25 replies to this topic

[Canes4life]

Forwards

1) Neemia Tialata (Wellington)
2) John Schwagler (Wellington)
3) Jacob Ellison (Wellington)
4) ? Draft Player
5) Andrew Hore (Taranaki)
6) Hika Elliot (Hawkes Bay)
7) James Broadhurst (Taranaki)
8) Jason Eaton (Taranaki)
9) Bryn Evans (Hawkes Bay)
10) Jeremy Thrush (Wellington)
11) Victor Vito (Wellington)
12) Karl Lowe (Hawkes Bay)
13) Serge Lilo (Wellintgon)
14) Faifili Levavae (Wellington)
15) Mike Coman (Hawkes Bay)
16) Mark Reddish (Wellington)
17) Rodney So’oialo (Wellington)
Backs

1) Piri Weepu (Wellington)
2) Tyson Keats (Taranaki)
3) Aaron Cruden (Manawatu)
4) Michael Hobbs (Wellington)
5) Daniel Kirkpatrick (Hawkes Bay)
6) Ma’a Nonu (Wellington)
7) Charlie Ngatai (Wellington)
8) Conrad Smith (Wellington)
9) Julian Savea (Wellington)
10) Hosea Gear (Wellington)
11) Andre Taylor (Taranaki)
12) David Smith (Taranaki)
13) Cory Jane (Wellington)
14) Kurt Baker (Taranaki)
15) ? Draft Player

[matata_massive]

Canes4life said:

Forwards

1) Neemia Tialata (Wellington)
2) John Schwagler (Wellington)
3) Jacob Ellison (Wellington)
4) ? Draft Player
5) Andrew Hore (Taranaki)
6) Hika Elliot (Hawkes Bay)
7) James Broadhurst (Taranaki)
8) Jason Eaton (Taranaki)
9) Bryn Evans (Hawkes Bay)
10) Jeremy Thrush (Wellington)
11) Victor Vito (Wellington)
12) Karl Lowe (Hawkes Bay)
13) Serge Lilo (Wellintgon)
14) Faifili Levavae (Wellington)
15) Mike Coman (Hawkes Bay)
16) Mark Reddish (Wellington)
17) Rodney So’oialo (Wellington)
Backs

1) Piri Weepu (Wellington)
2) Tyson Keats (Taranaki)
3) Aaron Cruden (Manawatu)
4) Michael Hobbs (Wellington)
5) Daniel Kirkpatrick (Hawkes Bay)
6) Ma’a Nonu (Wellington)
7) Charlie Ngatai (Wellington)
8) Conrad Smith (Wellington)
9) Julian Savea (Wellington)
10) Hosea Gear (Wellington)
11) Andre Taylor (Taranaki)
12) David Smith (Taranaki)
13) Cory Jane (Wellington)
14) Kurt Baker (Taranaki)
15) ? Draft Player

havent seen much of him since but he was very very average vs the BOP

[Hooroo]

Is Hika Elliot not playing for the Chiefs next season?

[SouthernMan]

Michael Hobbs is a Highlanders contracted player next year as well.

[Crucial]

Who will be the poor team that gets Coles?

Not sure if Hammett will have the same manlove for David Smith as Cooper did. He could be better off looking at Stowers if Ferrit doesn't try and get him. Also not sure if Cruden, Hobbs and Kirkpatrick will all be required.

I haven't seen anything from Levave to excite me and another CM player (Fritz Lee) could be a go there.

It's funny with these bigger squads though. There will be players that may well have been left out previously.

I wonder if Hammett will be looking for more no-nonsense grunters in the forwards?

[dingo]

Coles (spit) seems to be the only option behind Hore as Ged Robinson is getting no game time this NPC.

The 'canes starting backline looks good: Weepu, Cruden, Gear, Nonu, Smith, Savea, Jane, but the reserves are a big step down and the forward pack very average for a Super Franchise.

Might be worthwhile using Hammet's connections to offer Chris Jack a contract.

Edited by dingo, 01 September 2010 - 02:38 PM.

[Canes4life]

Hobbs is actually a free agent and with the highlanders just signing Colin Slade it will be a good guess that he stays in his home province of Wellington and byes his time with cruden and the canes. I feel that Coman will provide that grunt and i also feel that if the Crusaders sign Thompson, then Hammet may try to get George Whitelock up from cantyland. IMO the likes of rising outside backs in the form of Kurt Baker and Andre Taylor will bring the enthusiasm at the end of a game when eveyone is tired.

[Red Beard]

Hobbs will need to lift his game on and off the field before he gets another contract. This James Broadhurst originally from Gissie now of Naki fame is one to watch, a very big man in good form.

[Canes4life]

Its because Hobbs is always injured!!! I think James Broadhurst is another up and coming Eaton, while Mark Reddish could play a role in which M Paterson played last year.

[Red Beard]

Canes4life said:

Its because Hobbs is always injured!!! I think James Broadhurst is another up and coming Eaton, while Mark Reddish could play a role in which M Paterson played last year.

I also heard he could have done more to fit in down there but he wasnt the only draft player in that boat.

[Canes4life]

And the whole scenario in south africa where him and thompson were dropped for 1 game by not following team proticols. Fa'atonu Fili may be an option, but he is too hot and cold for my liking.

[Red Beard]

I know Im being incredbily naive but the best rugby players in New Zealand seldom swap franchises or provinces. Look at the likes of Woodcock, McCaw, Carter, Hore, Mealamu..... I wonder why more young players dont think like that and commit to a province or franchise long term where they can be first choice. Why wouldnt a player like Hobbs for example see signing with Otago as a real opportunity to secure his long term future as a professional player?

[Winger]

Crucial said:

Who will be the poor team that gets Coles?

Not sure if Hammett will have the same manlove for David Smith as Cooper did. He could be better off looking at Stowers if Ferrit doesn't try and get him. Also not sure if Cruden, Hobbs and Kirkpatrick will all be required.

I haven't seen anything from Levave to excite me and another CM player (Fritz Lee) could be a go there.

It's funny with these bigger squads though. There will be players that may well have been left out previously.

I wonder if Hammett will be looking for more no-nonsense grunters in the forwards?

Coles has been playing good rugby this year. And is a better impact option than Elliot.

Levave hands have let him down in some games but otherwise has been in good form

I have read there will be 3 hookers and three HBs in the squads and 8 in the backup extended sqaud.

[SouthernMan]

Canes4life said:

Hobbs is actually a free agent and with the highlanders just signing Colin Slade it will be a good guess that he stays in his home province of Wellington and byes his time with cruden and the canes. I feel that Coman will provide that grunt and i also feel that if the Crusaders sign Thompson, then Hammet may try to get George Whitelock up from cantyland. IMO the likes of rising outside backs in the form of Kurt Baker and Andre Taylor will bring the enthusiasm at the end of a game when eveyone is tired.

No he isn't.

www.odt.co.nz

Tue, 20 Oct 2009

Quote

Wellington inside back Michael Hobbs and Canterbury winger James Paterson will be two new faces in the Highlanders next year.
Hobbs has signed a two-year deal with the franchise, and is expected to be named in the Highlanders next month.
Hobbs, who turned 22 last Sunday, plays first five-eighth or second five-eighth and is transferring from Wellington.
As part of the deal, Hobbs will have until Christmas to decide which province he wants to play for next season.
He has missed all of this year's Air New Zealand Cup because of a back injury but has passed a medical clearance and is fit to play.
The son of New Zealand Rugby Union chairman Jock Hobbs, he was drafted to the Blues last season.

But after what Red Beard has said about Hobbs I'm not too sure if I want him playing for my team. It's one thing about not living in DUneidn these days I don't get to hear about the shit storm that is the Highlanders first hand. But if one man can change Hobbs' attitude it will be his provincial coach.

[Winger]

dingo said:

Coles (spit) seems to be the only option behind Hore as Ged Robinson is getting no game time this NPC.

The 'canes starting backline looks good: Weepu, Cruden, Gear, Nonu, Smith, Savea, Jane, but the reserves are a big step down and the forward pack very average for a Super Franchise.

Might be worthwhile using Hammet's connections to offer Chris Jack a contract.

Do you want an AB forwrad pack. Except for 7 which might be a bit weak the forward pack looks fine. All it needs is a good coach. Also back reserves including Ngatai, Taylor Baker, Keats, Even Smith and Kirkpatrick have played well at s14 level in the past

If they sign the above team it will be up to the coaches to do well, because they will have a good group of players (subject to sorting out the HB first combination)

Other options

3rd HB What about Goodin

Prop option. Perenise and Bent

If Hobbs is not available another midfield option is required.

Edited by Winger, 01 September 2010 - 07:50 PM.

[Bones]

Beauden Barrett has been looking pretty decent from what I've seen. Baden Kerr might be worth a look over Kirkpatrick who has been tried and tested also, although I'd prefer to see if Horrell can regain some form and force his way in. Either way, would prefer to pick up a goalkicker who might be able to play elsewhere than first five in case Cruden gets the yips...

[Winger]

How old is Baden Kerr

Kirkpatrick is getting his first extended run at first. He's now just turned 22 (which is still young for a 1st 5) so it's up to him to show what he can do. I thought he did fine against Cruden last WE and will only get better as the year goes by.

[Bones]

Winger said:

....and will only get better as the year goes by.

Famous last words

[dingo]

Winger said:

Do you want an AB forwrad pack. Except for 7 which might be a bit weak the forward pack looks fine. All it needs is a good coach.

I'd say that 'canes starting loose forwards look fine. Lowe, Rodders, Vito. Not as good as some, better than others.

I'd say that the starting 'canes tight 5 is probably the fourth strongest out of the NZ franchises, with only the Chiefs being weaker. If I'm generous, its probably better than 3 of the 5 Oz likely combinations, and being very generous maybe 3 of the 5 SA combinations. Which all in all makes it about in 8th place, which is exactly average for a super franchise.

What it needs isn't just coaching, its workrate.

Winger said:

If they sign the above team it will be up to the coaches to do well, because they will have a good group of players (subject to sorting out the HB first combination)

I'd think the HB first combination is fairly straight forward. Weepu - Cruden. What other realistic possibility to make the squad would be anywhere close?????

The lack of proactive signing and protection of players in the 'canes region has killed the 'canes player depth. IMO they'll have a reasonable starting 15 all things considered but the quality drops off steeply from there.

Edited by dingo, 01 September 2010 - 09:27 PM.

[Canes4life]

i don't think there is any need to worry.
With so many players having an option on what super franchise they will play for, gives me the impression that Hammet has a plan up his sleave. And with Croswell and Waldrom signing elsewhere we cud be suprised on who actaully comes in. Any chance of Thompson signing????

[Winger]

Canes4life said:

i don't think there is any need to worry.
With so many players having an option on what super franchise they will play for, gives me the impression that Hammet has a plan up his sleave. And with Croswell and Waldrom signing elsewhere we cud be suprised on who actaully comes in. Any chance of Thompson signing????

Ive read that a lot of players have already been signed

The only concern for me is a back up TH for Tialata.

Ellison was surprising good at LH this S14 but if they had another top quality TH Tialata can play LH

Coles loooks like he's finally stepping up at Hooker

Eaton and either Broadhurst or Thrush (Evans ???) should be good. Although Thrush still has a problem with his defence

[matata_massive]

Winger said:

Ive read that a lot of players have already been signed

The only concern for me is a back up TH for Tialata.

Ellison was surprising good at LH this S14 but if they had another top quality TH Tialata can play LH

Coles loooks like he's finally stepping up at Hooker

Eaton and either Broadhurst or Thrush (Evans ???) should be good. Although Thrush still has a problem with his defence

he looks really good, hope he can break into the hurricanes

[Bones]

matata_massive said:

he looks really good, hope he can break into the hurricanes

http://www.stuff.co....t-training-camp

[matata_massive]

Bones said:

http://www.stuff.co....t-training-camp

oh shot me haha well then hope he can break in AGAIN

[Allstar]

i completely missed this... not much debate... so that settles it then

[Winger]

I was impressed with Ngatai against Hawkes Bay. He's just turned 20 but will be interested to see how he goes v Sonny Bill next week.

Scott Fuglistaller might be another option at 7.

And I guess Sopoaga if he can continue to improve. He has so far been better than Fili. And this is difficult games due to the wind and rain. Hopefully the weather is better this WE to see how his goal kicking is in normal conditions.

Mailata is maybe another but he did not do enough at the WE even though he scored another try