Highlanders strong with ball in hand

There was plenty to like and not much to be aggrieved about in the Highlanders’ display against the Waratahs in Alexandra last night.

The Highlanders came good when it mattered, winning 59-38 after a disappointing middle period, where they conceded three tries within seven minutes in the second period.

But the men in green emerged  from a mini slump and managed to get back in front with 30 minutes left. The game was played in three 30-minute spells.

They ended up running away with the game in the final period as the Waratahs fell off tackles and the Highlanders found gaps.

Played under sunny skies with a breeze coming straight down the ground towards Springvale, the Highlanders played into the wind for opening two periods.

 

The side looked to keep the ball in hand at every opportunity and was strong when doing so.  The side was wearing the lime jerseys and did not park up much, looking to move the ball whenever they could and getting the ball into space where the players showed some speed.

Just tell him to run straight and direct and that is what he will do. He made the advantage line plenty of times, while hooker Liam Coltman played like his prototype.

As for the first five-eighth contest, it was hard to say who won that battle.

Josh Ioane showed some nice touches in the opening 30 minutes, looking for the gaps and putting the foot down when needed. He played the final period at fullback where he also impressed.

Bryn Gatland threw one intercept pass that resulted in a runaway try for for the Waratahs but apart from that he was tidy in everything he did and was quick to look for the space on the outsides.

Coming on in the final period, Marty Banks looked for work but did not get a lot of ball as the Waratahs had a decent share of ball in the final few minutes. Still, he displayed some nice touches and remains a class player.

The Highlanders drove well at the breakdown, and recycled the ball well, pushing up the middle before going wide with  mixed  success.

The only concern would be players not passing the ball when needed when a played was unmarked outside.

But that is just growing pains for young players.  They will all be the better for the run.

The scrum was a mixed bag as it often is in these games, and lineouts were generally tidy in between the odd inaccurate throw.

The Highlanders picked up no new injuries and will have their next and last warm-up game next Friday in Southbridge against the Crusaders.

The competition kicks off on February 15 when the Highlanders are against the Chiefs in Hamilton.

Highlanders v Waratahs
The scores

Highlanders       59

Tevita Nabura 3, Liam Coltman, Dillon Hunt, Luke Whitelock, Josh McKay, Matt Faddes, Sio Tomkinson tries; Josh Ioane 2 con; Bryan Gatland 2 con, Marty Banks 3 con

Waratahs            38

Cameron Clark 3, Lalaki Foketi 2, Andrew Tuaia tries; Mack Mason 4 con.

First period: 14-12 Highlanders; second period: 38-31 Highlanders

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