Strong defence around ruck
As much as the sparkling tries catch the eye, it has been the relentless defence that has been the hallmark of this Highlanders team. That was the case once again, as they often rendered the Jaguares clueless as to how to break through. The Jaguares didn't help themselves, dropping far too much ball and lacking creativity to create space for themselves, but the lack of go-forward meant they rarely had a platform to attack from. It was the Highlanders aggressive defence that prevented them gaining that go-forward, as the line got up fast and knocked the ball runners backwards behind the gain line. You've got to be good to break down a defence like that and this Jaguares team was too disorganised and too error-prone to ever really threaten.
Attacking with width
The Highlanders looked to use the whole width of the field on attack, as they often do. Between this and obtaining quick ball, they were able to create space out wide as the Jaguares struggled to cover the field at the pace required. They were not as clinical as they would have liked though, often finding themselves in space with a numbers advantage out wide, only to force an offload or drop a pass. Against a stronger defence those chances become fewer, meaning you cannot afford those mistakes. Today though, they did what they had to and given many of the players were slotting back into the team for the first time in over a month, there was always going to be an element of rust.
Lineout
After having been so good for most of the season, the Highlanders' lineout was shaky early on. The Jaguares got in front of a Highlanders' jumper early to steal one, before the next went over the top after throwing too high. That can happen, especially when pressure is applied. If you throw to low it is likely to get picked off, meaning the next time there will be a tendency to throw a bit higher to get it over the contesting player. While it wasn't ideal, they only lost one other lineout. You can probably live with that provided it doesn't become a regular thing. On the plus side, the Highlanders applied a lot of pressure when contesting the Jaguares throw in the second half and picked off six lineouts of their own.
Messy second half
While the first half saw the Highlanders score tries in which they showed their ability to build continuity and keep the ball alive, the second half was messy. Both teams struggled to hold onto the ball, as they often looked to force passes and throw unnecessary offloads. That can happen after a dominant first half. Mentally it can be hard to get back up after the break and there can be a tendency to want to go straight to the space, rather than being patient and trying to create better opportunities. It will be something the Highlanders will want to sure up ahead of their encoutner against the Chiefs next week, but again, you would have to think there was an element of rust here.
Two wins on the road, playoffs clinched
Going to South Africa, and Argentina as well these days, is not as scary as it used to be. The opposition teams are nowhere near as competitive as they once were and they no longer pose the same challenge, even at home. But you still have to be happy with two wins in two weeks in two different countries. The Highlanders have shown they can perform well outside of New Zealand in recent years and that is crucial in this competition. This year they have won four of their five overseas games, including what turned out to be a key one over the Waratahs in Sydney. This morning they clinched a playoff spot and if things go their way, they are still a chance of finishing top of the New Zealand conference and having a home quarterfinal.
