The Jona(h) show
Pop quiz, hotshots. Who started on the wing for the Highlanders in their penultimate regular season game against the Waratahs last year? And who started on the wing in the quarterfinal shellacking by the Blues? I boldly predict you do not know the answers. Rory van Vugt and Denny Solomona against the Tahs, and Mosese Dawai and Fetuli Paea against the Blues. Wow. Yes, the outside back division was a bit of an issue for the Highlanders last year. And if you can’t score some tries out wide, well, neither the fans nor the points table will forgive you. So bring down Jonah Lowe, the former Chiefs winger who is proven at this level, and excitement machine Jona Nareki, who is the Highlanders’ most dangerous back if he stays healthy. Fingers crossed both see the tryline regularly.
Cult hero
There is something special about this kid. Ethan de Groot, a proud Southlander, has come a long way in the space of the year. His ability, his size, his sheer ‘‘oomph’’ combine in a unique package, and you get the feeling he is very quickly going to become the face of the Highlanders. Not bad for a prop.
Forward power
Speaking of big boppers ... on paper, this is an exceptional Highlanders forward pack that should not just be competitive this season but should grind some teams into dust. De Groot, Andrew Makalio and Jermaine Ainsley form a bullish front row, Pari Pari Parkinson makes a welcome return to lock to complete an outstanding tight five with Josh Dickson, and Shannon Frizell, Billy Harmon and Marino Mikaele-Tu’u form a fearsome loose forward trio. If those eight players see plenty of time on the park, the Highlanders will go a long way.
The GOAT
We presume the statue has already been ordered for Forsyth Barr Stadium. The Highlanders have had some genuinely great players — and Jeff Wilson, Ben Smith, Anton Oliver and the like are in the debate for the greatest — but it is hard to go past the wee fella they call ‘‘Nugget’’. Aaron Smith, on All Blacks leave until round three, will want to finish his Highlanders career on a high note before heading to Japan. His team-mates owe it to him to come up with something special.
You know, that other thing
Yes, that’s the No 5 on this list. Something else, or someONE else, will emerge to give Highlanders fans some zip this season. It could be Mitch Hunt returning to 2021 form, or everyone’s new favourite Englishman Freddie Burns showing what he can do. Or Folau Fakatava doing what he does best. Or Thomas Umaga-Jensen staying fit and marching into World Cup contention. Or Fabian Holland or Saula Ma’u announcing themselves to the world. Or a radically changed coaching staff finding the formula for success.
The Highlanders
At a glance
Last year: Eighth (4-14), beaten quarterfinalists.Coach: Clarke Dermody (replaces Tony Brown).
Meikle’s prediction: Seventh. One place higher than last year. They will need some luck, and for most of the top XV to stay healthy.
Super Rugby
Highlanders schedule
Tomorrow: v Blues, Dunedin, 7.05pm
Mar 3: v Crusaders, Melbourne, 8pm
Mar 10: v Chiefs, Hamilton, 7.05pm
Mar 19: v Force, Invercargill, 3.35pm
Mar 25: v Fijian Drua, Dunedin,
4.35pm
Mar 31: v Moana Pasifika, Auckland,
7.05pm
Apr 8: v Hurricanes, Dunedin, 7.05pm
Apr 22: v Force, Perth, 9.35pm
Apr 28: v Waratahs, Sydney, 9.35pm
May 5: v Chiefs, Dunedin, 7.05pm
May 14: v Brumbies, Canberra,
4.35pm
May 20: v Rebels, Dunedin, 4.35pm
May 26: v Reds, Dunedin, 7.05pm
Jun 2: v Blues, Auckland, 7.05pm
