ODT Online rugby writer Jeff Cheshire rates the Highlanders after their 39-22 loss to Hawke's Bay at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin.
Peter Breen 6/10: Looked to be a more assured option at fullback. Was tidy in what he did, ran the ball back a couple of times and looked lively, while taking good options for the most part.
Tony Ensor 5/10: Better than last week, made a couple of nice runs and tracked across the field to score a good try. Missed a one-on-one tackle on Israel Dagg which led to a try.
Matt Faddes 7.5/10: Outstanding on defence, going looking for tackles to make and hitting hard in them. Added some spark on attack too, impressing with his speed and strength, bringing the ability to commit defenders to open up space.
Tei Walden 5/10: Solid on defence, but pretty quiet on attack.
Jack Wilson 6/10: Looked dangerous when he ran in space, made a few good tackles too.
Fletcher Smith 6.5/10: Got the ball through his hands quickly and had a nice, flat pass. Mostly kicked well, while bringing an attacking mindset when the chances arose and was solid enough on defence.
Kaide Whiting 5.5/10: Another who improved after last week. Passed better and kicked a bit shorter to give his chasers more of a chance. Defended well, making eight tackles.
Mika Mafi 6/10: Worked hard, getting up quickly on defence and making plenty of good tackles. Did well at the breakdown too, although did not make a huge impact carrying the ball.
Theo Commassaris 6/10: Similar to Mafi although a bit looser. Tackled well and got around the field quickly to provide support at the breakdown on attack.
Adam Knight 6/10: Another hard worker, forgive the repetition. Tackled well and tended to do so a bit wider out.
Josh Dickson 7.5/10: The obvious stand out among the forwards. Worked hard and made his tackles, but added a dynamic dimension that was otherwise lacking. Ran well in the open, was the best lineout option, while making a good heads-up play to score his try.
Blair Tweed 6/10: Worked hard in the tight and was the leading tackler in a game where Otago made a lot of tackles. Not so prominent on attack, but an encouraging debut.
Hisa Sasagi 5/10: Not hugely prominent although made a couple of tackles and was solid going up against Brendon Edmonds in the scrum.
Liam Coltman 6.5/10: Fairly typical performance from Coltman, worked hard, was physical, made his tackles and took the ball straight ahead when he ran it.
Craig Millar 6/10: Showed his mobility around the park, making tackles and getting to rucks on attack.
Sam Anderson-Heather 5.5/10: Came on for the last 20 minutes at a time where everything was going wrong. Tried to get involved and showed plenty of endeavour.
Scott Manson (No Rating): Only played ten minutes so did not get much of a chance to impress, although the team did score two tries while he was on and he made two tackles in that time too.
Aki Seiuli 6.5/10: Added spark to the forward pack with a couple of good runs, while also making a handful of tackles. Should slot back into the starting line up next week.
Charlie O'Connell 6/10: Got around the park, made his tackles and did well to get back to save a try towards the end of the game. Pretty much sums up the majority of the forward pack really.
Naulia Dawai 6.5/10: Made an impact for a second week in a row, adding energy and had a couple of good runs in the open. Perhaps one that needs to be given more of a go as, like Seiuli, he brings something a bit different.
Josh Walden 5.5/10: Had two notable mistakes including the loopy pass which led to Richard Buckman's intercept try, but otherwise got to the rucks well and provided good service.
Michael Collins 6/10: Scored a try after running into a gap off an inside ball from Smith, while also making a good break shortly afterwards. Was relatively tidy.
Gavin Stark 5.5/10: Did not really get too many chances in space, although had one break.
