Latest news with #JamieJoseph
RNZ News
22-05-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
Crusaders v Highlanders: what you need to know
Crusaders v Highlanders Kick-off: 7:05pm Friday 23 May Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch Live blog updates on RNZ Sport Despite being last place on the table, the Highlanders still have a mathematical chance of making the Super Rugby Pacific play-offs. It's about as remote as trip to the Chatham Islands, but a bonus point win tonight will at least set them on that path. Jamie Joseph's team is coming off a heartbreaking loss to the Hurricanes in Wellington, however the signs were there that they could cause an upset tonight. The Crusaders are coming off an entertaining win against the Waratahs, made more impressive considering how many players they were missing. Crusaders: 1. Tamaiti Williams, 2. Codie Taylor, 3. Kershawl Sykes-Martin, 4. Scott Barrett, 5. Jamie Hannah, 6. Cullen Grace, 7. Tom Christie, 8. Christian Lio-Willie, 9. Mitch Drummond, 10. Rivez Reihana, 11. Macca Springer, 12. David Havili (c), 13. Braydon Ennor, 14. Sevu Reece, 15. Johnny McNicholl Bench: 16. George Bell, 17. George Bower, 18. Seb Calder, 19. Quinten Strange, 20. Corey Kellow, 21. Kyle Preston, 22. James O'Connor, 23. Dallas McLeod Highlanders: 1. Ethan de Groot (cc), 2. Jack Taylor, 3. Saula Ma'u, 4. Mitch Dunshea, 5. Fabian Holland, 6. Te Kamaka Howden, 7. Veveni Lasaqa, 8. Sean Withy, 9. Folau Fakatava, 10. Taine Robinson, 11. Taniela Filimone, 12. Timoci Tavatavanawai (cc), 13. Tanielu Tele'a, 14. Jonah Lowe, 15. Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens Bench: 16. Soane Vikena, 17. Josh Bartlett, 18. Sosefo Kautai, 19. Tai Cribb, 20. Will Stodart, 21. Adam Lennox, 22. Cam Millar, 23. Thomas Umaga-Jensen Saula Ma'u during the Highlanders v Crusaders, Super Rugby Pacific match, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin. Photo: Michael Thomas/ActionPress Scott Barrett is back alongside Jamie Hannah in the second row, which makes this about as close to a first choice pack for the Crusaders. Mitch Drummond gets to run out with the starting team in his 150th Super Rugby game, with Kyle Preston on the bench and Noah Hotham given the weekend off, while Johnny McNicholl retains his spot at fullback. Not many changes for the Highlanders, with Taniela Filimone starting on the wing for the injured Jona Nareki. Tai Cribb comes onto the bench to cover loose forward, while Saula Ma'u plays his 50th game for the Highlanders. Jonah Lowe scores a try during the Hurricanes v Highlanders, Super Rugby Pacific match, Sky Stadium. Photo: Marty Melville/Actionpress The Crusaders have won four of their last five matches against the Highlanders, scoring over 40 points in their last two wins. The Highlanders have lost eight of their last nine Super Rugby Pacific games including their last four in a row. Highlanders wing Jonah Lowe is on a three-game try scoring streak in Super Rugby Pacific, crossing for a total of five tries in that period. Crusaders 43 - 10 Highlanders This was where it all started to go badly wrong for the Highlanders, they were blown off the park before halftime by a very efficient Crusaders side in round 11. The good news is that they don't have to deal with Will Jordan again, with the fullback gashing them for two tries in the first 10 minutes. But really, this defeat exposed some serious areas of concern for the Highlanders on defence. This is a very strong looking Crusaders side, playing at home and with a serious motivation to regain the top spot on the ladder. So the task is monumental for the strugglers, however if the Highlanders can put up the sort of fight they showed last weekend it's possible they can pull something off. It'll take a serious amount of luck and attacking nous, considering they need a bonus point to keep their season alive.
RNZ News
21-05-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
Super Rugby team namings: round 15
Folau Fakatava of the Highlanders and Sevu Reece of the Crusaders compete for the ball during the round 11 Super Rugby Pacific match between Highlanders and Crusaders at Forsyth Barr Stadium, on April 26, 2025, in Dunedin. Photo: Joe Allison / Getty Images Mitch Drummond starts for the Crusaders for the first time this season, it'll also be his 150th Super Rugby game as his largely symbolic role in the team now that Noah Hotham and Kyle Preston are on the books. Hotham looks to have sewn up the starting spot going forward and is given the week off, Scott Barrett and Jamie Hannah come back in as the second row, however Chay Fihaki is mysteriously missing for their match against the Highlanders. The Highlanders need a miracle to jump from last place to the play-offs, Jamie Joseph has named a settled side for Friday night. Oliver Haig and Jona Nareki are out, replaced in the starting lineup by Tai Cribb and Taniela Filimone. The in form but banged up Hurricanes have had some bad news with Brayden Iose ruled out for the season, however Devan Flanders has recovered from injury just in time to be a more than adequate replacement. Daniel Sinkinson gets his first start of the season opposite Fatafehi Fineanganofo, Bailyn Sullivan dropping to the bench, while Riley Higgins has missed the trip to Brisbane and is replaced by Peter Umaga-Jensen at second five. All four Hurricanes co-captains will start this game. One change for Moana for their game against the Chiefs but it's a pretty significant one, with William Havili out. Tevita Ofa takes over at fullback and Solomon Alaimalo comes onto the wing, with Julian Savea and Jackson Garden-Bachop covering the backs. Meanwhile the Chiefs have only made one change of their own after coming off their bye week, with Samisoni Taukei'aho coming back to start at hooker, swapping with Brodie McAlister. Photo: Photosport Ltd 2021 Crusaders v Highlanders Kick-off: 7:05pm Friday 23 May Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch Live blog coverage on RNZ Sport Crusaders: 1. Tamaiti Williams, 2. Codie Taylor, 3. Kershawl Sykes-Martin, 4. Scott Barrett, 5. Jamie Hannah, 6. Cullen Grace, 7. Tom Christie, 8. Christian Lio-Willie, 9. Mitch Drummond, 10. Rivez Reihana, 11. Macca Springer, 12. David Havili (c), 13. Braydon Ennor, 14. Sevu Reece, 15. Johnny McNicholl Bench: 16. George Bell, 17. George Bower, 18. Seb Calder, 19. Quinten Strange, 20. Corey Kellow, 21. Kyle Preston, 22. James O'Connor, 23. Dallas McLeod Highlanders: 1. Ethan de Groot (cc), 2. Jack Taylor, 3. Saula Ma'u, 4. Mitch Dunshea, 5. Fabian Holland, 6. Te Kamaka Howden, 7. Veveni Lasaqa, 8. Sean Withy, 9. Folau Fakatava, 10. Taine Robinson, 11. Taniela Filimone, 12. Timoci Tavatavanawai (cc), 13. Tanielu Tele'a, 14. Jonah Lowe, 15. Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens Bench: 16. Soane Vikena, 17. Josh Bartlett, 18. Sosefo Kautai, 19. Tai Cribb, 20. Will Stodart, 21. Adam Lennox, 22. Cam Millar, 23. Thomas Umaga-Jensen Pasilio Tosi of the Hurricanes celebrates scoring the game winning try in golden point during the Super Rugby Pacific match between the Hurricanes and the Reds. Photo: Photosport Reds v Hurricanes Kick-off: 9:35pm Friday 23 May Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane Live blog coverage on RNZ Sport Hurricanes: 1. Xavier Numia, 2. Asafo Aumua (cc), 3. Tyrel Lomax, 4. Zach Gallagher, 5. Isaia Walker-Leawere, 6. Brad Shields (cc), 7. Du'Plessis Kirifi (cc), 8. Peter Lakai, 9. Cam Roigard, 10. Ruben Love, 11. Fatafehi Fineanganofo, 12. Peter Umaga-Jensen, 13. Billy Proctor (cc), 14. Daniel Sinkinson, 15. Callum Harkin Bench: 16. Raymond Tuputupu, 17. Tevita Mafileo/Pouri Rakete-Stones, 18. Pasilio Tosi, 19. Hugo Plummer, 20. Devan Flanders, 21. Ereatara Enari, 22. Brett Cameron, 23. Bailyn Sullivan Shaun Stevenson scores during the Moana Pasifika v Chiefs, Super Rugby Pacific match, Navigation Homes Stadium, Pukekohe. Photo: Paul Taylor/ActionPress Chiefs v Moana Pasifika Kick-off: 7:05pm Saturday 24 May FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton Live blog coverage on RNZ Sport Chiefs: 1. Ollie Norris, 2. Samisoni Taukei'aho, 3. George Dyer, 4. Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 5. Tupou Vaa'i, 6. Simon Parker, 7. Luke Jacobson (c), 8. Wallace Sititi, 9. Cortez Ratima, 10. Damian McKenzie, 11. Leroy Carter, 12. Quinn Tupaea, 13. Daniel Rona, 14. Emoni Narawa, 15. Shaun Stevenson Bench: 16. Brodie McAlister, 17. Aidan Ross, 18. Reuben O'Neill, 19. Josh Lord, 20. Samipeni Finau, 21. Xavier Roe, 22. Josh Jacomb, 23. Gideon Wrampling Moana Pasifika: 1. Tito Tuipulotu, 2. Millennium Sanerivi, 3. Feleti Sae-Ta'ufo'ou, 4. Tom Savage, 5. Samuel Slade, 6. Miracle Faiilagi, 7. Ardie Savea (c), 8. Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa, 9. Jonathan Taumateine, 10. Patrick Pellegrini, 11. Solomon Alaimalo, 12. Danny Toala, 13. Lalomilo Lalomilo, 14. Kyren Taumoefolau, 15. Tevita Ofa Bench: 16. Samiuela Moli, 17. Abraham Pole, 18. Chris Apoua, 19. Allan Craig, 20. Sione Havili Talitui, 21. Melani Matavao, 22. Julian Savea, 23. Jackson Garden-Bachop Also: Force v Waratahs Kick-off: 9:35pm Saturday 24 May HBF Park, Perth Blues, Drua, Brumbies - bye
Otago Daily Times
05-05-2025
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Highlanders on track for worst season
The good news is the Highlanders should have some cavalry back for the final three rounds of their Super Rugby campaign. The inescapably frightening news is they could match the worst season in club history. Not since 1997 — the second year of Super Rugby — have the Highlanders claimed the wooden spoon, but that will be their unfortunate reward if they fail to beat the Hurricanes, Crusaders or Chiefs in their remaining games, and if the Fijian Drua win one of their last three clashes, two of which are at home. The Highlanders have three wins this season and, if that mark does not change, they will match the record low set by the Landers teams of 1997, 2008, 2010 and 2013. If that all sounds a bit grim, well, that is the stark reality of life at this level. The Highlanders have mostly been gutsy battlers since the glorious 2015 championship season and the year after, when they reached the semifinals, but a wooden spoon would be an unpleasant reminder of their place in the Super Rugby ecosystem. Jamie Joseph did not perform instant miracles in his first stint as Highlanders coach — indeed, his third season, 2013, was apocalyptically bad as a team stacked with international talent would have been wooden spooners if not for the woeful Southern Kings — and he will be given every chance to try to turn things around this time. Joseph, and Highlanders fans, can lament both injuries that had an out-sized effect on the Highlanders' fortunes and a series of poor decisions by some players whose futures must be unclear. At least they should be close to full strength after having this week off with the bye. Co-captain Hugh Renton, whose season has been plagued by groin trouble, and star wingers Caleb Tangitau and Jona Nareki should all be back to play the Hurricanes in Wellington. Tangitau is the name on everyone's lips, but it is possible the absence of Renton, a late scratching from the Moana Pasifika game on Saturday with his lingering pubis symphysis issue, has been most keenly felt by the Highlanders. "He's the captain and he provides a lot of confidence for the players, because he leads well during trainings and he's really good in the pressure moments," Joseph said. "Hugh's got a really bad injury, and he can't play every week. After a game of rugby, he's pretty banged up. "He trained on Friday afternoon, took a tackle and could hardly walk." Joseph is remaining upbeat in the face of searching questions around why things have not gone so flash this season. He felt the Highlanders, lacking the depth of their bigger rivals, battled to navigate eight consecutive weeks of games between their two byes. "It was quite a tough draw. Eight games in a row, the Australian tour, there were some tight losses. "Eight games of rugby, when you get injuries, that's a real challenge for the squad. Everyone's getting hit with injuries, but we just don't have the experience or depth of some of the other teams, and we're paying for it." He was more disappointed for the players than frustrated, Joseph said. There were clearly lessons to be learned around making smart decisions and executing basic skills under pressure, something highlighted on Sunday as the lineout fell apart and a late chargedown kick handed Moana Pasifika victory. "It came down to errors. We made more errors. "It came down to our lineout under pressure — from ourselves, not necessarily from the opposition. There were a lot of overthrows, so that's execution. "It came down to a moment where we'd actually won the game with two or three minutes to go, and not being able to execute an exit. That's kind of simple, in many ways, but also very difficult when there's big pressure around there." The lingering memory of the loss will be flying Moana halfback Melani Matavao charging down a laboured Taine Robinson clearing kick then scoring the winning try. "He'll be feeling it," Joseph said. "We've got a good team. When that moment happened, he was consoled by quite a few of his team-mates. "Everyone understands that we have to do it together. It's not up to one person." Highlanders Seasons of Discontent 1997 Last, won 3 of 11 games 2004 Ninth, won 4 and drew 1 of 11 games 2008 11th, won 3 of 13 games 2009 11th, won 4 of 13 games 2010 12th, won 3 of 13 games 2013 14th, won 3 of 16 games 2025 10th, won 3 of 11 games (3 to go)
Otago Daily Times
27-04-2025
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Tough task ahead for coach
Two ugly numbers reveal just how far off the pace the Highlanders are in Super Rugby. An optimist might cling to the fact they are only five points off a playoff spot, but that is more a reflection on both a generous playoff system and a congested second tier in the competition than the Highlanders' suitability to be in the top six. More relevant numbers are 36 and 33. Those are the Highlanders' losing margins over the past two weeks against the Chiefs and the Crusaders. How wonderful they get to play both teams again this season. Granted, they are far superior teams loaded with All Blacks — and they are clearly the two big dogs in Super Rugby this season, being tied on 37 points, eight clear of the pack — but these back-to-back losses have illustrated the tough task that lies ahead of master coach Jamie Joseph. He reflected on the gap between his side and the best when he digested the 43-10 loss to the Crusaders on Saturday night. "This is a pretty young team playing 10 or 11 All Blacks," Joseph said. "What do people expect around a young team playing a quality side at the top of the table? I don't know. "Our players gritted their teeth and did their best against a really good team." Joseph acknowledged he was frustrated to see the Highlanders botch some attacking opportunities in the first half as the Crusaders effectively killed the game off with a 21-0 lead. It was obvious they needed to get better at turning half-chances into points — and the statistics reflected that. The Highlanders edged the Crusaders in metres gained (478m to 440m), carries (193 to 105) and defenders beaten (37 to 18). "I actually think the score ... it didn't really reflect our performance. "I'm disappointed for the players because they created a lot of opportunities to score in the first half, and we didn't really take those opportunities. "We were held up over the line a couple of times, there was the line open with nobody in front of it and we passed ... so those kind of opportunities against quality teams like the Crusaders have got to be taken. "The guys are doing enough to get into the 22m first. When we get into the 22m, we've got to make sure we execute. "Part of that is they defended really well, the Crusaders. And part of it is that we didn't execute our part of it well. "At this stage of this team's life, that's where the difference is — the ability to execute tough skills under pressure." Joseph highlighted the efforts of world-class fullback Will Jordan, who scored two tries in the first 15 minutes and pretty much did everything right, as an example of the difference between the South Island rivals. Highlanders star Fabian Holland should be back on his feet quickly. The lock left the game and was replaced by Oliver Haig after just 11 minutes when Holland failed an HIA, but he passed stage two. The Highlanders slip to 10th in the 11-team competition, tied on 17 points with the Blues but ranked below them on points difference. There is a six-point buffer on the battling Fijian Drua, so the Highlanders will likely avoid the wooden spoon, but they really need to beat Moana Pasifika in Dunedin this Sunday before the daunting finish against the Hurricanes, Crusaders and Chiefs. Moana Pasifika, led as usual by the peerless Ardie Savea, beat the Drua 34-15 in the Pacific derby at Albany on Saturday. The Hurricanes became the first New Zealand side to win in Australia this season when they upset the Brumbies 35-29 in Canberra to leap to fifth in the standings.
Otago Daily Times
24-04-2025
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
ODT Landers Chat: Two big weeks coming
On ODT Landers Chat today, brought to you by Temuka Transport and Impact Roofing and Plumbing, coach Jamie Joseph breaks down the year so far and acknowledges the coming two weeks are big in the Highlanders' season. Joseph talks about the "disappointment" of the Chiefs game last weekend, and what the Highlanders need to better against the Crusaders on Saturday night. As we are doing the interview All Blacks coach Scott Robertson wanders past, so we ask Joseph what the All Blacks coach is doing in town. We touch on the tough single-point losses and what they need to do to reverse those. We look at the injury roster and when stars like Caleb Tangitau are back. Stay with us, it's a must watch.
