Otago Daily Times Online rugby writer Jeff Cheshire looks at some key points from the Highlanders' 28-27 loss to the Reds in Brisbane.
Missed tackles
When you miss 28 tackles in one half, as the Highlanders' did in the first half, it is always going to be tough to win. By missing those tackles, not only does the opposition have a chance to create something immediately, it forces the defence to scramble backwards and become disorganised for the next phase. The Highlanders generally scramble well, but you can only do it to a point. Once you become disorganised the problem compounds. Gaps open up and you end up going backwards again. For a team that was so good at making their first up tackles two weeks ago, it was not a good sign. The Reds broke the line at will and ran rampant to score three tries and lead 22-6 at the break.
Lack of energy
So why were the tackles being missed? The defence as a whole was not as energetic as it was a few weeks ago and next week's bye could be timely. The linespeed was nowhere near as fast as it had been, meaning the Reds had more space to create. That meant they could go into the tackle with more power, the chance to create more deception and catch the ball under less pressure. When a team is hitting the ball flat like the Reds were at times, that can be significant and makes for a harder tackle to make. Previously this year the Highlanders' line would get up fast, ensuring their opposition did not have room to go anywhere. Against the Force they were caught on the inside doing this a few times, although in general they have done it very well. Then when going into contact they have been aggressive, forcing the ball carrier backwards. That makes it much easier to make tackles.
Reds go-forward
You have to give the Reds some credit. They ran hard and at good angles to make their breaks. From there the support was fast, whether it be from a link player or a cleaner at the breakdown. That enabled them to keep the play going quickly, making the most of their front-foot ball and getting what was a dangerous backline running at a defence going backwards. Samu Kerevi broke the line well, while Eto Nabuli and Karmichael Hunt were lively and blindside flanker Hendrick Tui was dangerous running closer in. As a team they came to play and got stuck into everything, which made it hard for the Highlanders to contain them.
Dropped balls
For the second week in a row the Highlanders dropped too much ball. They looked to play an up-tempo game once again, straying from the kicking game that was working successfully. That isn't to say they didn't kick at all, although they did not do so well when they did. Too many passes were forced and too much ball was lost in contact, which made it hard for them to apply any pressure. In fact doing those things inside their own half put themselves under pressure. The fast-paced game tired out the Reds, and the Highlanders' did their best to exploit that, but the fact they came up short means it didn't work. Perhaps they are working on a new gameplan, or tweaking the old one and don't want to give away too much until after their bye next week.
Second half comeback
The second half was better for the Highlanders. They had more ball and while they still made mistakes, they did a good job getting it back. The Reds lacked the pace and aggression of the first half and hardly fired a shot, while the Highlanders looked to launch attacks from wherever they could. When the tries came, one was from a set-move, one was from a long build-up and the third was an intercept caused by pressure defence, resulting in a bad pass in the midfield. The helter-skelter, attack from anywhere rugby did not directly yield any tries and you have to wonder if it is the best approach to take.
The Ben Smith factor
When you lose your best player it is always going to hurt no matter how much depth you have in your squad. Ben Smith would not have been the be all and end all, but his absence was felt. His ability to defend at the back, particularly in one-on-one situations, could have seen a try saved, while his ability to defend in the line could have helped stymie the Reds' threats. On attack he is brilliant in everything he does, although Matt Faddes provides plenty of fire power. Smith could not have accounted for all the missed tackles, or the dropped balls, but there is no doubt the team would have benefited from having him. Meanwhile the Reds saw the return of one of their best in Liam Gill, who was everywhere in an outstanding performance.
