ODT Online rugby writer Jeff Cheshire gives us a few mid-season thoughts on the Highlanders
Kickoff receptions
Remember a few years ago when the kickoff was undoubtedly the Highlanders weakness? Throughout 2011 and 2012 they played some great rugby, but so often their good work was undone by the inability to secure their kickoff ball. A year later in 2013 it was the same story, except they were not ruining much; there was not a lot to ruin. Last year they showed a marked improvement and this year it has been a strength of their game. With Tom Franklin and Joe Wheeler covering the high kicks on either side of the field, they have two players who are exceptionally good in the air and line the ball up well. Alongside this, Ben Smith has been outstanding under the deep, straight kickoffs. Aaron Smith has, for the most part, cleared efficiently, meaning that the Highlanders are not conceding points straight after scoring, meaning teams have to at least work to score against them.
Consistency on defence
There really is not much difference between this team and the 2013 one defensively. It was generally only a few mistakes every so often that let down the team of two years ago. They would be organized and committed on defence for multiple sequences and withstand numerous phases, only to have one missed tackle cost them a try. It only took three or four of these in a game to make them problematic.
The 2014 edition was far better, but this year's has really shone through as they have had to withstand a lot of pressure and have held teams out well. They are relentless, with a handful of players in the forward pack who just never stop tackling and a couple of intelligent defenders in the backs ensuring they are a tough line to crack. That extra 1% may not seem that big a deal, but when you look at the performances of the two teams, it becomes clear. This team has four wins from six games. Two years ago, a team with all the names, but without the consistency, were winless.
Hanging in there and finding a way to win
If you had only seen the first 20 minutes of the Highlanders games this year, you would be forgiven for thinking it had been a tough start to the season. They have taken a while to get going, although perhaps that has as much to do with their opponents and game style. The Stormers, Waratahs and Chiefs all dominated via their big, physical forward packs early, enjoying large amounts of possession and territory.
Against the Hurricanes they were just inaccurate. Getting the ball seemed impossible and the Highlanders were essentially in damage control. But every time they have withstood these early onslaughts, conceding no more than one or two tries and then speeding the game up to tire the opposition forwards. That was the blueprint against the Stormers and Waratahs at least. The win over the Chiefs was even more extraordinary. It came from defending tenaciously and then taking every chance they got. They have been finding a way to win these games and that in itself, is perhaps the single most important skill in top level sports.
Set-piece strong
The Highlanders set-piece, especially the lineout, has faltered in recent years. Liam Coltman and Brayden Mitchell both struggled with their throwing and often there was the feeling that it was risky throwing anywhere beyond the front. Not this year. Coltman's throwing has been outstanding, as has Ash Dixon's. Both hookers have hit their jumpers, primarily Elliot Dixon and Mark Reddish with consistency.
The scrum has done well too. Despite going up against much bigger forward packs, they have largely held their own. Against the Stormers and Waratahs they got the better of their opponents after wearing them down early, while against the Chiefs the penalty tries they conceded were unlucky. Compare this to a year ago, when the Highlanders pack were dominated by the Waratahs, Sharks and Crusaders to finish the season. They have come a long way and are not reliant on a few individuals for their power. Having this steady source of possession means that their lethal backline has more ball to work with and can pose more of a threat.
If you picked an NZ form backline, how many Highlanders would make it?
Seriously, you could argue the entire Highlanders backline could make a current New Zealand Form XV. There is daylight between Ben Smith and the next fullback, as there is with Aaron Smith and the next halfback. The wing duo of Patrick Osborne and Waisake Naholo have been lethal and their ability to create something from nothing has been a difference maker for the Highlanders. As good as Julian Savea and James Lowe have been, it would be hard to argue that the Highlanders pair have not at least been the equal of either of those men. Likewise, Malakai Fekitoa edges out Conrad Smith, both outstanding defensively, while they have contrasting games on defence. Certainly you would be justified in picking Smith, but you would be equally justified in picking Fekitoa.
The others become tougher to choose. Lima Sopoaga has probably been the most threatening of the New Zealand first five-eighths, although he still does not control the game like a top No. 10, nor has his kicking been quite as deadly as last year. That said Beauden Barrett's kicking has been awful, Aaron Cruden has lacked consistency, Colin Slade has been above average, although not a stand out, while the Blues' first five-eighths have been awful. Sopoaga has ignited his backline and remains solid enough in his all round play, certainly you could argue he gets the nod.
Shaun Treeby is probably the most unheralded Highlander back, but he too has been as good as any other New Zealand second five-eighth. His defence has been safe, on attack he has been extremely tidy, his distribution has been first-class and with ball in hand he has looked dangerous at times. Not a game breaker, but who has been? Ma'a Nonu has been brutal on defence, but fairly quiet on attack. Francis Saili has not threatened enough and made too many mistakes. Sonny Bill Williams has been ordinary with the occasional flash of brilliance, while the Crusaders have not really settled on a No. 12.
Call me biased and one-eyed, but you could argue that everyone in this Highlanders backline should be included in a New Zealand Super Rugby Form XV. No wonder it they have been so tough to contain.
The impossible draw
The Highlanders really were not helped by their draw this year. They had a limited timeframe in which they could play their home games, and yet they still had two byes scheduled in that period, including one in the first week. The result is that they will play seven of their final ten games away from home, including a trip to South Africa and Perth. It is going to be tough. You have to think it would have made more sense to save one of the early season byes to allow the Highlanders to have a break at some stage in those final ten games, rather than giving it to them after having played five home games in six weeks and already having had a week off. It has got to be one of the hardest finishes to a season in Super Rugby history. Sure the Highlanders have been good thus far, but they have needed to be good. Every win they can get now is going to be crucial come season's end.
Tactics unproven away from home
The Highlanders have exploited their indoor stadium well. They have gotten themselves really fit, they are playing a fast-paced game based on tenacious defence, fast line speed and game breakers out wide. Teams are struggling with the pace and tiring, making them all but incapable of handling the Highlanders back three. Away from home though, they will not play in conditions so conducive to this. Moisture becomes a factor, making ball handling harder, while rain makes grounds softer and harder to play a high-paced game. Under these conditions, will the Highlanders still be able to wear teams down and then cash in the way they have? Maybe; they did a pretty good job against the Chiefs. You would say that the tactics are unproven away from home though. In fact, they might not even adopt those tactics on the road. Only time will tell.
