The Highlanders delivered excellent performances in pretty much all areas as they crushed Moana Pasifika 73-10 at the Super Rugby under-20 tournament in Taupō yesterday.
They were far too strong — particularly in the tight — and brutally efficient at capitalising on errors from their hastily assembled opposition.
A tournament like this is all about spotting the next generation of potential stars, and the Highlanders had plenty to highlight yesterday.
It started with hooker A-One Lolofie and prop Moana Takataka, who led a devastating scrum and were hard to stop when they had the ball.
Rising lock Josh Tengblad showed his physical versatility, while openside flanker Max Ratcliffe delivered another performance that highlighted his exceptional promise.
New Zealand Schools halfback Dylan Pledger was as tidy and busy as ever, and captain Josh Whaanga combined nicely with second five Caleb Williams.
The brightest lights, though, as the Baby Landers rebounded from their opening loss to the Crusaders, were the three outside backs.
Fullback Charlie Breen ran with purpose and covered well, and both Josh Augustine and Kyan Rangitutia looked lively on the wing and grabbed a brace of tries.
A tighthead and an early 17-0 lead showed the Highlanders meant business.
The first of Lolofie’s two tries came from a lineout drive that must have nudged 50m.
After Moana Pasifika got on the board, the Highlanders rattled on four tries in the final 14 minutes of the first half, the best an opportunistic effort by Augustine following an awkward bounce.
The pick of the Baby Landers’ four second-half tries were from a sublime in-and-out run from replacement fullback Samuel Nemec-Vial, and from a burst of power from Taitelea Tasi-Cordtz.
William Thode kicked six conversions from eight attempts before twin brother Oliver Thode took the tee and landed all three of his kicks.
The Highlanders will play the Fijian Drua in the fifth-sixth playoff on Saturday.
The Drua clung on for a 29-27 win over the Barbarians yesterday after the under-21 side missed a late penalty from in front.
Super Rugby U20
The scores
Highlanders 73
Josh Augustine 2, A-One Lolofie 2, Kyan Rangitutia 2, Liam McIntosh, Dylan Pledger, Samuel Nemec-Vial, Taitelea Tasi-Cordtz, Gregor Rutledge tries; William Thode 6 con, Oliver Thode 3 con
Moana Pasifika 10
Charles Gemmell, Siolo Fruean tries
Halftime: Highlanders 45-5
