He was a little uncomfortable with the suggestion he is having a breakthrough season.
But he is having a breakthrough season.
The 24-year-old has impressed in the No 9 jersey and has made the most of his starts.
Folau Fakatava has started the last three matches, but Hastie has got the nod for the game against Moana Pasifika on Sunday.
The former King’s High School head prefect has a good feel for the game.
He follows his instincts as often as he does the pre-game blueprint and mostly makes good decisions.
He is also healthy. The Australian-born player has had his share of setbacks on the injury front.
He injured his shoulder in 2022 and was sidelined for the NPC season. Last year he required surgery when he tripped on a rug and fell through a window.
His flatmate and Highlanders first five Cameron Millar had to call an ambulance.
But in four weeks he was back playing rugby and back with some extra appreciation for the game.
"Yeah, it’s been really good. Body’s healthy," he said when asked about his season.
"I’ve managed to get a bit more game time this year, so I’m really enjoying that. Every time I get to play, it’s always good fun."
His performances have attracted some sterling reviews in print.
But, at that point in the interview, you got the feeling Hastie wanted to run back to halfway with his head down as was the way for rugby players in this country for decades.
"Just doing my thing, really. Nothing too much out of the blue or the ordinary.
"Just back myself, back my running game, back my kicking game.
"Just go out there and try and play my best footy."
His best footy starts by getting to the ruck as quickly as possible and making decisions from there.
It is not quite as simple as pass, kick or run.
There is a game plan to follow.
There might be a gap in the defence to exploit.
The game situation might require taking the tempo out of the game and leaving the ball at the back of the ruck a little longer.
All those decisions get easier the more experience you have had.
Hastie is not there yet. But he does have good instincts.
"I like to go for a wee run every now and then and try and get a wee offload away. I think that’s one of the strengths of my game.
"But yeah, I love that part of my game. And then just do my own role and stick to the game plan."
Hastie grew up in Perth. His father is from Dunedin and his family moved back in 2016.
He slotted into life in New Zealand nicely. He excelled at sports.
Hastie captained the King’s first XI cricket team and represented Otago at under-19 level.
He was a left-arm spinner but has not played cricket since rupturing his ACL in his last year at school.
Injury setbacks are part of the journey for most professional athletes. But it is not always easy to keep your spirits up.
"It’s quite hard being injured and especially for the whole season. Just try and stay connected with the team. Try and help out where you can.
"Just see it as an opportunity to get better in other places."
The Highlanders’ playoff prospects are on life support. A loss to Moana Pasifika would be a major blow.
They are not going into the match with much form behind them.
They were dispatched 43-10 by the Crusaders in Dunedin last weekend and well beaten 46-10 by the Chiefs in Hamilton in the previous game.
They edged Moana Pasifika 31-29 in February.
They had led 31-10 at halftime and were lucky to hold on.
Hastie was a standout performer for the Highlanders in that match.
Highlanders v Moana Pasifika
Kick-off 3.35pm Sunday at Forsyth Barr Stadium
The teams
Highlanders: Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Sam Gilbert, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Timoci Tavatavanawai (co-captain), Jonah Lowe, Cameron Millar, Nathan Hastie, Hugh Renton (co-captain), Sean Withy, TK Howden, Oliver Haig, Fabian Holland, Saula Ma’u, Soane Vikena, Ethan de Groot. Reserves: Jack Taylor, Josh Bartlett, Rohan Wingham, Mitch Dunshea, Veveni Lasaqa, Folau Fakatava, Taine Robinson, Jake Te Hiwi.
Moana Pasifika: William Havili, Tevita Ofa, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Danny Toala, Kyren Taumoefolau, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Jonathan Taumateine, Semisi Tupou-Ta’eiloa, Ardie Savea (captain), Miracle Faiilagi, Samuel Slade, Tom Savage, Chris Apoua, Millenium Sanerivi, Tito Tuipulotu. Reserves: Tomasi Maka, Monu Moli, Pone Fa’amausili, Ofa Tauatevalu, Sione Havili Talitui, Melani Matavao, Julian Savea, Patrick Pellegrini.
