 and 2 together and realize that the low percentage plays they are going for translate directly to their points table.

Also a shame Colin Slade just hasn't found his grove yet. I guess it was a bit much to expect him to come back and fire after so long out but he's only 60-70% of his best right now and he desperately needs to stand up.

 

[TRF Mr Fish]

Mose Tuilai'i has signed for the rest of the season (from Japan), and Tamati Ellison should be back sooner than expected, within a few weeks potentially.

 

[Larksea]

Mose Tuilai'i has signed for the rest of the season (from Japan), and Tamati Ellison should be back sooner than expected, within a few weeks potentially.

Mose Tuilai'i now that is one name that could add what Manu does to the side but it's been how many years since we saw him in super rugby?

Good news but lets face it all hope of the highlanders making the finals is over, I mean the season is only like ~1/4 - 1/3 done and they are probably already i the realms of needing to win every game and have results go their way.

The goal for now should be to just validate their new stadium, get above bottom feeder teams like the rebels, kings and force and make sure they win some home games for their fans. And keep their roster strong. I mean Thorn and Nonu are likely on 1 year deals? They need to make sure they keep as much of their paper strength as they can to 2014. Finish this year like the canes finished last year and not go into the off season in utter turmoil like the blues did.

 

[donmcdazzle]

What is up with Joseph signing all these guys from Japan.. surely some guys from ITM cup deserve a run first. The sad thing for the highlanders is this can't even be written off as a rebuilding year as they have a team mostly full of old guys.

 

[nickdnz]

That said - Mose Tuiali'i is/was quality. I agree though that Joseph really is doing nothing in terms of player development/looking to the future. With this season as already a write off, you'd have thought he'd have tried to get a few other players from ITM Cup.

 

[Darwin]

Joseph's insistence on signing old Japanese based players is beyond a joke. This is nothing against Tuilal'i, who I actually used to rate very highly, but he hasn't played top level rugby for about 5 years! This would be the perfect opportunity to bring in some younger players and build for the future, but alas Joseph has yet again continued with his short-sighted approach. Even within the Otago NPC side there are some good options - Paul Grant and Gareth Evans immediately come to mind. Both these players could be excellent options for the Highlanders in the future, but they have been ignored for some reason. This is just so incredibly frustrating!