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<blockquote data-quote="Darwin" data-source="post: 550694" data-attributes="member: 24910"><p><a href="http://www.therugbyforum.com/forum/member.php?24910-TRF_Darwin" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0000ff">TRF_Darwin</span></a> likes this.</p><p></p><p></p><p>It will be very interesting to see how he goes. The Highlanders need a quality 10 to lead them to the playoffs, and a fully fit Slade would certainly fit that bill. I'm still not convinced about his or Sopoaga's goal-kicking though - our best goal-kicker is again out third choice 10 (Hayden Parker). It will be interesting to see who out of Sopoaga and Slade wins the 10 jersey throughout the season. I actually think Sopoaga might actually be a better fit at 10 as he possess the ability to unleash the quality outside backs the Highlanders now possess. I get the feeling we may see quite a bit of Slade at fullback throughout the season (with Sopoaga at 10 and Smith at centre).</p><p></p><p></p><p>As you mention the loss of SBW is massive for the Chiefs. A Horrell/Kahui midfield would be pretty good, but not at the same level as a SBW/Kahui midfield. I'm actually picking Ngatai to have a big season with the Chiefs. He burst onto the scene a couple of seasons ago with the Under 20's but hasn't really developed since. His weight has been a bit of an issue, but he looked much slimmer for Wellington last season, and was playing much better too (though largely at fullback). Another intriguing option I have heard mentioned is Tim Nanai-Williams in the midfield. I'm not convinced about it myself, but he would certainly bring another dimension to the Chiefs attack with his distribution skills and elusiveness, though I do think his lack of physicality would be an issue. </p><p></p><p></p><p>If Tameifuna is in the same shape he was in for Hawkes Bay last season he won't have second season blues. He won't even get on the field, as he won't fit through the changing room door! If he does get through the door the game will be over before he gets on the pitch. I really hope he has been working hard in the off-season, as he has serious potential. I think Ben Afeaki may actually be a better fit for the Chiefs this season in any case. I have always thought that front-rows work better if the props are similar heights (though have no evidence to back this up what-so-ever...). With a tall prop like Smith starting at LH the scrum may actually function better with Afeaki at TH, rather than the shorter Tameifuna (even though Tameifuna is a better scrummager).</p><p></p><p></p><p>I'm hoping for a big season from Toby Smith too. As you say he has a lot of potential, and we could do with another quality LH prop (I'm still not 100% convinced with Crockett at test level, though he is doing the job). We also need as many Smith's in the AB's as possible, as it is a good tactic to confuse the oppostion.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>I tend to agree on Buckman. He is a solid player at ITM level who tries really hard, but looked out of his depth at Super Rugby level, with his lack of pace particularly evident. I actually think he is much better in the midfield, but for some reason he seems to be seen as an outside back (he is a handy goal-kicker though). Kaka is a frustrating player - brilliant one minute, completely dire the next. He could a very good Super Rugby player, but he makes so many silly errors, and has a shocking work-rate. Like you I would pick Proctor out of the choices available. He isn't the finished product yet, but he has a lot of potential, and really backs himself (which you really want from your wings). Leiua stepped it up during the ITM Cup so could be handy too. One player who I was surprised they didn't give more attention was Jason Woodward, who is now with the Rebels. He isn't exactly a star, but he covers wing and fullback, knows his way to the try line, and is a very good goal-kicker...</p><p></p><p></p><p>Good to hear Taylor has been doing a bit of kicking. I have always thought he was a good goalkicker - I have been surprised how little he has been used in the past.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Darwin, post: 550694, member: 24910"] [URL="http://www.therugbyforum.com/forum/member.php?24910-TRF_Darwin"][COLOR=#0000ff]TRF_Darwin[/COLOR][/URL] likes this. It will be very interesting to see how he goes. The Highlanders need a quality 10 to lead them to the playoffs, and a fully fit Slade would certainly fit that bill. I'm still not convinced about his or Sopoaga's goal-kicking though - our best goal-kicker is again out third choice 10 (Hayden Parker). It will be interesting to see who out of Sopoaga and Slade wins the 10 jersey throughout the season. I actually think Sopoaga might actually be a better fit at 10 as he possess the ability to unleash the quality outside backs the Highlanders now possess. I get the feeling we may see quite a bit of Slade at fullback throughout the season (with Sopoaga at 10 and Smith at centre). As you mention the loss of SBW is massive for the Chiefs. A Horrell/Kahui midfield would be pretty good, but not at the same level as a SBW/Kahui midfield. I'm actually picking Ngatai to have a big season with the Chiefs. He burst onto the scene a couple of seasons ago with the Under 20's but hasn't really developed since. His weight has been a bit of an issue, but he looked much slimmer for Wellington last season, and was playing much better too (though largely at fullback). Another intriguing option I have heard mentioned is Tim Nanai-Williams in the midfield. I'm not convinced about it myself, but he would certainly bring another dimension to the Chiefs attack with his distribution skills and elusiveness, though I do think his lack of physicality would be an issue. If Tameifuna is in the same shape he was in for Hawkes Bay last season he won't have second season blues. He won't even get on the field, as he won't fit through the changing room door! If he does get through the door the game will be over before he gets on the pitch. I really hope he has been working hard in the off-season, as he has serious potential. I think Ben Afeaki may actually be a better fit for the Chiefs this season in any case. I have always thought that front-rows work better if the props are similar heights (though have no evidence to back this up what-so-ever...). With a tall prop like Smith starting at LH the scrum may actually function better with Afeaki at TH, rather than the shorter Tameifuna (even though Tameifuna is a better scrummager). I'm hoping for a big season from Toby Smith too. As you say he has a lot of potential, and we could do with another quality LH prop (I'm still not 100% convinced with Crockett at test level, though he is doing the job). We also need as many Smith's in the AB's as possible, as it is a good tactic to confuse the oppostion. I tend to agree on Buckman. He is a solid player at ITM level who tries really hard, but looked out of his depth at Super Rugby level, with his lack of pace particularly evident. I actually think he is much better in the midfield, but for some reason he seems to be seen as an outside back (he is a handy goal-kicker though). Kaka is a frustrating player - brilliant one minute, completely dire the next. He could a very good Super Rugby player, but he makes so many silly errors, and has a shocking work-rate. Like you I would pick Proctor out of the choices available. He isn't the finished product yet, but he has a lot of potential, and really backs himself (which you really want from your wings). Leiua stepped it up during the ITM Cup so could be handy too. One player who I was surprised they didn't give more attention was Jason Woodward, who is now with the Rebels. He isn't exactly a star, but he covers wing and fullback, knows his way to the try line, and is a very good goal-kicker... Good to hear Taylor has been doing a bit of kicking. I have always thought he was a good goalkicker - I have been surprised how little he has been used in the past. [/QUOTE]
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