Rugby: Joseph satisfied after friendlies

Jamie Joseph
Jamie Joseph
Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph is pleased with his side's pre-season and says it was important every player got time on the field.

The Highlanders concluded their pre-season with their third straight loss, going down 40-21 to the Crusaders in Oamaru last night, but Joseph was not worried about the result.

"I'm rapt with the players and we've got a lot of guys who had not had a run at this level. A guy like Elliot Dixon started a reputation out there with his performance," Joseph said.

"I actually thought the score flattered the game. We made two mistakes near the end, and in this sort of game, at this sort of level, you get found out."

He said pre-season was more about building a team and with a long season ahead everyone had to get playing time.

One relief for Joseph was no new injuries appeared, although flanker Nick Crosswell did not take the field, crying off with a calf injury.

The side had carried a heavy training load in the past few weeks and Joseph estimated they were training at 30% more over the past week than they would during the season.

"The focus is about the season and the guys were probably a bit tired today later on."

He felt first five-eighth Robbie Robinson had played reasonably well and there was a contest for midfield positions.

"Some players came into serious consideration with their performance today ... while others we decided to rest and keep fresh for next week."

He felt the side showed some style at times but the scrum had been better in the two previous games.

The Highlanders' first game of the season would be against the Hurricanes next Friday night in Wellington, Joseph's old stomping ground.

"We're talking about a team which has 13 All Blacks, so it is not going to be easy."

Winger Kade Poki impressed again last night and he looks a good pick-up for the franchise, coming into the squad to replace the injured Kurt Baker.

Poki said he was enjoying the environment and the fact he was now clear of injury.

"It's probably the fittest I've ever been. The trainer down here has got some special exercises for my legs and they seem to be working," he said.

"I had a couple of good runs but I still need to work on my defence."

 

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