Highlanders in 2022
I hope a number of players who got a taste this year are given full time contracts. Really hope we do our best to keep Hugh Renton and sign Freedom Vahaakolo up again.
From the looks of things Tokolahi, Regan, Ben-Nicholas, Misiloi, Himeno, Collins and Milner Skudder will not be coming back.
While there will be questions marks over over Alaimalo, the third halfback, Mikaele-Tu'u, Dixon, Jackson and Thwaites.
As there doesn't seem to be a lot of faith in Ricky Jackson at this level. I'd like to see us explore who else we could bring in from elsewhere Kereru-Symes to sit underneath Dixon at Super Rugby level. I'd be very happy for the old fella to have another couple of years with the lads as well. He still seems like he has plenty to offer.
Props Saula Mau, Jermaine Ainsley, Ayden Johnstone and Ethan De Groot should be lock ins. Really looking forward to seeing what Mau and Ainsley might do in this squad. Especially seeing the impact of De Groot.
It will be interesting to see whether Bryn Evans wants to go around again as well. Dickson and Selby-Rickit seem to have dropped down the pecking order as well. Will Tucker had a bit of time with the Crusaders and is back with Otago. Depending on how he goes during the Building Supplies Cup, he could be worth a go.
With the loosies, Highlanders U20 Captain Sean Withy should be bought in. He seems an outstanding prospect. Lentjes can play six, With will be the third string openside. Is the future of the franchise.
Depending on what they do with Mikaele-Tu'u there is the potential for another 6/8 to impress. I hope they keep him around, seems as if his off the field stuff has been a bit of a distraction to him this season.
With the mix of Frizell, Squire, Renton and Harmon we have a good mix of talent as first string players. With a likely Frizell, Harmon and Renton starting trio and Squire coming off the bench.
All Highlanders fans will be excited about the prospect of a fit Fakatava coming back. Aaron Smith has been nothing short of inspirational, but he needs some back up. Kayne Hammington is a great team man. But, we three top quality halfback coming through within the catchment area, serious consideration will need to be made about the third halfback succession plan.
Next season gives Aaron Smith the opportunity to step back and not have to play 60 to 80 minutes each week. There will be weaker opposition and he should get a deserved break. Because of this, I think we will retain Kayne Hammington for one more season.
At first five we are reasonably well set with Mitch Hunt. The question is will Josh Ioane want to stick around, or is he sick of being told off for being a dumb fluffybunny. It is liekly Vili Koroi will also be seen as a back up 10. But, if Ioane goes and Koroi is our back up 10.
Do we look to sign a mid-level first five as a back up. Do we look towards a McClutchie or a Brett Cameron. Someone who is experienced and can do a role should Hunt go down injured. I'd be in favour of a signing like that.
In the midfield, there's a good core group of four. There's the initially signalled first choice combo of Umaga-Jensen and Paea, as well as the revelation in Gregory and the red card magnet in the form of Tomkinson. With Matt Faddes coming back for Otago, there could be a place for him as well. There may be an outside back who has the physical attributes in the squad too, but we don't talk about that.
It is likely Milner-Skudder won't be back as a player. From a squad perspective he has done his job, worked with talented young players and passed on his knowledge. Connor Garden-Bachop is likely to have done enough to have maintained himself as the starting fullback.
Alaimalo is the big question. He was our big signing, three years. Sadly, something appears to have gone wrong. If he can come back and get back to his best, I'd really like to see him on the right wing.
Nareki is a lock on the left wing. Freedom Vahaakolo deserves a contract, especially if if he has another good Building Supplies provincial competition. Punivai will probably keep in the squad.
So spots available.
I reckon there's potential spots available at hooker, prop x 2, 1 x lock, 1 x loose forward, 1 x halfback, a third first five, 1 x midfield and an outside back (probably a wing/fullback role).
We still have one game to go this year, but, have been really impressed with the work Brown and Dermody have done with the squad. It is young and talented, mixed with some smart experience. Considering the lack of talent we have within the catchment area, we have picked up a lot of talent.
@kiwiwomble said in Highlanders 2021:
@bones how about DC, was pretty good at 12 for the ABs from memory
Maybe marginally better than Foley/Cooper eh! Was first selected for the AB's at 12 I thought...
@bones said in Highlanders 2021:
@kiwiwomble said in Highlanders 2021:
@bones how about DC, was pretty good at 12 for the ABs from memory
Maybe marginally better than Foley/Cooper eh! Was first selected for the AB's at 12 I thought...
I think so but always thought it was accepted he was a 10 playing 12 because it was needed etc
@bones said in Highlanders 2021:
@nostrildamus said in Highlanders 2021:
@bones said in Highlanders 2021:
@nostrildamus said in Highlanders 2021:
@bones said in Highlanders 2021:
@nostrildamus said in Highlanders 2021:
@shark said in Highlanders 2021:
@kiwiwomble said in Highlanders 2021:
@shark I just don’t know why you care so much about some pretty off the cuff speculation by highlanders/Otago fans in the highlanders thread, you say your not offended by the idea but you keep coming back saying you want us to justify why we briefly mentioned it…it’s weird dude
Move on, i know you don’t have a final to chat about but surely the crusaders thread isn’t that dead you need to crusade (pun intended) here
I'm not offended. I'd just like you learned fellows to provide some form of evidence that the move might work.
10s to 12
Wilkinson (but he may have been a 12 at school), To'omua, Bernard Foley, Farrell, Ken Wright, Tony Melrose, Quade Cooper!
And Larkham moved from 15 to 10 to 12 *but we won't mention that game..I'm confused as to whether you're providing evidence it will work....or won't work. Seriously, Foley, Cooper? I don't recall ever seeing them play 12 let alone be a success! There's waaaay better examples...
yeah um you don't recall Wright or Melrose do you...or some guy called Jonny Wilkinson...
Johnny Wilkinson, what a HUGE success at 12! Said no one, until now.
Shifting goalposts again? Nobody said he needed to be a huge success. As I recall he was ok in that position at the international level.
Not my goalposts - shark asked for some evidence the move might work. I'd have hoped someone could provide better evidence than guys like Foley and Cooper, or the "ok" JW. Does anyone really have any memory of these guys at 12?
ACTUALLY HE SAID
I'd just like you learned fellows to provide some form of evidence that the move might work.
AT SR LEVEL.
Never asked for "a HUGE success"...
Then you try to pick on the weakest options I offer rather than the strong ones. Tom Taylor did alright at 12. Carter played at 12 but I believe was really a 10 and somewhere I think I read he started at halfback. SBW moved to 12 from 6. Farrell played at 12 at times. Wilkinson played at 12 after retiring from international rugby, I believe, and if he wasn't the player he was, well he wasn't physically the player he was.
I think all could manage to play 12 in their prime for the Highlanders.
And then there is one Stephen Rex Donald..not far off the physical dimensions of the player in question.
So good, they might make a film about him or even name a rugby park after him.. Oh yeah, they have..
So could they make an ok 12 for the Highlanders, in their prime? I reckon some of them prove it is possible.
@nostrildamus said in Highlanders 2021:
the move might work
I had no idea, not like it's in the post you quoted 
Maybe it's just a different interpretation of the move might work, I maybe considered that meant successful, rather than played a game there in desperation and didn't completely shit the bed...
JW can't have done too much there in competition with Nonu, reckon I'd take that kid Gilbert over him!
@kiwiwomble said in Highlanders 2021:
@shark ’s just trolling, ignored the thread for the last week and then the day after the highlander Pip the crusaders to the final he comes back in and stirs up this tiny suggestion like it’s the most ludicrous thing in the history of rugby, demanding evidence etc…it’s a bit sad
No, what's sad is the lack of rugby knowledge you and others are showing. A silly claim about a potential positional change with zero basis and then when called on it, instead of explaining yourself, you try to change the topic by way of the bizarre suggestion that I'm pressing you on it because the Crusaders didn't make the SRTT final. Brilliant. and also truly fucking sad.
@shark said in Highlanders 2021:
@kiwiwomble said in Highlanders 2021:
@shark ’s just trolling, ignored the thread for the last week and then the day after the highlander Pip the crusaders to the final he comes back in and stirs up this tiny suggestion like it’s the most ludicrous thing in the history of rugby, demanding evidence etc…it’s a bit sad
No, what's sad is the lack of rugby knowledge you and others are showing. A silly claim about a potential positional change with zero basis and then when called on it, instead of explaining yourself, you try to change the topic by way of the bizarre suggestion that I'm pressing you on it because the Crusaders didn't make the SRTT final. Brilliant. and also truly fucking sad.
We have explained…several times…your inability to either read or understand others points of view (even if you don’t agree)…I’d be be worrying if it were me
The fact you’re not on every single thread having a go at every passing comment for not having a thesis of supporting evidence proves to me you’re are just so salty about missing the final youre here purely to wind people up…sad
@kiwiwomble said in Highlanders 2021:
@shark said in Highlanders 2021:
@kiwiwomble said in Highlanders 2021:
@shark ’s just trolling, ignored the thread for the last week and then the day after the highlander Pip the crusaders to the final he comes back in and stirs up this tiny suggestion like it’s the most ludicrous thing in the history of rugby, demanding evidence etc…it’s a bit sad
No, what's sad is the lack of rugby knowledge you and others are showing. A silly claim about a potential positional change with zero basis and then when called on it, instead of explaining yourself, you try to change the topic by way of the bizarre suggestion that I'm pressing you on it because the Crusaders didn't make the SRTT final. Brilliant. and also truly fucking sad.
We have explained…several times…your inability to either read or understand others points of view (even if you don’t agree)…I’d be be worrying if it were me
The fact you’re not on every single thread having a go at every passing comment for not having a thesis of supporting evidence proves to me you’re are just so salty about missing the final youre here purely to wind people up…sad
Hey Jordie Barrett is pretty tall....maybe he could play lock?
@southernmann said in Highlanders 2021:
All Highlanders fans will be excited about the prospect of a fit Fakatava coming back. Aaron Smith has been nothing short of inspirational, but he needs some back up. Kayne Hammington is a great team man. But, we three top quality halfback coming through within the catchment area, serious consideration will need to be made about the third halfback succession plan. Next season gives Aaron Smith the opportunity to step back and not have to play 60 to 80 minutes each week. There will be weaker opposition and he should get a deserved break. Because of this, I think we will retain Kayne Hammington for one more season.
Probably a good call to keep Hammington, as it may take Fakatava a full season recover his movement after tearing his ACL (see Black and McKenzie having below par seasons followed by big improvements the next year when returning from an ACL injury).
great post, lots i hadn't thought about and will do now
couple of quick ones, would 100% take Faddes over Sio, always thought he was underrated
definitely keen to bring through local talent....but Himeno has been amazing, really hope we try and re sign him
Selby-Rickett is an interesting one, wonder if he's already said he wants to leave, with his move form southland the first step
I like ricky jackson when he's come on for Otago, i'd like to see him given a bit more of a run before being written off, we've just been very lucky over the last couple of years Dixon and Coltman with very few injuries
hope we actually get to see Alaimalo....it weird, seems personal issues as much as anything
Halfback is interesting, two NZ u20 coming through, fakatava firmly established as second...i say bring these youngs guys through, but im a forward so dont mind seeing yappy halfbacks getting smashed 
@southernmann said in Highlanders 2021:
While there will be questions marks over over Alaimalo, the third halfback, Mikaele-Tu'u, Dixon, Jackson and Thwaites.
WIth the loosies, Highlanders U20 Captain Sean Withy should be bought in. He seems an outstanding prospect. Lentjes can play six, With will be the third string openside. Is the future of the franchise. Depending on what they do with Mikaele-Tu'u there is the potential for another 6/8 to impress. I hope they keep him around, seems as if his off the field stuff has been a bit of a distraction to him this season. With the mix of Frizell, Squire, Renton and Harmon we have a good mix of talent as first string players. With a likely Frizell, Harmon and Renton starting trio and Squire coming off the bench.
Great write-up, but why would there be a question mark over Mikaele-Tu'u? They'd be absolutely nuts not to re-sign him!
"off the field stuff", you mean that one night at Josh Ioane's? Why would that have been a distraction? And why do you write it as if it affected him all season?
Do you realise he's been injured for most of the season? Yes, he had a bit of a quiet start to the season, not unlike other no. 8's like Sotutu or Grace. There's no reason to think he wouldn't have been able to lift his game like them, if he hadn't been injured.
At first five we are reasonably well set with Mitch Hunt. The question is will Josh Ioane want to stick around, or is he sick of being told off for being a dumb fluffybunny. It is liekly Vili Koroi will also be seen as a back up 10. But, if Ioane goes and Koroi is our back up 10. Do we look to sign a mid-level first five as a back up. Do we look towards a McClutchie or a Brett Cameron. Someone who is experienced and can do a role should Hunt go down injured. I'd be in favour of a signing like that.
I assume the Highlanders are more likely to sign Makene than McClutchie as a back-up 10, like they did this season.
@Stargazer; In terms of Mikaele-Tu'u, I've heard that he really enjoys the off field component of living in Dunedin. I'd really like for him to stick around. He's a very talented player at the top of his game. Just haven't read anything about him re-signing, although often you don't. He is the sort of player who might be targeted by Moana Pasifika, who may try to bring him in by guaranteeing him the no8 spot. Keeping him is the ideal situation, allowing the Highlanders to bounce between him and Renton at eight, depending on the opposition.
@Kiwiwomble; With Faddes, I'd expect to see him added alongside Tomkinson. Although, he could be another one that Moana Pasifika might try to woo.
There is a young lock down in Otago from Christchurch, Fabian Holland that could have a good season in the Building Supplies Provincial Championship. Very young, but might force his way in.
I'm hoping we do our best to keep Noah Hotham around. Nothing beats a top notch halfback one two punch.
I'm expecting Gregory to have a massive season for Northland (assuming our coaches noticed that he has been playing where many were calling for him.to play since 2019 - midfield)
He came into the 2020 npc low on confidence after a poor super season and took several games to gain any confidence and even then, still came off the bench and not always in the midfield.
Whether he partners Tua or Ranger, I am hoping he will have a stormer, and then continues to press his case at the highlanders for 2022
Did I see somewhere that Brett Cameron is heading off-shore? So one less Crusaders cast-off you can get your hands on.
Gilbert at least has some experience at 10 from schoolboy days, so could be an option there.
We all hope Alaimalo sorts himself out.
Eliott Dixon is back in NZ and based on a story in The Press today, open to playing NPC and SR. I'd love to see him make himself available for Canterbury this year given he's currently living in Ohoka and is a Cantab originally. But he could end up with the Highlanders again.
@shark said in Highlanders 2021:
Did I see somewhere that Brett Cameron is heading off-shore?
Hasn't he signed for Manawatu?
talk about rigged @Stargazer r, you get upvotes when you dont even say anything!
@yeetyaah Great to see that players moving past the stigma about mental health. Glad he's getting help, and nice to see support from Akira who went through something similar.
Chit chat about Naholo. Highlanders admitting that they are interested. Just needs to prove his is capable of playing, especially having being burnt recently by injured stars like Milner-Skudder and Squire. If he can come back, he would be a nice addition to the team. The article also mentions the possibility of him either playing for Taranaki again or even Canterbury. It would be ghastly to see him playing for Canterbury.
Super Rugby: Highlanders confirm 'gaps to fill' in roster as Waisake Naholo returns to NZ
Former All Black Waisake Naholo is back in Dunedin after an injury-hit stint at London Irish, and a return to the Highlanders is not out of the question after they revealed they still have gaps available on their 2022 roster.
Naholo played only a handful of games during a two-year spell in the UK as he battled a persistent knee injury.
However, he is a chance of playing club rugby in Dunedin this weekend and when asked about Naholo, Highlanders chief executive Roger Clark told Stuff on Monday that they “still have gaps to fill for 2022”.
The Highlanders would have to be convinced that Naholo’s knee could stand up to the rigours of Super Rugby, particularly after Liam Squire and Nehe Milner-Skudder both struggled for game time this year.
However, the 30-year-old Naholo could get plenty of opportunities to prove his fitness in club rugby and potentially, the NPC.
Naholo was aligned to Taranaki prior to his departure to the UK, although there could be interest from Canterbury after Manasa Mataele (Western Force) and Josh McKay (Glasgow) left for overseas opportunities.
There has been something of a trend of former All Blacks returning to New Zealand in recent times, and Julian Savea was good value for the Hurricanes this year after first showing his worth in the 2020 NPC.
One factor in Naholo’s favour is the value Highlanders head coach Tony Brown puts in experience.
Brown signed veteran lock Bryn Evans and prop Josh Hohneck last year and was rewarded with a standout campaign from Evans, while the Highlanders’ new All Blacks prop Ethan de Groot credited Hohneck for helping him to win his test callup.
The Highlanders have a relatively inexperienced back-three unit, with Milner-Skudder not expected back in 2022, and Naholo’s professionalism was praised by London Irish boss Declan Kidney when he left the club.
“If somebody was to write a book about rehabbing (an injury) I would be interested in his,” Kidney told RugbyPass. “Sometimes when you see a player on the pitch it comes down to talent but professionalism is about how you go about your job and stick to the task.
“The way he has gone about his would show any player the way back and it hasn’t been easy for him – but I haven’t heard a word of complaint out of him.”
The Highlanders often used Sio Tomkinson or Ngantungane Punivai on the right wing this year, although they might be viewed primarily as midfielders in 2022 following the exit of Michael Collins (Ospreys).
Naholo had such an impact at the Highlanders that the chant bearing his name still rings out at Forsyth Barr Stadium two years after his exit.
He has previously turned out for the Harbour club in Dunedin, which also developed All Blacks prop George Bower and Tomkinson.
@yeetyaah i dont know, i still remember him being pretty dangerous at super level in his last season, i do kind of feel given his injuries he needs to play NPC before a super team picks him up though, dont think a fitness test is the same as even half a dozen games of NPC
@yeetyaah Yeah, he slowed down quite a bit. And now he's just another injury waiting to happen.