Following the Highlanders' 31-29 loss against the Force in Dunedin, ODT Online rugby contributor Jeff Cheshire rates the players.
Ben Smith 5.5/10: Ran the ball back hard but was well contained and did not make too many inroads into the Force defence. Was used to defend in the line instead of Lima Sopoaga from set-piece a lot and did well here, although why this was could be questioned as it takes his counterattacking out of the game.
Richard Buckman 6/10: Made a couple of good runs in the first half and chased everything hard. Roamed around the field a bit and popped up on the other wing from time to time. Did not see as much action in the second half.
Malakai Fekitoa 6.5/10: Added some spark in the back line and was the only back to really threaten the Force defence. He needs to see more ball though as he is the most dangerous player in the back line.
Shaun Treeby 5/10: Had a very quiet night, not so much bad but was anonymous for large parts of the game. Memorably threw Fekitoa the hospital pass that led to the Force's fourth try.
Kurt Baker 6/10: Did okay with the chances he got, which weren't many, and chased kicks hard.
Lima Sopoaga 5.5/10: Mainly distributed on attack, rarely looking to take the line on. Was too casual getting back to collect and kick the ball in the play which led to his kick being charged and the Force scoring their bonus point try.
Aaron Smith 7/10: Was the most energetic of the Highlanders backs, sniped at the right times and looked dangerous doing so, while also passing well as always. Had one of his better games defensively too.
Nasi Manu 7/10: Had a huge game, carrying the ball strongly and always going forward, while also leading the team in tackles made. Needed to make a quicker decision when it came to the final penalty though, as too much valuable time was wasted while they made up their minds and as co-captain, Manu needs to take responsibility for that.
Shane Christie 6.5/10: Had a quiet first half but was dynamic in the second half, making a handful of good runs, breaking tackles and gaining good metres. Kept tackling the whole game too and was once again one of the best on defence.
John Hardie 6/10: Tackled well and got to the breakdown to disrupt opposition ball, managing to effect a turnover. Did not do a lot on attack though.
Joe Wheeler 6.5/10: Was pretty solid for the majority of the game, physical in contact and was always close by in support play.
Jarrad Hoeata 6.5/10: Threw himself into everything as always, tackled well and often.
Chris King 7/10: The scrum functioned well, while he also got through plenty of work, making some good tackles, getting his hands on the ball and not making mistakes.
Liam Coltman 4.5/10: Did a lot of things well, made a lot of tackles and really looked to hit hard in contact. Unfortunately he also missed a crucial tackle, threw an intercept pass and did not throw well into the lineout, which cost the team 14 points.
Kane Hames 7.5/10: Had another great performance, was prominent on attack, breaking the line and making some good metres, while also making his tackles. Strong at scrum time too.
Ged Robinson 7/10: Added some spark upon his introduction, went looking for the ball and made some good runs coming in at different angles.
Josh Bekhuis 6/10: Carried on the good work in the tight, although did not make a huge impact in the final 20.
Elliot Dixon 5/10: Did not do an awful lot after coming on with half an hour to go, made a couple of tackles and got his hands on the ball once.
Fumiaki Tanaka 6.5/10: Mainly just passed, but did so crisply and well so that was okay. Had the forwards hitting the ball at the line, which was allowing them to get some good go-forward.
Hayden Parker 6/10: Took the gap well to score the final try of the game.
Phil Burleigh 6/10: Had a few runs and was solid on defence, although did not see too many chances as the forwards were seeing most of the ball by the stage he got on.
