Jimmy Cowan. Photo supplied.
Jimmy Cowan enjoyed a rest but is ready for the hard work
to begin.
Cowan had some useful minutes off the bench for the
Highlanders in their 38-36 loss to the Chiefs in Queenstown
on Saturday, and now simply wants the season to get under
way.
"It is great to be back playing. A lot of hard work has gone
into me in the past five to six weeks," Cowan said.
"It is great to be back again with these guys. I thoroughly
enjoy this coaching structure and I just can't wait for the
comp to start."
The All Black halfback was part of a strong second
half-effort from the Highlanders, who trailed 24-5 after the
first quarter and 31-17 at halftime.
The home team gained more ball as the game went on and when
hooker Andrew Hore scored early in the final quarter, it
looked as though the Highlanders were timing their run to
perfection. It was not to be but the result is not life or
death in these games.
Cowan is feeling good for the season, after a long time off
after the World Cup.
"I had a great break. Had three months away from the game.
Went to Fiji for a break. Went to a few weddings.
"It is great having a bit of normality. Mowing the lawns,
enjoying a bit of sun, a bit of family time. It was great to
be home in my own environment.
"I'm mentally refreshed and was ready to come back on January
9. Was a bit sore that first week.
"They put a lot of work into what we had to do last year and
the core group is still there ... there is more expectation.
Look at the guys we've got in and there is no reason that
come the business end of the season we are not there or
thereabouts."
The Highlanders scored first on Saturday, with young winger
Telusa Veainu going over in the corner in the second minute.
But the Chiefs made the most of any opportunity. Highlanders
discard Robbie Robinson showed a clean pair of heels to score
under the bar after seven minutes and put the Chiefs in a
lead they would never surrender.
All Black first five-eighth Aaron Cruden looked impressive,
though it was a loose game, which suited his style. He went
over for one of the Chiefs' tries, carving through a tired
defence close to the line.
Glen Jackson refereed the first half and Bryce Lawrence came
on for the second, immediately giving the Chiefs a penalty
try, after he ruled the Highlanders illegally collapsed a
maul close to their line.
That was the last Chiefs score, as the Highlanders came back,
with Hore leading a good forward effort and flankers Doug
Tietjens and Adam Thomson getting around the paddock.
The Chiefs made some inroads around the rucks at times and
their scrum was also more effective than the Highlanders'.
But the Highlanders showed some nice driving play and their
lineout improved, mainly through Thomson, in the second half.
Highlanders v
Chiefs
Four that shone
Halfback Aaron Smith: Quick to move the ball from the
ruck and linked well with first five-eighth Lima Sopoaga.
Scored a nice try, darting down the blindside and diving over
in the corner.
No 8 Nasi Manu: Carried the ball up with plenty of
force and never took a backward step. Made some vital
tackles.
Hooker Andrew Hore: Came into the game in the later
stages, showing some real strength in the mauls and was
ranging wide at times.
Lock Nick Crosswell: The skipper for the day made some
nice runs in the middle of the park, was urgent around the
rucks and helped his side come back into the game.
Super 15
Pre-season
Chiefs - 38
Robbie Robinson, Jackson Willison, Tim Nanai-Williams, Aaron
Cruden tries, penalty try; Cruden 5 con, pen
Highlanders - 36
Telusa Veainu, Aaron Smith, Kurt Baker, Doug Tietjens, Phil
Burleigh, Andrew Hore tries; Chris Noakes 2 con, Lima Sopoaga
con
Halftime: 31-17
Crowd: 4000
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