Otago Daily Times Online rugby writer Jeff Cheshire looks at some key points from the Highlanders' 34-26 win over the Crusaders at Forsyth Barr Stadium on Friday night.
A game that lived up to the hype
There was plenty of hype surrounding this game and the product itself did not disappoint - if you were a Highlanders fan at least. The rugby was free-flowing, with two teams that brought a positive approach and were capable of playing an up-tempo game. Seven sparkling tries were produced, along with some huge hits and a crowd that made the stadium buzz. It is hard to think of too many better games in this year's competition.
Faddes to the fore
In a backline packed with big names, it was a Super Rugby rookie from South Otago that stole the show. Everything Matt Faddes touched turned to gold, as the centre looked every bit as good at this level as he did for Otago last season. He hit gaps well and showed his strength and speed to break tackles and get around the cover defence. His two tries showed his raw ability, while it was his line break that initiated the play which put the Highlanders in position for Waisake Naholo to score his second. It must rate as highly as any attacking performance from a New Zealand centre this year and could be glimpse of things to come.
Pace of the game
This was a game played at a frenetic pace. Both teams looked to keep the ball alive and recycle it quickly in a match typical of what Forsyth Barr Stadium often promises to produce. Only this time there were two teams capable of playing this way. Early on it was the Crusaders that flourished, making breaks, offloading and recycling ball quickly to ensure they were running at a disorganised defensive line. The Highlanders scrambled well though, holding the Crusaders try-less in the first half. As the Highlanders got more ball, they looked to play a similar way, getting quick ball and fast service from Aaron Smith. At times they got the ball into space at lightning speed and when they do that, they are very hard to stop, as the Crusaders found out.
Patient build-ups
The fast pace did not cause them to play a helter-skelter game. There was plenty of patience and composure shown in the way the Highlanders held the ball to manipulate the defence and create space to score their tries. The first, from a Lima Sopoaga cross-kick, may contradict this, as Aaron Smith took a tap, rather than a shot at goal from a penalty close to the posts. But they did not panic and try to score straight away. They held the ball, forced the Crusaders to make tackles, brought the defence in, then made use of the space they created out wide.
Naholo's second try came from a similarly intelligent platform, as they stayed composed after a long-range break saw them go close up the left wing. The break caused the Crusaders' defence to over-balance to that side, creating plenty of space out to the right, which the Highlanders made use of. They saved their best for last though, going through multiple phases and forcing the Crusaders to make tackle after tackle, before a brilliant inside ball from Tei Walden put Liam Squire in to seal the game. When they play like this the Highlanders look their best. It is hard containing their attacking threats at the best of times, but if you have to do so under pressure and in space, it is near impossible.
Lack of possession
Despite scoring five tries to two, the Highlanders did not buck their trend of playing well with a lack of possession. On this occasion they enjoyed just 35% of the ball, winning less than half the number of rucks and mauls the Crusaders won and making 129 tackles to the Crusaders' 66.
Brutal defence
This was a game both teams were up for and that resulted in some huge hits being put in. The Highlanders' defence in particular was brutal, as the line got up fast and hit the ball carrier hard to ensure they went backwards. While early on the Crusaders were able to find gaps, as the game progressed the Highlanders became more and more suffocating defensively, forcing their opponents backwards. It was a show of the commitment, attitude and accuracy of this team and has been a hallmark of their game all year.
More open approach
The past two weeks have seen the Highlanders bring a kick and chase tactic from inside their own half. There was still plenty of that this week, although they were prepared to attack from further out too. On several occasions they ran the ball out from deep in their own half, and made a couple of breaks from doing so too. With ball in hand they remained patient, but did try to keep the ball alive as much as they could. That resulted in some long sequences of play, particularly given the Crusaders brought the same approach. This saw them lack direction at times in the second half, although in general they executed the gameplan well.
Highlanders the real deal
Surely now the Highlanders must be seen as a genuine chance of reclaiming their title. After going through a funk a month ago, they have bounced back with wins over the Brumbies, Chiefs and Crusaders. Those are three teams likely to feature in the playoffs and represent a potential road to the championship for the Highlanders. Not only have they beaten these teams, they have beaten them all well. There is not much more you could ask from them.
