They pulled it off, but let's be honest, it was an ugly game.
Now I am going to be brutal here, most of the time the play on both sides was reminiscent of high school girls' rugby (no offense high school girls), the ball was thrown willy-nilly, support was inconsistent, players seemed lost and confused, communication was lacking, and the game ended with uncontested scrums. I know that's a harsh judgment to throw down, but it's the tough love of a fan. These boys are professionals and I hold them to a higher standard, even if it is the first game of the season and the team was named last minute.
However, there were jewels to be found. Chris Noakes was solid, without his kicking, running, and calmness, I don't think the Highlanders would have won. Phil Burleigh may have been a late inclusion to the squad, but based on his performance in Queenstown and now in Hamilton, I think he's going to be an influential member.
I look forward to watching both those players as they progress through the season. Tamati Ellison may have taken some big hits from Richard Kahui, but he kept running hard and looked like he'd been with the team for weeks, not mere days.
Adam Thomson played like an All Black should, stealing lineouts, running hard, and let's not forget that pass to Ellison that set up the first try. Jason Rutledge's block of Cruden's kick, his cool recovery of the ball and easy pass to the running on Burleigh was pure class, and the type of skills one expects from a professional.
There were moments of brilliant play that showed what the Highlanders are capable of doing, of how I know they can play. The forwards had some great crash balls off the rucks, the backs put together some decoy runs and skip passes that put runners into space to break the line. I'm excited to see it all come together and grow as the season progresses.
Highlanders, you won, you showed the never say die spirit that first drew me to you and has kept me at your side. You showed why people should never write you off.
Women may swoon at the sight of Richard Kahui and Sonny Bill Williams in the Chief's glamorous backline, but they weren't enough to stop the Highlanders. A win is a win, whether it was an ugly one or a brilliant one, and I'll take it. So bring it against the Crusaders next Saturday, I'll be in the stands cheering until my voice is hoarse.
ON THE OTHER TEAMS . . .
The Reds better have shouted Dom Shipperley his drinks for the night, his individual try at the buzzer saved the defending champions from starting the season 0-1. On the other hand, the Waratahs need to evaluate why with four defenders surrounding him, only one made a lackadaisical attempt to stop Shipperley. Just because there are seconds left on the clock and you're winning doesn't mean you can relax.
Few things make me happier than seeing a dominating tackle, a well-run line, or a ball taken at pace, and this first round of Super 15 didn't disappoint. I haven't been the biggest fan of Robbie Fruean, but his layout of Piri Weepu was sweet as and he put in some powerful running that ate up defenders and metres.
If he keeps playing like that, I may even move him into my fantasy line-up (hey, it's an honour to earn a spot on my team!). He wasn't the only runner to knock a defender off their feet, the Stormers' lock Eben Etzebeth made the Hurricanes' Tim Bateman look like a child as he blew through him.
I would like to know, did the Hurricanes' props have a bet going on who could get the most penalties and yellow carded the fastest? Both were responsible for most of the early penalties against the Hurricanes, so it was unsurprising when Tristan Moran got carded less than 30 minutes into the game. Ben May, however, was not to be undone and was quick to join his counterpart in the sin bin.
Eager to play equal to the starters, Tristan Moran's replacement Jeff Toomaga-Allen made sure he got in on the yellow card action while also giving up a penalty try. These boys do know that a yellow card isn't the same as the gold star your grade school teacher would give for a job well done, right?
One thing that has impressed me throughout this first round was how well the incoming talent has done. Siya Kolisi may not be Schalk Burger (yet), but he impressed me when he came on to replace Burger to debut in his first ever Super Rugby match. He played to please, to impress, and to prove himself, and he did.
Tyler Bleyendaal continued his form from the pre-season and put in a stellar performance with his boot, providing the Crusaders with the points to win (and also adding a hefty 33 points to my fantasy total, good thing I went with him in my line-up!).
OK. Glad to share all that with you. Usually after watching Super Rugby matches back home in the US, I'd be full to bursting with stuff I wanted to talk about.
My commentary and opinions were subsequently told to anyone who would give me the slightest bit of encouragement or, truth be told, no encouragement whatsoever. Taking any opportunity, I'd be off and running, "did you see that play at the 55th minute, if only he had stayed wide it would've been try time", "What a game! It's a Cinderella story, I think the Reds could win the entire thing", or even "Wow, the Highlanders' Jamie Mackintosh is cute."
Now, however, I have been given a legitimate outlet for all my comments and I am excited to share them with all of you. Bear with me, they will be a mix of silly and serious, quite often blunt, and of course they are all my own. Whether you do or do not agree with me, remember that I am just a girl writing and sharing about what I love. Enjoy the ride!
I can't wait until Friday when round two begins!!