Highlanders v Reds Sat 22nd March 1:35pm AEST

[dru]

The others were alright, but Hames only ever wanted to chime in when he felt the landers were being dudded. Makes the win all that bit sweeter!

I can't tell the NZ commentators apart, I'm sorry. Was there a dope in the group? I don't know. On the whole I'd go with Kiwi commentators over Aussie.

 

[TSR]

Another scrum penalty - no card after warning

A card was deserved. But I really just wanted De Groot carded after he threw his fellow front rowers under the bus when the ref warned them.

(Plus I rate Nonggorr and it was good to see him stand up. Despite me bagging him I do recognise De Groot is quality and I remember him mincing our front row 2-3 years ago so happy to see both THPs go well against him.)

 

[Dan54]

Apparently the Kiwis can't touch the touch line. According the ref...

Geez and the Reds brought their own ref to huh???

Not necessarily. Will only get cited if it’s deemed a red. Given Lynagh was dropping that’s unlikely.

Well you can get an off field red. But as you say very unlikely. I just assumed when the TMO said no problem he contacted on shoulder first that was it.

 

[dru]

A card was deserved. But I really just wanted De Groot carded after he throw his fellow front rowers under the bus when the ref warned them.

(Plus I rate Nonggorr and it was good to see him stand up. Despite me bagging him I do recognise De Groot is quality and I remember him mincing our front row 2-3 years ago so happy to so both THPs go well against him.)

I'm really liking the Reds front row. Nonngorr is really building to a possibly solid international reputation. I know I'm biassed but I also loved George Blake's cameo. Oh, and Faga'ase is seriously earning his pay check.

I'd say the same about our second rowers. We're doing allright.

 

[TSR]

I think Fa’agase’s last 2 yrs have been well and truly his best - although I didn’t see him OS.

He’s a throw back player - pretty middling as a scrummager in his early years but now very good and just does his dirt work all around the field. Reminds me of Greg Holmes.

 

[Jimmy_Crouch]

The others were alright, but Hames only ever wanted to chime in when he felt the landers were being dudded. Makes the win all that bit sweeter!

Hames. Still dirty about being punted by the reds

 

[Dan54]

I think Fa’agase’s last 2 yrs have been well and truly his best - although I didn’t see him OS.

He’s a throw back player - pretty middling as a scrummager in his early years but now very good and just does his dirt work all around the field. Reminds me of Greg Holmes.

As I have known Sef since he a kid , I always kept eye on him, and you right, he seems to of hit his straps at end of career.

 

[TSR]

Well, the Reds did not deserve a BP and the Highlanders did. Wimp of a way for the game to end all the same.

We still get the BP thought, don’t we. Because we scored 3 more tries? Isn’t that how it works?

 

[WorkingClassRugger]

We still get the BP thought, don’t we. Because we scored 3 more tries? Isn’t that how it works?

4 tries regardless of whether you win by 1 or 3 isn't it?

 

[Sully]

4 tries regardless of whether you win by 1 or 3 isn't it?

No, win by 3 or more tries for a bonus point.

 

[dru]

4 tries regardless of whether you win by 1 or 3 isn't it?

I stand pleased, and corrected.

 

[Wilson]

A great away win, really good pillar to build on for the rest of the season

 

[TSR]

Got to say - I’m sure there is some confirmation bias in there because I really rate the bloke and a lot don’t seem to rate him - but I thought Blyth was excellent today. Really physical and used it to good effect. Strong in the scrum, lineout and maul. Even made a break and an offload.

 

[Crashy]

How many points do you reckon you need to make the finals this year?

 

[Wilson]

How many points do you reckon you need to make the finals this year?
View attachment 21271

Based on previous years Ilit'll probably be a 6ish win split, maybe a 26 point minimum. 30 will likely guarantee it. If things stay tighter from top to bottom it might be closer to 34

 

[Crashy]

does that factor in the fact its top 6 this year as opposed to top 8?

 

[Sully]

How many points do you reckon you need to make the finals this year?
View attachment 21271

Here is mine.

 

[TSR]

I assume Wilson will have to have a mandated rest next week. Who else. Maybe Canham & Daugunu although I’m not sure they would have been included in the list of players who needed compulsory rest?

Not concerned about Canham with Smith coming back in. Brial & Bryant will have big shoes to fill but they are both quality. If we did have to rest Daugunu then that will be a big issue - particularly if guys like Flook & Henry aren’t ready to return.

 

[Wilson]

does that factor in the fact its top 6 this year as opposed to top 8?

Yeah*, I was looking at this a week or two ago based on a 6 team limit on previous seasons. In the past 4 or 5 wins has made the top 8 final, but there's always been a big split around 5th or 6th.


*Caveat being I have very much enjoyed this win and celebrating it on my mates birthday, so numbers may be hazier than normal...

 

[Major Tom]

I assume Wilson will have to have a mandated rest next week. Who else. Maybe Canham & Daugunu although I’m not sure they would have been included in the list of players who needed compulsory rest?

Not concerned about Canham with Smith coming back in. Brial & Bryant will have big shoes to fill but they are both quality. If we did have to rest Daugunu then that will be a big issue - particularly if guys like Flook & Henry aren’t ready to return.

Daugunu will deffs need a rest at some point. But I would try not to rest him until we get flook, jock or Henry back. Maybe the chiefs game. That could be a write off.