ODT Online rugby writer Jeff Cheshire rates the Highlanders after their narrow win against the Lions in Dunedin.
Ben Smith 7/10: Kicked well, particularly early on where he found space behind the Lions line. Made a few good runs too, including one where he hit a great angle to make the break to set up the third try.
Richard Buckman 8/10: Had plenty of work to do to score his first try and showed good pace and commitment to score his second. Was pretty solid in the rest of his play too, definitely getting better.
Malakai Fekitoa 7.5/10: Hit the line hard with ball in hand and looked threatening, while also defending well, doing a good job of covering on overlaps to allow his men to get across.
Phil Burleigh 6/10: Pretty solid, put in a nice kick for Buckman's first try and created some good defensive pressure in the first half which led to a few turnovers.
Jason Emery 6/10: Made a couple of breaks and was fairly tidy in what he did. Came into the line a bit and looked good when he did.
Hayden Parker 6.5/10: Was good defensively, tackling courageously and around the legs. Kicked well and did a good job directing play, especially in the first half where the backline was sublime. The decision to do the cross kick mid-way through the second half was not a great one though.
Aaron Smith 7.5/10: Very dangerous running and threw a lovely ball to Ben Smith who then made a good break. Passed well and his box kicking generally was not too bad.
Nasi Manu 8.5/10: Was absolutely colossal once again, carried strongly and kept on tackling, also managed to secure a couple of breakdown penalties. Came off before the team started leaking tries at the end.
John Hardie (No Rating): Made a few tackles, but did not get a chance to get going, having to leave the field within the first quarter of the game with injury.
Elliot Dixon 7/10: Got through plenty of work, making 15 tackles, missing none and getting to the breakdown well.
Joe Wheeler 7/10: Another big tackler, making 18, while also cleaning out well and supporting play on attack.
Josh Bekhuis (No Rating): Was looking good, putting in a couple of very heavy tackles before leaving the field in the 17th minute.
Ma'afu Fia 5.5/10: Got around the field alright, but the scrum was extremely messy all night and the front rowers didn't really impose themselves in this area.
Ged Robinson 7.5/10: Made a lot of tackles with good technique and carried well too, getting good go-forward for the backs in the first half.
Chris King 4/10: Perhaps not his most memorable game, was sin-binned for a brain explosion midway through the second half.