ODT Online rugby writer Jeff Cheshire highlights five talking points from the Highlanders' 21-19 loss to the Chiefs.
Kick and chase
There was a definite intent from the Highlanders to kick more than they have done in recent years. Aaron Smith box-kicked regularly and Lima Sopoaga also looked to put boot to ball inside their own half. This is not a bad option, particularly when they do it well and in the first half last night they executed well enough, considering they were playing into the wind.
When a kick went astray it was made up for with a good chase, which stifled the Chiefs' counter attack, giving their dangerous outside backs little room to work with. It was this that saw them apply pressure and walk away with a handy lead at the break. However, in the second half the chase lacked the same urgency, giving the likes of Tim Nanai-Williams, James Lowe and Mils Muliaina more room to work with and consequently they made inroads on the counter. Ultimately a kick is only as good as its chase.
Lineout was better
It was good to see the lineout function well, particularly in the middle and back areas. Joe Wheeler stood out, winning ball under pressure and pulling in a couple of difficult ones. Jarrad Hoeata was good too, as was Josh Bekhuis when he came on. Liam Coltman's throwing was lower and flatter, which helped him find his target all but two times, which both came just after half time.
As the season progresses it is important that they keep this up, as winning lineout ball is of great importance, particularly if they are going to look to play a kicking game.
Mistakes at key moments
It was the not so insignificant little things that cost the Highlanders once again. While they fought hard for the majority of the game and showed good intensity and patience, a handful of errors crept into their game at crucial moments, which proved to be the difference between a win and a loss. Twice balls were dropped after sustained build ups, undoing all the good work and letting the Chiefs defence off the hook.
These were not the only two instances. The grubber kick with four minutes to go was optimistic at best and was never the option, while just prior to this saw a ball held that should have been passed as there was an overlap out wide. It is small mistakes that separate the best teams from the rest and need to be cut out of the game as much as possible.
Physicality and mobility up front
The forward pack is looking far better than in 2013, proving to be far more mobile and far more aggressive. Joe Wheeler and Jarrad Hoeata, both showed that lock is their best position at this level, working hard and adding grunt in all the contact situations. The two props, Chris King and Kane Hames, never stopped tackling and were always present when the ball needed securing, while Liam Coltman was a livewire who tore around the field like a loose-forward.
Nasi Manu has added some go-forward that was missing last year both in attack and defence, while Gareth Evans and John Hardie just put their heads down and got stuck in. The result was a team that is capable of securing and maintaining possession, as well as putting pressure on the opposition.
Need to avoid being a one-half team
The most obvious common factor between the first two games of the season is a great first half followed by a not so great second half. Against the Chiefs in particular there was no reason why they should not have pushed on and buried their opponents, as they had their wind at their backs for the second 40. Despite this, they lost the half 14-3 after leading 16-7 at the break. A week ago they did a similar thing, losing the second half 21-5 after leading 24-0 at half time. This must be addressed in the coming weeks.
