ODT Online rugby writer Jeff Cheshire looks at what we learned from the Highlanders' match against the Stormers at the weekend.
Pace and physicality of Stormers
This game was played at a frenetic pace and the Stormers looked exceptionally keen as they tore into the Highlanders. They got plenty of go-forward and got the better of the contact situations to provide their forward runners and backs with great front-foot ball. To the Highlanders' credit, they defended this exceptionally well and while they leaked four tries, most teams would have conceded far more under this sort of pressure. In the end they made 149 tackles, compared to the Stormers' 70. When you under this much pressure, it is inevitable that tries will be given up as defending like this is tiring and eventually someone is going to be caught out of position.
Day rugby provides good conditions
Perhaps it was a coincidence, but this was a day game and it had much more action than many night games. The dry conditions clearly encourage a more up-tempo game, just as they do inside Forsyth Barr Stadium. They certainly make for a better game to watch, which pushes the case for more rugby to be played during the day in New Zealand.
This also poses the question of whether South African teams are getting an unfair advantage when it comes to bonus points. As most of the day games in Super Rugby are in South Africa, teams there are getting to play more often in conditions which favour a faster, running game. This in turn could be argued to give them more of a chance to score four tries and claim the all important bonus point.
Ability to score tries
The ability to be clinical in taking their scoring opportunities was what kept the Highlanders in this game. Despite being under pressure for lengthy periods, they clung on well on defence and then made the most of their forays into Stormers territory. Aaron Smith was particularly dangerous, sniping well around the fringes to cause the Stormers' guard dogs problems. Previous Highlanders teams have come unstuck here and have lost games despite enjoying far more possession and territory than this team did. That they can remain competitive in these circumstances bodes well for the future and shows that they may not have to dominate a team to beat them.
Seven points from South Africa
To come away with the South African leg of the competition with seven competition points is a huge bonus. It is typically the toughest fortnight on every Australasian team's schedule, so to get one point less than the equivalent of two wins is impressive. Admittedly the Highlanders did not have to play at altitude this year, but came up against the form team in the competition in the Sharks and a Stormers team who were on their game. While winning both games would have been ideal, this has to be the next best thing and the three bonus points picked up could be vital in what is shaping up to be a very tightly contested race for the playoffs.
Chris King
King played his 100th match in a Highlanders jersey in this game and was typically busy. He often flies under the radar but make no mistake, he is right up there with the best of them when it comes to being important to his team. As with any tight forward, you often have to watch to see the work he does, or at least be paying attention to who is doing what in close. His work rate is phenomenal, he is always amongst the leading tacklers on defence and supporting well on attack.
If there is a loose ball on the ground it is not uncommon to see him cleaning it up and he is always solid at set-piece time, a prop capable of playing both sides of the scrum. He is a player who bleeds blue, gold and maroon, and in hindsight was extremely unlucky to have never had a run with the All Blacks.