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Was it the start we we're looking for? Yes, although there were some negatives, there were a number of positives. Last year Jamie Joseph came down here to change the environment within the Highlanders and he has done that.
In 2011 he gave the Highlanders a platform, and in 2012 we need to build on that by figuring out a way to stay consistent throughout the long season and to find someone who can save our kicking game. Hello Chris Noakes.
A word to describe the first half: Messy. Let's put it down to it being the first game for both teams. The real negatives of this game for the Highlanders were basics; let's never throw a pass without looking to who we're passing it to . . . Jimmy.
As I mentioned before there were positives, like, Chris Noakes. I personally feel he's going to be key, especially with his kicking game. He directed well and played territory well, let's hope his injury in the second half wasn't bad. We all know how good he is for Bay of Plenty.
Buxton Popoali'i had a great debut, he was popping up left right and centre in the first half. Considering he was brought in from the wider training squad, due to injury, he sure was showing he belongs in the 22 man squad. We knew he was an amazing talent before this game, through his Sevens background.
Phil Burleigh was another who was brought in, and really showed he is an amazing talent and had a standout game.There of course were our normal hard workers like Adam Thomson, Chris King,John Hardie, Ben Smith and Josh Bekhuis.
In the second half when Chiefs players seemed to be dropping like flies, Jamie Joseph made some key changes like Aaron Smith, Jason Rutledge, Bronson Murray, and James Haskell; who had a good game, coming on in the second half for his debut in Super Rugby.
Also in the second half, Adam Thomson and Tamati Ellison we're key in gaining the try that would help the Highlanders win their first game.
Welcome back to New Zealand Tamati! He was a key figure in this game, from attack to defence. And with putting pressure on the Chiefs, resulting in us getting tries. Personally, he was the man of the match.
Great patience and hard work won us this game. The Highlanders had 137 breakdowns in this match compared to the 83, the Chiefs made. This shows the hard work put in and how we out did them in the second half. Next week we have our first home game at the Stadium, VS the Crusaders.
It will be a challenge, but with the composure shown this week and the advantage of playing in front of a home crowd, I think we can knock over the Crusaders just like we did last year in Nelson. What a great start to the season!
- I'm Rachel Fidow. I'm 17 years old, I go to Kavanagh College in Dunedin. I'n a huge rugby fan, I watch it all the time, from Super Rugby to Six Nations!