The numbers
Record: Played 7, won 3, lost 4, eighth in Super Rugby.
Points for: 165 (23.6 per game).
Points against: 209 (29.9 per game).
Super Rugby rankings: First in defenders beaten (168), fifth in tries (22), fifth in tackling (87%), eighth in metres gained (2713), ninth in clean breaks (37), ninth in carries (732), ninth in lineouts (79.7%).
High point
The 25-23 win over the Crusaders on opening night.
You could not really have asked for more to start the season — it was certainly a nice way to wash out the sour taste of claiming the wooden spoon in 2025.
Social media knee-jerkers did not like this being described as a “shock”, but how else should one have labelled a win by a team that finished last the previous year over the defending champions?
The Highlanders scored a cracking team try in the second half, and ace kicker Cameron Millar landed a 47m penalty to ice victory.
They later had a golden opportunity to do the double over the Crusaders for the first time but could not get the job done in Christchurch despite the old enemy spending 30 minutes with 14 men on the field.
Low point
Shudder.
Yes, it was that bad.
The 50-7 loss to the Hurricanes — at home in Dunedin, too — left some scars for all concerned.
It was the Highlanders’ second-heaviest loss in club history, and revived some doubts over whether this was really a team on the improve.
Angus Ta’avao has been a solid performer in his first season with the southern franchise. PHOTOS: GREGOR RICHARDSON
Three best players
Ethan de Groot
The new daddy made an interesting comment before the season when he said he wanted to deliver his best rugby for the Highlanders, not just in the black jersey.
Congratulations on becoming a father and being a man of your word, young fellow.
De Groot has been immense in a very good Highlanders scrum.
Timoci Tavatavanawai
Talk about ‘‘Jimmy the Difference’’.
The blockbusting midfielder was in remarkable form before limping into the bye with a foot injury.
He leads all Super Rugby players with 45 defenders beaten — a staggering 15 more than the next man on the list.
The Highlanders must keep their co-captain fit and firing if they are to challenge for the playoffs.
Caleb Tangitau
No second-season blues for the flying winger.
Tangitau has six tries in seven games, has made 13 clean breaks, and just gets the heart racing every time he touches the ball.
Dave Rennie should be watching.
Honourable mentions
Angus Ta’avao has combined with de Groot to lead a solid scrum and is running around like a spring chicken at 36.
TK Howden has proven an excellent lineout option and leads Super Rugby with 107 tackles.
Outside backs Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens and Jona Nareki and reborn centre Jonah Lowe have contributed plenty.
Jury is out
Jack Taylor: The niggliest hooker since Dane Coles offers so much around the field. But his lineout throwing has been a major concern.
Folau Fakatava: Quiet for much of the season, and will not be getting his starting jersey back in a hurry.
The run home
Brumbies (home), Blues (away), Moana Pasifika (Super Round in Christchurch), Fijian Drua (away), Waratahs (home), Chiefs (away), Hurricanes (away).
The questions
How many more wins? The home games against decent Australian opposition will be tough, but have to be seen as opportunities. The Highlanders should do the double over Moana. The other three, well, they will be challenging.
What would represent significant improvement? From the wooden spoon to seventh or eighth would likely be accepted by Highlanders fans, although obviously a playoff place would be preferred. Finishing ninth to 11th? Meh.
Should we be worried about Timoci Tavatavanawai breaking down or wearing out? He is the heart and soul of this team.
How can the Highlanders score more tries? They are fifth in overall tries, but drop to ninth equal on tries per game. They have played some good rugby, but are still not executing smartly enough.
Have the lineout issues been sorted out?
Will we get to see Saula Ma’u, Stanley Solomon and Xavier Tito-Harris?
