Chiefs v Highlanders : MATCH THREAD : Sun 19th Jul

[FujiKiwi]

Was hoping for a Gatland spoon but I'll have to settle for second bottom if it continues like this.

Why would you wish ill on all-time Lion great selector and coach Warren Gatland?

Don't support the lions, didn't like him as Wales coach though: really arrogant sod. Ergo, that second half was lovely.

Gavin Hastings must be turning over in his grave.

[Caley_Red]

Why would you wish ill on all-time Lion great selector and coach Warren Gatland?

Don't support the lions, didn't like him as Wales coach though: really arrogant sod. Ergo, that second half was lovely.

Gavin Hastings must be turning over in his grave.

Not an uncommon position back home and amongst my friends it's probably the vast majority (if not unanimity). Most, like myself, would rather see Scotland undertake a Southern Hemisphere tour consisting of 3 tests against one of the other three big nations not playing against the Lions.

Not to say Scots in general support the opposition-that's quite rare in my experience- but most will tune in and watch as neutrals: it's a decent test match after all.

[FujiKiwi]

Not to say Scots in general support the opposition-that's quite rare in my experience- but most will tune in and watch as neutrals: it's a decent test match after all.

What if Finn Russell is playing at 10?

[Caley_Red]

Not to say Scots in general support the opposition-that's quite rare in my experience- but most will tune in and watch as neutrals: it's a decent test match after all.

What if Finn Russell is playing at 10?

Can't speak for anyone else but I would hope he plays his best and doesn't get injured, much the same as when i watch Racing 92 really.

[Jimmy Smallsteps]

I’m looking forward to Gatland’s post match whinge.

For a coach in the hole I thought he was pretty gracious. Had a crack at the ref but most of it was focused on his own team.

No dramas for mine.

[Biffer]

That was cracking

[Ymx]

I’m looking forward to Gatland’s post match whinge.

For a coach in the hole I thought he was pretty gracious. Had a crack at the ref but most of it was focused on his own team.

No dramas for mine.

But why mention a couple of tough decisions.

And the lineout penalty he explicitly brought up.

Yes, it most of it was humble.

Losing is a habit

[Biffer]

Im just waiting for an English poster to ask how you can be 24-0 up at home in twenty minutes and not win.

[Koalabyte]

Feck me! Just watching the game now, Aaron Smith what a try!

Was thinking, back to the old Highlanders (10 years ago) ... NO!!! We're still good.

That is why we love rugby!!! w00t! What a game!!!

Pumped!

[Hugo]

Aaron Smith was the difference for the Highlanders today. Just incredible.

I only watched the youtube highlights but what a display. His distribution is so bloody precise and his thinking so quick.

[Gumboot]

Things are good here, cheers. I had a hard-on throughout that game just from watching Smith's play.

Good to hear.


Yeah, I thought all the halfbacks played well (even Christie made a few great plays) but Nugget was simply brilliant.

[Koalabyte]

Smith's crisp passing is a thing of beauty, it creates consistent, continuous pressure because it is relentless. A single knockon or error, would relieve the pressure, but it is so quick and hits the target time after time, that the Chiefs were being worn down. Add in his sniping runs and the pressure he creates is multifaceted.

Honourable mention to Sowakula, best ball carrier on the park by some margin.

[Caley_Red]

Smith's crisp passing is a thing of beauty, it creates consistent, continuous pressure because it is relentless. A single knockon or error, would relieve the pressure, but it is so quick and hits the target time after time, that the Chiefs were being worn down. Add in his sniping runs and the pressure he creates is multifaceted.

Honourable mention to Sowakula, best ball carrier on the park by some margin.

Agreed, some of those passes looked like the would sting the hands on impact: absolute bullets. That pass he made (which did look slightly forward on replay) when he pivoted right and had his back turned to the attacking line was a thing of beauty.

[Hugo]

Smith's crisp passing is a thing of beauty, it creates consistent, continuous pressure because it is relentless. A single knockon or error, would relieve the pressure, but it is so quick and hits the target time after time, that the Chiefs were being worn down. Add in his sniping runs and the pressure he creates is multifaceted.

Honourable mention to Sowakula, best ball carrier on the park by some margin.

Agreed, some of those passes looked like the would sting the hands on impact: absolute bullets. That pass he made (which did look slightly forward on replay) when he pivoted right and had his back turned to the attacking line was a thing of beauty.

Smith's crisp passing is a thing of beauty, it creates consistent, continuous pressure because it is relentless. A single knockon or error, would relieve the pressure, but it is so quick and hits the target time after time, that the Chiefs were being worn down. Add in his sniping runs and the pressure he creates is multifaceted.

Honourable mention to Sowakula, best ball carrier on the park by some margin.

Agreed, some of those passes looked like the would sting the hands on impact: absolute bullets. That pass he made (which did look slightly forward on replay) when he pivoted right and had his back turned to the attacking line was a thing of beauty.

Agree wholeheartedly with both of you. His passing is so accurate and it always puts pressure on the defence. His awareness of where the space is and where to attack the defence is extraordinary. Also, at times it looks like he is playing the game faster than anyone else there.