Tevita Li moving to the Highlanders

[Kiwiwomble]

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/...li-to-highlanders-for-2017-super-rugby-season

Bit of a surprise there....didn't know we were looking

 

[TRF Mr Fish]

Doesn't look great for the Blues to have one of their younger talents leave the team, but to be honest I don't think Li is much to write home about. Can't imagine he'll get much game time with the Highlanders either (given they'll be trying to fit all of Naholo, Osborne, Faddes and Buckman into the backline somehow...).

Potentially means TNW is heading to the Blues? Who knows.

 

[Kiwiwomble]

I imagine Faddes is seen as a midfield partner to fekitoa as is buckman , definately space for a wing in the team to cover injury / rotation. Now naholo is firmly in the AB frame a bit of depth would be good to cover his extra workload

 

[Aotearoa_]

Tony Brown is a magician when it comes to getting the best out off backline players, look at what he's done with the Landers backline past few seasons, probably why he's going South to be honest, better than stagnation at the Blues

 

[nickdnz]

I like Li, but I don't understand this move at all. Highlanders have Osborne, Naholo and Tongia has always performed when needed. Snd that's not even considering the utility backs.

I mean he is basically a guaranteed starter for the Blues - but for my mind either of the Chiefs or Crusaders would have been better moves if he wants game time..

 

[Larksea]

it is kinda interesting that A the highlanders want him and B that he wants to go... Is a bit of a head scratchier but I guess time will tell.

 

[Kiwiwomble]

Now I'm wondering is togia isn't signed up for next year, have a feeling he's falling into the kurt baker group of just not being in favour and no matter how well he plays he won't hang around

I hope I'm wrong, I rate togia

 

[Aotearoa_]

Huh? Tevita Li is a great signing.

He's been great in defense for the Blues, he's scored plenty of tries and he's 21. He tackles at 80%+ which is fantastic for a winger and has been a highlight for the Blues and he's scored 4 tries, very much in the Piutau ilk.

Head to head in the defense apartment with Osborne, he's only missed 11 tackles all season to Osbornes 12 missed tackles, Osborne has made 29 tackles, Li has made 49 tackles, on top of that he's scored 2 more tries and is quicker, did I point out he's only 21 as well?

Not sure you guys noticed but the Highlanders lacked a player of Tevita Li's quality when Naholo was injured and when Osborne took a knock, the Reds and Sharks game came to mind with their lack of quality in the backline/defense became obvious. Wilson and Tongia aren't really in the same league or will come close to what Tevita Li will develop into.

Tony Brown has obviously identified him and has signed up yet another great Blues players.

Their loss Highlanders gain (again).

Surprised at the surprised in here and lack of enthusiasm.

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Tony Brown has had a huge hand in this I believe. I wouldn't be surprised if the All Blacks have tagged him and asked Tony to work with him.

 

[nickdnz]

Huh? Tevita Li is a great signing.

Not sure you guys noticed but the Highlanders lacked a player of Tevita Li's quality when Naholo was injured and when Osborne took a knock, the Reds and Sharks game came to mind with their lack of quality in the backline/defense became obvious. Wilson and Tongia aren't really in the same league or will come close to what Tevita Li will develop into.

Tony Brown has obviously identified him and has signed up yet another great Blues players.

Their loss Highlanders gain (again).

Surprised at the surprised in here and lack of enthusiasm.

I don't think anyone is saying Li isn't a really good player. He's scored more tries at U20s than anyone (albeit in more tournaments than someone like Savea or Wade). The thing people are suggesting is that it is a strange move for Li. He is behind Osbourne and Naholo who are wingers cemented in their positions and could well be for the next few seasons (unless Osbourne is leaving now he has chosen to play for Fiji - he could well get more money elsewhere).

Tongia has scored 4 tries in his 3 games of Super Rugby and 16 tries in 22 games at ITM Cup level. That's a very good strike rate for a backup winger. It just seems a strange move to get Li there, when their depth is already pretty good. Weirder for Li, when he can get as much time in the Blues as he wants. If I had to guess it would be Osbourne must be heading off for next season.

 

[Aotearoa_]

I don't think anyone is saying Li isn't a really good player. He's scored more tries at U20s than anyone (albeit in more tournaments than someone like Savea or Wade). The thing people are suggesting is that it is a strange move for Li. He is behind Osbourne and Naholo who are wingers cemented in their positions and could well be for the next few seasons (unless Osbourne is leaving now he has chosen to play for Fiji - he could well get more money elsewhere).

Tongia has scored 4 tries in his 3 games of Super Rugby and 16 tries in 22 games at ITM Cup level. That's a very good strike rate for a backup winger. It just seems a strange move to get Li there, when their depth is already pretty good. Weirder for Li, when he can get as much time in the Blues as he wants. If I had to guess it would be Osbourne must be heading off for next season.

Yeah, offers for Osborne will be coming in and he will certainly been taking them seriously, 29 and done his job there. Should get a good contract in the Top 14. Tevita Li will be looking to pursue his AB aspirations and I honestly believe Tony Brown will do a lot with him. I'm expecting a lot from him, almost certain he will be an AB come 2019.

I'm sure Tony will be considered as an All Black backs coach or assistant in the future also and will do wonders with Tevita's game, good move all round IMO.

 

[Kiwiwomble]

Super Rugby is back! Squad member Ross Geldenhuy's names the team to play the Southern Kings on Saturday night (5.20am Sunday NZT) in Xhosa!
#WeAreHighlanders #KINvHIG #SuperBANGBANG

1. Daniel Lienert-Brown
2. Ash Dixon
3. Josh Hohneck
4. Mark Reddish
5. Tom Franklin
6. Gareth Evans
7. Shane Christie (C)
8. Luke Whitelock
9. Te Aihe Toma
10. Marty Banks
11. Ryan Tongia
12. Rob Thompson
13. Jason Emery
14. Jack Wilson
15. Matt Faddes

RESERVES
16. Greg Pleasants-Tate
17. Aki Seiuli
18. Siosuia Halanukonuka
19. Liam Squire
20. Dan Pryor
21. Jamie Booth
22. Lima Sopoaga
23. Patrick Osborne

...shows why we could use him

 

[GoTheNaki]

What are the Blues doing... First Fekitoa, then Naholo... Now Tevita Li? Are the Blues just happy feeding the Highlanders players to win the championship?? I get the first two *cough* John Kirwan, but Tana letting Li go...? What? He is basically their best left-winger, I mean??

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This suggests hugely that Osborne is bolting for big money whilst he can. It's a normal pathway, can't really make the ABs... But is good enough(probably 2nd tier of wingers) that someone will spend on him.

 

[Aotearoa_]

What are the Blues doing... First Fekitoa, then Naholo... Now Tevita Li? Are the Blues just happy feeding the Highlanders players to win the championship?? I get the first two *cough* John Kirwan, but Tana letting Li go...? What? He is basically their best left-winger, I mean??

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This suggests hugely that Osborne is bolting for big money whilst he can. It's a normal pathway, can't really make the ABs... But is good enough(probably 2nd tier of wingers) that someone will spend on him.

There's a rot in the Blues franchise and it runs deep. The coaching and player retention and identification process is poor. Getting rid of JK was one thing, but they needed a complete clean out.