ODT Online rugby writer Jeff Cheshire rates the Highlanders after their 21-19 loss to the Chiefs last night.
Ben Smith 6.5/10: Looked dangerous on the counter, although perhaps tried to run too often. Made several good kicks.
Richard Buckman 6.5/10: Safe under the high ball and active on defence. Was tidy on attack and came up with a turnover under pressure right on halftime.
Winston Stanley 5.5/10: Sound on defence, but didn't spark a lot on attack and had something of a brain explosion kicking the ball away with four minutes to play.
Shaun Treeby 6/10: Similar to Stanley, made one decent run but mainly just tackled well and came up with a couple of turnovers.
Malakai Fekitoa 6.5/10: Ran dangerously, showed good strength and a strong fend, looking threatening and popping up all over the field.
Lima Sopoaga 7.5/10: Kicked well both at goal and up the line, directed the team well and made more runs this week.
Aaron Smith 7/10: His box kicking was average at times, but he tidied up some messy ball and passed well.
Nasi Manu 6/10: Worked hard and always made an impact in contact situations, but dropped two balls while applying pressure to the Chiefs line, which was costly.
John Hardie 6/10: Tore around the field and made some good tackles, one cover one was especially memorable as it saved a potentially dangerous situation.
Gareth Evans 6.5/10: Got involved making tackles and a few runs. Made a great try-saving tackle on halftime and managed to earn a breakdown penalty.
Joe Wheeler 8/10: Easily his best game in a Highlanders jersey, was good at the back of the lineout, tackled aggressively and made a few good runs. Worked hard and was one of the standouts.
Jarrad Hoeata 7.5/10: Physical on defence and was good at lineout time too, worked hard in the tight.
Chris King 7/10: Made a lot of tackles and supported well to get to the ruck. The scrum was under pressure, although his side generally held up okay.
Liam Coltman 7.5/10: Was the team's leading tackler and made a good run in the open too. Lineouts were far better, finding his target with more regularity.
Kane Hames 6.5/10: Got involved, hitting rucks and making tackles. Was under pressure at scrum time, going up against Ben Tameifuna, but did well other than this.
Brayden Mitchell 6/10: Did not exactly impose himself on the game, but got around the field well and his lineout throwing was good in pressure situations.
Matias Diaz 5/10: Did nothing wrong but not overly prominent either. Held up okay in the scrums.
Craig Millar (No Rating): Came on late and did not get much of a chance, but seemed to be trying to get involved in his Highlanders debut.
Josh Bekhuis 6.5/10: Made a few tackles and was solid at lineout time.
Elliot Dixon 7/10: Tore around the field, making tackles and getting very involved, was the best of the replacements.
Shane Christie 6/10: Got around the field well and tried to make an impact, although his loose carry at the end of the game stifled the Highlanderss last chance to launch an attack.
Fumiaki Tanaka (No Rating): Came on late and distributed okay, but did not get much of a chance to make much of an impact.
Trent Renata (No Rating): Was on for 16 minutes and was virtually anonymous, did not see any action. Could have come into the line, but then again was playing out of position on the wing.
