Blues, Saders, Highlanders and Chiefs look sharp.
Curious to see who will get the 15 jersey at the Chiefs.
I'd imagine Nanai-Williams will get the first shot at the 15 jersey. I wouldn't feel that safe with either he nor Robinson at fullback (defense, decision making, and ability to handle pressure are issues for both of them), but thus far Nanai-Williams has looked more comfortable at Super Rugby level, and does have an amazing ability to create something out of nothing.
james mcgougan get a contract?
No. I'm not surprised he didn't get one either, he was absolutely horrendous for Otago. He has developed an amazing ability to lose the ball whenever he takes it into contact - I used to rate him quite highly, but I hope desperately that he hasn't been signed on by Otago again next season!
Anyways onto the Highlanders:
Looks like he strongest squad I've seen almost 10 years. As long as they don't suffer too many injuries they could well push for a playoff spot this year. However the Highlanders do still lack depth in a few areas. Last season this lack of depth was exposed as the season went on, as Joseph was forced to play some players every week meaning by the end of the season many players were fatigued, and the teams performances dropped off as a result. The obvious solution is to rest players more often throughout the season, though whether the Highlanders have the depth for this yet is the big question.
Andrew Hore is a massive acquisition for the Highlanders. Rutledge is a very good hooker, but his lack of size at scrum time has always been an issue. Hore not only adds more physicality around the field, but he adds another player who is great at the breakdown. This could be vital if the Highlanders opt for a Thomson, Haskell, Manu loose-trio. While Hore obviously improves the front-row, the front-row is still not that strong. Mackintosh is fantastic around the field, but still struggles at scrum time at this level, while King is a solid player, but is never going to dominate opposition scrums. Behind these two there is not much depth either: Murray is experienced, but is probably not good enough to start at this level, while Fia is still very young (21), especially for a tight-head prop. I really like the look of Fia, but I still think he's a year or two away from being ready to start at this level.
The starting locking combination is very strong (Hoeata and Bekhuis), and I think Callum Retallick is the sort of lock that will flourish under Jamie Joseph. He is very good in the lineout, and does the basics right around the field without being at all flashy. If any of these top three locks gets injured there may be an issue though, as they are the only three locks in the squad, with Nick Crosswell providing lock coverage if required. I actually think Crosswell has the potential to be a very good lock in the Hoeata mould, but he has very little experience at lock even at ITM Cup level.
There are plenty of options in the loose-forwards (7 loosies, not including Hoeata as he looks like he will play all his rugby at lock this season). I'm not convinced with either of the genuine openside options in the squad (Hardie & Tietjens) - Hardie's been pretty disappointing at Super Rugby level, while Tietjens has no experience at this level at all. While I generally prefer to play a genuine openside, I think a Thomson, Haskell, Manu trio may be the way to go. I was very impressed with the way Manu developed last season: if he can continue this development (read: continue to improve his tackling percentage, hit a few more rucks, improve his handling) he may well be pushing for an AB's spot by the end of next year. I would quite like to see young Elliot Dixon get some gametime at 8, but with Manu and Haskell both in the squad I expect his gametime this season may again be restricted.
Assuming Slade can stay fit for more than a few games the halves combination will be strong. If he does get injured I'd be a bit more worried, as I'm not yet convinced by Sopoaga at Super Rugby level. He seems to have all the skills, but I still think he is a year or two away from being able to run a Super Rugby team. Not convinced about Noakes either, but at least he is a very good goal-kicker, which is something that the Highlanders lacked last season. Unless Jimmy Cowan starts to show some great form I could potential see Aaron Smith overtaking him as the Highlanders starting halfback this season. Smith is by far the best passing halfback in the country, and could potentially set the backline alight, though he doesn't yet have the same ability to control a game that Cowan possesses (nor Cowan's accurate box-kicking game, or outstanding cover-defense).
The Highlanders have plenty of options in the midfield and outside backs - something they haven't had for years. I personally favour a Treeby/Ellison midfield, with a back three of Gear/Poki/Smith, but would be happy to see any of Lynn, Piutau, or Kurt Baker starting as well. One of the major questions the Highlanders will have is what to do will Ben Smith and Tamati Ellison, as both players are capable of playing in nearly every backline position bar halfback. Given the Highlanders will be playing almost half of there games in a covered stadium (hence a dry hard ground) whoever gets chosen should get plenty of chances with ball in hand.
Overall I can't wait for the season to start. Two years ago that would have been a very strange thing to say for a Highlanders supporter!
