Amidst much hype and fan-fare during the off-season Highlanders’ coach Jamie Joseph announced a flood of prominent new signings, including All Blacks Tony Woodcock, Ma’a Nonu and Brad Thorn. But despite the star-studded line-up the men from the South have failed to fire, and sit bottom of the Super XV ladder having failed to win any of their three games.
As they prepare for a re-match of their opening round game against the reigning champion Chiefs we thought we’d seek the expert opinions of two passioante Highlanders supporters, Scotty from SuperRugbyTips, and Maru from AtTheSevens, to find out what’s going on in Dunedin, and what chance Joseph’s side have of turning their season around.
| Given the differing fortunes of the two sides to date, what do you think the Highlanders will use as motivation this week? | |
 The scowl of Jamie JosephThe horror of the wooden spoon Losing games they should have won Losing to the Chiefs on opening night at home(The Highlanders should not be lacking in motivation here!) |
 The Highlanders will be spewing after losing a close game to the Hurricanes last week to record their third loss. They will realise that they need to record a win if they are to have any chance this season and what better way to do it than against the Super Rugby champions. |
| What strengths do the Highlanders bring to this encounter? | |
| The back 3 are very strong for the Highlanders and Aaron Smith is twice the player that Kerr-Barlow is – and Smith is due a big one after last week. We should also back our scrum and tight work. The Chiefs are honest but we need to tie them up for long periods to wear them down and nullify their loosies. |
Ironically for a Highlanders side their back three have been dangerous this season with Hosea Gear, Ben Smith and Kade Poki in great form. This usually isn’t the case with the Highlanders! |
| What other areas of the game will be critical to the outcome? | |
| The Chiefs play a high-risk style. If we can make our tackles and look after the ball, they will give us opportunities. These must be exploited or things could get away from the Highlanders real quick. The Chiefs are not a team you want to play catch-up with.If he is playing at centre, then Tim Nanai-Williams must be tested on defence. I’m a big fan of the fast-stepping Counties man but Nonu & Gear need to run some smart angles and look to really test his resolve. It can be achieved further out where the Chief’s loosies will have less chance to get involved. |
The Highlanders loose forward mix is really missing Adam Thomson and Nasi Manu from last season. The current balance of their loose forwards will be given a thorough examination by quality players like Liam Messam and Sam Cane. The Highlanders have struggled at the breakdown and have been fielding a large unsuccessful combination featuring lock/loose forward utility at Number Six in Joe Wheeler, with an untried Number Eight and John Hardie. |
| Who will be the key player for the Highlanders? | |
| The Highlanders issues have been across the park but some of the fringe loosies just aren’t up to it (i.e. Jake Paringatai and Josh Wheeler).. Elliot Dixon needs to fire; Jarred Hoeta might be needed more at blindside than second row. John Hardy is the only one making inroads and he absolutely must be supported against the Chiefs for the Highlanders to be competitive. |
Plenty rests on Colin Slade. While he isn’t as flashy as Lima Sopoaga and is very injury prone, his solid kicking game and ability to run the backline will be called into question against the Chiefs. The Highlanders backs have at times looked disjointed this season. |
| How will this weekend’s match unfold? | |
| It should be a bit of a clash of styles with the Chiefs running from everywhere and the Highlanders muscling it up front, then running wide and also hitting on the counter. Hopefully Jason Rutledge will get plenty of game time and he will spearhead some much needed mettle in the middle. The Southland boys will shine through, making all of their tackles and guts-ing out a tough win! Score? The weather is breaking in the North Island so this could coincide with some lower scores – which should help the men from the South.24-18 Highlanders! |
This match will be interesting. The first time these two teams met it in Round 1 it was a ding dong battle until the Highlanders eventually cracked under the pressure and the Chiefs kicked clear. The Highlanders lack of depth and large number of injuries means that while they are fielding some world class players, they are relying on battlers like Jason Rutledge to compete against one of the best teams in Super Rugby. They have looked disjointed at times this season. The only chance the Highlanders have is that the Chiefs run out of steam after playing in South Africa. Prediction? I think the tired Chiefs will win over the gallant Highlanders 35-28 in a high scoring match. |