Great start—now for the travel

The Highlanders will head to Perth on Tuesday knowing they have started the Trans-Tasman competition as well as they could.

The side grabbed a bonus point win over the Reds last night, wining 40-19, and will travel to Perth with some confidence.

Highlanders coach Clarke Dermody said it was a good start and it was now a matter of getting some consistency into their game.

The game against the Reds was very physical and it was a matter of staying very accurate throughout the game.

The team was fully aware the Reds would be very direct and would have an accurate kicking game.

The side would head to Perth on Tuesday morning and take the whole day to get there. It would be the first time out of the country in 14 months for the side.

"The challenge for us is our week is going to be a bit different because of the travel. Traditionally we have toured pretty well in the last few years. It is something we have looked forward to.

"It is just a matter of making sure we get the work done as well."

The Highlanders beat the Reds 40-19 at Forsyth Barr Stadium last night, winning the first game of the new Super Rugby Trans-Tasman competition. Photo: Getty Images
The Highlanders beat the Reds 40-19 at Forsyth Barr Stadium last night, winning the first game of the new Super Rugby Trans-Tasman competition. Photo: Getty Images

He said Josh Ioane was making progress on his ankle sprain and he hoped he would be right to travel to Perth. The side plays the Force next Friday night.

 

Highlanders co-captain Aaron Smith said the side had defended well and had worked hard in the middle of the field to combat the Reds attack.

He said the game felt different against an Australian team.

"It was a bit less combative and not so much around the breakdown. They just spread you out a bit and then get very direct. It was different, but a nice different. In New Zealand games it feels like ruck touch and everyone is trying to score the best tries."

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