Highlanders Depth

Big confirmation last night that we just don't have the depth... we actually did alright in the first half. Looking at the starting pack particularly, Ainsley is obviously moving on, and Dunshea is at his peak, but the other six are only going to keep getting better.

Five of them are 23 and younger, so I think that is a positive - particularly as they all played quite well. Haig, Withy, Stodart is going to be a hell of a loose forward trio in a few years time.

The starting backline also went reasonably well, but once again without Tele'a we fell to bits. Save the second half comeback against the Chiefs, and the annihilation in Brisbane (where he played) the difference when he is and isn't on the field is crazy.

Defensively particularly... 12-47 v Hurricanes, 31-47 v Rebels, 6-15 (Second Half only) v Crusaders, 0-21 v (Second Half only) Blues... this is clearly not just a coincidence. Midfield is going to get a big overhaul, because J Whaanga already coming in, and I'd guess Timu and M Whaanga leave... probably TUJ too, so by my reckoning we need at least one more, which is likely to be a 13. Gilbert to stick around as a utility. Whoever it is simply has to have some pace.

The attack also fell apart when Millar went off, so we were exposed for not having Faleafaga on the bench. I understand the thought process in backing Millar, but when we had so many injuries anyway, having Hurley on the bench over him was just a bit stupid IMO.

The outside backs have been on the whole the best we have seen in years, though Bogado has been a bit disappointing. We've already signed a winger to replace him, and my understanding is that it is from another franchise... Sullivan is the obvious one who is off-contract, but that would feel really bizarre, because JRK has gone well at 15, and we've supposedly already signed Hurley (why?) so unlikely to be a fullback.