The 20-year-old does just about everything else Aaron Smith can do.
The Otago halfback gets to the ruck quickly and clears it just as fast.
He has an eye for space, the speed to exploit a gap and a snappy, accurate passing game which has seen him move through the ranks as rapidly as the former hairdresser on whom he models his game.
Earlier this week, the Highlanders confirmed they had signed the pint-sized No9 for the next two years.
Pledger, who was born in Gisborne but moved to Dunedin with his family when he was a toddler, grew up watching All Blacks and Highlanders great Smith.
To receive an opportunity to follow in his footsteps for the Highlanders was a dream.
"It was a childhood dream of mine to play professional rugby anywhere, but it’s pretty special playing for the Highlanders where I’ve grown up," he said.
"And he’s someone you want to model your game around as a nine."
His Highlanders promotion was well signposted.
Pledger has been hailed as a future star for several years.
He represented New Zealand in touch at age-group level and you can still see that influence in his game.
But rugby started to take up more of his time once he left King’s High School.
He was selected in the New Zealand Schools team in 2022 and again in 2023. And for the past two years, he has been a key member of the New Zealand under-20 team.
He helped the Baby Blacks make the final of the World Rugby under-20 championship last month.
South Africa won 23-15, and that still rankles with Pledger.
"We just went short of winning that final, which was a bit gutting.
"But I think playing unreal footy over there with some of the best players definitely set us up coming into NPC."
Pledger made two appearances off the bench for Otago in 2024.
He was rested for Otago’s opening game this season but provided a spark in the second half in the game against Hawke’s Bay a fortnight ago and was rewarded with a start in the stunning 46-41 win over Wellington in Porirua last weekend.
Mark that game down as his arrival at provincial level.
He did not just fit in — he shone.
Pledger, who weighs in at 75kg and stands 1.71m, scored Otago’s first try.
He combined with powerhouse No8 Christian Lio-Willie to create problems around the ruck and his crisp passing game created space for the backs.
Otago host Counties-Manukau at Forsyth Barr Stadium tomorrow afternoon.
Pledger has been named in a settled-looking starting XV.
The Steelers suffered a one-point loss to Waikato in their last outing, while Otago will want to consolidate their spot in the top eight with a win at home.
It was the sort of game Otago needed to win if they were going to make the playoffs, Pledger acknowledged.
"Yeah, exactly. We’ve been talking about backing up our performance from last week and getting another win under the roof.
"They’re a tough, physical side.
"They’ve got some unreal individuals who can spark the game, so I think if we can shut them down, it’ll help us."
NPC
Forsyth Barr Stadium, tomorrow, 1.35pm
Otago: Sam Gilbert (captain), Jae Broomfield, Josh Timu, Jake Te Hiwi, Jona Nareki, Cameron Millar, Dylan Pledger, Christian Lio-Willie, Lucas Casey, Will Stodart, Joseva Tamani, Will Tucker, Saula Ma’u, Henry Bell, Abraham Pole. Reserves: Liam Coltman, Ben Lopas, Rohan Wingham, Oliver Haig, Harry Taylor, Nathan Hastie, Josh Whaanga, Sam Nemec-Vial.
Counties-Manukau: Etene Nanai-Seturo, Simon-Peter Toleafoa, Sione Molia, Rodney Tongotea, Peniasi Malimali, Jackson Rainsford, Jonathan Taumateine, Adam Brash, Cameron Church, Dalton Papali’i, Jimmy Tupou (captain), William Furniss, Keran van Staden, Ioane Moananu, Vainikolo Fifta. Reserves: Nikolasi Muli, Emosi Tuqiri, Suetena Asomua, Leo Ngatai-Tafau, Hoskins Sotutu, Cohen Brady-Leathem, Gibson Popoali’i, Antonio Popoali’i.
