Hurricanes v Highlanders
My two cents on the game yesterday, I managed to get along after deciding last minute to head in. It was a weird game, good crowd but the atmosphere was dull. We were hot on attack for long periods but the crowd offered no support whatsoever. Not sure if it's Kiwi crowds in general or just Wellington crowds but they could do with some amping up.
From a Canes perspective, it felt really similar to last week against the Chiefs. I felt we were never going to the lose the game but we really struggled to put the Highlanders away. I guess a big work on is our finishing.
It was good to see Aumua take his opportunity with two hands, rock solid on defence and showed he can still be devastating with ball in hand.
Devan Flanders was impressive from the stands, he seems to have all the tricks in the book and seems to be surprisingly strong for such a young kid.
It was also good to see Scott Scrafton put out another strong performance.
Players that didn't hit the mark for me yesterday were Ben Lam and Vaea Fifita off the bench.
Just poor decision making from two guys that should know better by now. Lam seemed disinterested the whole game until the ball came his way, poor work rate. Fifita, well he botched about three hit ups in the space of ten minutes, either knocking the ball on in contact or losing it in possession. Would prefer Flanders moving forward.
On the Landers, I was really impressed with Frizzel and MMT, they will both go close to All Black selection this year IMO. Very physical on defence and equally sound taking the ball into contact.
Aaron Smith once again proved his worth but I felt TJ Perenara edged that battle (only slightly)
I thought Hunt had a good game and threatened with almost every run. (bar the one when he ran into Aumua)
Overall the Highlanders just lacked a little sting in everything they did and that's where the Hurricanes were able to get on top.
All in all, it wasn't the best game but as a Canes fan I will take the W all day of the week.
Bring on the Blues.
@KiwiMurph said in Hurricanes v Highlanders:
Has Laumape passed the ball once today?
You can take the man from league but you can’t take the league...
@Stargazer I did Fifita lost the ball on the landers 22 when we were on attack
@Stargazer look at rugbypasses write up for Blackwell:
Doesn’t know how to have a bad game and did what he always does. Worked hard. Could he be an absolute ‘smokey’ for the All Blacks squad?
@mikey07 said in Hurricanes v Highlanders:
@Stargazer look at rugbypasses write up for Blackwell:
Doesn’t know how to have a bad game and did what he always does. Worked hard. Could he be an absolute ‘smokey’ for the All Blacks squad?
Probably Plumtree is involved in selections
@mikey07 the comms had nice tings to say about him when he went off too...
@Duluth said in Hurricanes v Highlanders:
@gt12 said in Hurricanes v Highlanders:
Team leaders were Tokolahi (19 tackles,2 misses) Whetton (16,1), Tomkinson, (14,0), and Johnstone (13,0).
Frizell (8,2); MMT (11,0).
Impressive from Whetton considering he subbed off after 49mins
Wonder if the Highlanders have him locked in next year?
He has looked impressive, would love for him to replace under rated, hard working Blackwell.
I'd give Fletcher Smith another start, I think he added a spark to our offense.
@Canes4life said in Hurricanes v Highlanders:
Not sure if it's Kiwi crowds in general or just Wellington crowds but they could do with some amping up.
they could get a DJ in to play some music or summink 
@Toddy mate, that is just what Welly needs to get the party started!
DJ BeeKind
@Machpants said in Hurricanes v Highlanders:
@Bones that's cos you're a grumpy old fluffybunny
Nah I usually don't mind it, but it was ridiculously loud, tinny and being played well after play has resumed.
@Bones ah that sucks, I don't mind some good old kiwi anthems once in a while, but only in proper breaks. Then again I'm a grumpy old fluffybunny so maybe not the target audience going forwards for rugby!
@canefan said in Hurricanes v Highlanders:
@Darren Fletcher was heaps better
Fletcher showed why he should start every week over princep.
I thought Whetton was a lock, I'd still take him anyway.
@mikey07 said in Hurricanes v Highlanders:
@Darren you mean Flanders?
lol yeah
But I'd still start them both over Princep 