1
Highlanders player ratings vs Waratahs | Super Rugby Trans-Tasman
The Waratahs’ woes in Super Rugby Trans-Tasman this year continued as the Highlanders ran in their biggest-ever points total against the Sydney franchise, storming to a 59-23 victory and claiming a crucial bonus point to take them to second in the table.
ADVERTISEMENT
In what was an extremely open game early on, the carpet-like conditions under the roof at Forsyth Barr potentially seemed the perfect playground for the loose, free-flowing style the Waratahs have brought to the competition this year.
Indeed, in a hectic first 20 minutes the lead changed hands five times as the usually impenetrable Highlanders defence leaked eight tackles.
Despite scoring four tries to the Waratahs two, it was the unerring boot of Will Harrison that kept the away side in contact as the men from New South Wales nearly secured a 26-23 scoreline heading in for the halftime break.
It was not to be, however, as in overtime of the first half, Jona Nareki dotted down following structured and clinical phase play from the Landers. The tone was set from then on in, as the hosts remained out on the pitch at half time, not leaving the field until the job was well and truly done.
One way traffic followed, as a mix of Highlanders structure both defensively and in attack, as well as a lack of concentrated pressure from the Waratahs, saw the home side run in 28 unanswered points for a convincing victory.
Here’s how the Highlanders rated:
1. Ethan De Groot – 7/10
ADVERTISEMENT
A typically physical performance from the 122kg, 1.90m man mountain. Showed a good work rate around the park, offering himself in the carry and grabbed a nice try from close quarters in the first half, displaying his power and intelligence. Will be unhappy with a couple of unforced errors, getting pinged for getting his poaching wrong on one occasion. Continued strongly in the second half, however, running a great line from deep to nab a second score. Off at 59 mins.
2. Ash Dixon (c) – 7.5
A leader’s performance. A busy presence on the night, available for any carry when asked and tackled like a demon. Crucially laid the foundation every time to launch the Landers most dangerous weapon, their lineout, through his excellent throwing. His accuracy at that set piece paid dividends for both himself and many others in the Landers pack. Off at 64.
3. Siate Tokolahi – 6
ADVERTISEMENT
Had to wait over 20 minutes to lock horns with Andrew Tuala at scrum time, but when that moment came conceded the first battle to his opposite number. In his second attempt conceded a scrum penalty that saw the Waratahs go ahead due to Harrison’s boot. Started to get into the groove however with his third effort and buckled down to turn the tide. Gave a decent defensive performance. Off at 64.
4. Pari Pari Parkinson – 7.5
A man in form. The beating heart of the Landers’ engine room showed his effectiveness at lineout time, making excellent calls as to when to challenge in the air and when to set defensively and face the drive. Was a constant nuisance to an inexperienced Tahs lineout and made good carries and defensive contributions. Continues to carry forward an impressive lineout record in this competition – the not-so-secret weapon the Landers have honed over the weeks. Off after 60.
This should count as beating 5 defenders ?#HIGvWAR Sign up for #SuperRugbyTT in the UK, Ireland and most of Europe at https://t.co/MoNqCqajxg pic.twitter.com/N9IpGs6vVT
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) June 5, 2021
5. Bryn Evans – 7
A performance built on nous from the 36-year-old. Provided tidy handling on several occasions as a shield runner allowing the playmakers in Hunt and Ioane to do their job and find their men out wide, on one occasion featuring in the build-up to Nareki’s second. Formed an effective partnership with Parkinson to dominate the Tahs in the lineout. Guilty of a few missed tackles but overall showed a good defensive work rate.
6. James Lentjes – 6.5
Good work on the fringes, combined nicely with Harmon to bring Tony Brown’s selection of Zoom set piece extravaganzas at lineout time to life. Also provided effective link play off Hammington given the ground he covered, carrying well when the ball found him roaming. Off at 53.
7. Billy Harmon – 8
Involved in the first try linking well in an intricate set piece move off a solid Landers lineout. Was ever physical and present at the breakdown, always looking for turnover ball. Made the most tackles for his team with ten and made a couple of great steals, even showing a deft kicking ability. A key player for this Highlanders team with his defensive tenacity.
8. Kazuki Himeno – 7.5
Made the most carries for his team on the night and profited from them, gaining the most metres out of all the Landers pack. Worked hard to pin the Waratahs in their 22 and prevent their exit and was rock solid in setting up the Highlanders’ exit. Gave away the penalty that took the Waratahs to within three but made up for it soon after with a great carry on the half, showing pure grit and determination in the lead up to Nareki’s try. Continued to back it up just after the break, gaining an important penalty. Another who profited from the Landers’ excellent set piece on the night.
9. Kayne Hammington – 6.5
Provided quick ruck ball and looked to have found structure and poise early on displaying nice touches and a range of kicks. However as the first half went on and the Waratahs brought their trademark looseness to the game there was a period in which the Landers looked to have lost their way structurally speaking. The 30-year-old on his 50th Landers appearance, however, ensured that late in the first half phases were built and in the second half that that good work continued.
10. Mitch Hunt – 7.5
It is hard in a competition featuring the dazzling ridiculousness of Richie Mo’unga for a ten to be applauded for simply doing the basics well but Hunt deserves praise for his solid outing tonight. The first-five rarely missed a beat with his exits finding touch regularly. His kicking also put the Landers pack in prime position to launch their lineout time and time again. Admittedly misjudged the highball that led to the Tahs second try but in a game not filled with structure he brought composure and a touch of class.
11. Jona Nareki – 7
A night of ups and downs for one of the most exciting wingers in New Zealand at the moment. Committed an early defensive error shooting up on Maddocks and missing his man leading to the Tahs first try. Drew a lot of fouls in the first half and copped a heavy hit from Perese but played on to finish the game. Was solid under the high ball and had moments of key defensive intervention – securing a great turnover and cutting down Perese as his broke the line. Showed pace and finishing to score twice and take his competition total to four. Could have even had three more if passes had come his way.
12. Scott Gregory – 6.5
Ran a good line for the first try and was adjudged by the TMO to be right on the money. Provided a big defensive presence and brought plenty of physicality in helping to shut down the dangerous Perese alongside Collins. He has been a key cog in making this Landers defence the best in the competition and led the tackle count in the backs tonight. Carried straight into the white wall on several occasions. A few moments that weren’t as sharp skills-wise but a good night for the 22-year-old.
The Highlanders have thumped the Waratahs 59-23 at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin to move into second place on the Super Rugby Trans-Tasman table with one round to play. #SuperRugbyTT #HIGvWAR https://t.co/F9j4JxkaBK
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) June 5, 2021
13. Michael Collins – 7.5
Brilliant in the first half and, like Hunt, had a silently effective second half as the Landers settled into their structure. His defensive understanding with Gregory is clear given the two have played every game in the comp and yet again they tonight led the high press. Earned a great first try worked off a technical set piece, running a great inward line to take the final pass. Was slightly out of place for Maddocks’ try and was outdone by a quality face-ball but responded strongly with two try assists – first showing awareness to cut late with Tomkinson and second providing a moneyball of his own to set Nareki up in the corner. Ospreys fans will be watching with interest.
14. Patelesio Tomkinson – 6.5
Great offload to set up Collins for the Highlanders’ first and showed all the benefits that can come from playing a natural centre on the wing. Brought physicality down the right hand side, applying himself defensively and won a crucial penalty for the Landers on 20 with his efforts. As he got into the game, started to come more infield offering himself as another playmaker. Had the awareness of a winger to run a lovely late cut as Collins returned the favour and allowed the winger his third try of the competition. Nearly set up Nareki for a second but just gave the ball a little late. Off at 45.
15. Josh Ioane – 6.5
A very assured night at the back from the one-test All Black. Positioned himself perfectly and showed good decision-making to run when he saw an opportunity to and kick if needed. His dynamism was on show too as he beat the most defenders on the night. Also grabbed a lovely assist giving the ball early for Nareki’s second.
Reserves:
16. Liam Coltman – 6
On at 64. A mixed bag at lineout time but added experience to the Landers scrum when he came on.
17. Daniel Lienert-Brown – N/A
On at 59 mins.
18. Josh Hohneck – 6
On at 64. Won two good scrum penalties against a wilting Tahs pack.
19. Josh Dickson – 6
On at 60 mins. Continued where Parkinson left off setting up a solid lineout maul to draw the penalty. With his second lineout set up the try with another fantastic maul.
While the results haven't gone the Rebels' way, Carter Gordon is making the most of Super Rugby Trans-Tasman, playing alongside his idol Matt Toomua. #SuperRugbyTT #CHIvREB https://t.co/tw1apxuDkv
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) June 5, 2021
20. Hugh Renton – 5.5
On at 53 min. Continued the Landers defensive efforts from his introduction making good tackles and securing a crucial turnover.
21. James Arscott – N/A
On at 72.
22. Sam Gilbert – 6
On at 47 min. Got involved defensively and looked to attack with ball in hand making 51 metres. Pulled up for a long time by the TMO for something that proved negligible. Almost bagged a try of his own but denied by a last ditch tackle from a scrambling defence.
23. Teariki Ben-Nicholas – 6
On at 72. Nabbed a good score off the bottom of a dominant Highlanders scrum.
Comments on RugbyPass
I like this, but ultimately rugby already has enough trophies. Trying to make more games “consequential" might prove to be a fools errand, although this is a less bad idea than some others. Minor quibble with the title of the article; it isn’t very meaningful to say the boks are the unofficial world champions when it would be functionally impossible for the Raeburn trophy not to be held by the world champions. There’s a period of a few months every 4 years when there is no “unofficial” world champion, and the Raeburn trophy is held by the actual world champions.
8 Go to commentsIts a great idea but one that I dont think will have a lot of traction. It will depend on the prestige that they each hold but if you can do that it would be great. When Japan beat the Boks (my team) I was absolutely devestated but I wont deny the great game they played that day. We were outclassed and it was one of the best games of rugby I have seen. Using an idea like this you might just give the the underdog teams more of an opportunity to beat the big teams and I can absolutely see it being a brilliant display of rugby. They beat us because they planned for that game. It was a great moment for Japan. This way we can remove the 4 year wait and give teams something to aim for outside of World Cup years.
8 Go to commentsHi, Dave here. Happy to answer questions 🥰
8 Go to commentsDon’t think that headline is accurate. It’s great to see Aus doing better but I’m not sure they’ve shown much threat to the top of the table. They shouldn’t be inflating wins against the lousy Highlanders and Crusaders either.
3 Go to commentsSuch a shame Roigard and Aumua picked up long term injuries, probably the two form players in the comp. Also, pretty sure Clarke Dermody isn’t their coach. Got it half right though.
3 Go to commentsOh the Aussie media, they never learn. At least Andrew Kellaway is like “Woah, yeah it’s great, but settle down there guys” having endured years of the Aussie media, fans, and often their players getting ahead of themselves only to fall flat on their faces. Have the “We'll win the Bledisloe for sure this year!” headlines started yet? It’s simple to see what’s going on. The Aussie teams are settled, they didn't lose any of their major players overseas. The Crusaders and Chiefs lost key experienced All Blacks, and Razor in the Crusaders case, and clearly neither are anywhere near as strong as last year (The Canes and Blues would probably be 3rd & 4th if they were). The Highlanders are annually average, even more so post-Aaron Smith and a big squad clean out. The two teams at the top? The two nz sides with largely the same settled roster as last year, except Ardie Savea for the Canes. They’ve both got far better coaches now too. If the Aussies are going to win the title, this is the year the kiwi sides will be weakest, so they better take their chance.
3 Go to commentsThe World Cup has to be the gold standard, line in the sand. 113 teams compete for what is the opportunity to make the pool stages, and then the knockout games for the trophy. The concept is sound. This must have been the rationale when the World Cup was created, surely? But I’m all for Looking forward and finding new ways for the SH to dominate the NH into the future. The autumn series needs a change up. Let’s start by having the NH teams come south every odd year for the Autumn/Spring series games?
8 Go to commentsWhat’ll happen when the AI models of the future go back in time and try to destroy the AI models of the past standing in their way of certain victory?
41 Go to commentsThanks, Nick. We (Seanny Maloney, Brett and I) just discussed Charlie as a potential Wallaby No 8, and wondered if he has truly realised how big he is in contact (and whether he can add 5 kg w/o slowing down). Your scouting report confirms our suspicions he has the materiel. No one knows if he has the mentality (as Johann van Graan said this week about CJ, Duane and Alfie B) to carry 10-15 times a game.
57 Go to commentsHe would be a great player for the Stormers, Dobbo should approach the guy.
3 Go to commentsGood article. A few years back when he was playing for the Cheetahs, he was a quiet standout for exactly the seasons stated here. I occasionally get to see his games in the UK, and he has become a more complete player and in many ways like an Irish player. His work ethic is so suitable to the Leinster game. I wonder if Rassie would have him listed somewhere.
3 Go to commentsResults probably skewed by the fact that a few clubs have foreign fly halves in their 30s, but most teams have young English scrum halves. Results also likely to be skewed by the fact that many teams rely on centres and fullbacks to provide depth at 10, whereas they will need to stock a large number of specialist backup 9s.
1 Go to commentsI really get the sense that when all is said and done, the path of least resistance will end up being a merger of Wasps & Worcester that essentially kills the Worcester Warriors brand and sees Wasps permanently playing at Sixways. I’m not saying that’s what should happen or what I want to happen. I just think it’s the easiest rout to take and therefore, will be what happens. Wasps will definitely return to play first, and I suppose it all depends on if they can find support at Sixways. If people turn up and support Wasps in that community, at that ground, I bet they drop the Sevenoaks plan and just remain at Sixways. Under the radar but not totally unrelated, it looks as though London Irish are going to be brought back from the dead by a German consortium and look set to return, likely to the remade Championship. It’s set to have 12 clubs next season with 14 in 2025/26, what do you want to bet those extra 2 are Wasps and London Irish?
3 Go to commentsThe shoulder is a “joint” with multiple bones. You don’t “fracture” a shoulder, you fracture any one or more of the bones that make up a shoulder.
2 Go to commentsOh dear, bones too suspect to continue?
2 Go to commentsBold headline considering the Canes and Blues are 1 and 2 and the Brumbies were soundly beaten by the Chiefs and Blues. Biggest surprise is Rebels 4 Crusaders 12 - no one saw that coming. If Aus are improving that’s great 👍
3 Go to commentsAnna, You are right, we need to have patience whilst the others catch up to England and France. Also it is the PWR that has been the game changer for England. the RFU put money into that initially at the expense of the Red Roses. I was sceptical at first but it has paid off in spades.
1 Go to commentsI think Matt Proctor became a 1 test AB in the same fixture. Cameron is quality and has been great this season, can’t believe’s he only 27. Realistically how would he not be selected for ABs squad this year. Only Dmac is ahead of him as a specialist 10. With Jordan out, it will come down to where and when Beauden Barrett slots back in, and where they want to play Ruben Love. Cameron seems an absolute lock in for the wider squad though. Added benefit of TJ-Cameron-Jordie combination at 9, 10, 11 too.
1 Go to commentsFarcical, to what end would someone want to pay to keep this thing going.
1 Go to commentsHavili, our best 12 by a mile, will be in the squad, if he stays fit. JB is the most overrated AB in the last 50 years.
61 Go to comments