Three tries in two games: Joseph on Adam Lennox’s ‘point of difference’

Highlanders halfback Adam Lennox is in the midst of a breakout Super Rugby Pacific season, with coach Jamie Joseph highlighting the 22-year-old’s “point of difference” after the 27-17 win over Moana Pasifika in Christchurch.

Lennox made two starts at fullback as a rookie Taranaki prospect during the 2022 NPC campaign, before wearing the team’s No. 9 jersey for the first time the following season. The former New Zealand U20s representative scored a try in the 22-19 triumph over Hawke’s Bay in the dance.

But opportunities at the next level were ultimately still a couple of years away, suiting up in Highlanders colours against the Brumbies as a debutant on March 28, 2025. Lennox has made 17 appearances over the last two seasons, including a maiden start in round three.

The Whanganui Collegiate School product touched down for a try away to the Queensland Reds in Brisbane two months ago, before making another two starts in recent fixtures. Joseph named Lennox in the run-on side against the Blues last week, making a noticeable impact.

Lennox raced away for a superb individual try inside the first few minutes at Auckland’s Eden Park, before completing a double during the second term. After being retained in the First XV to face Moana, Lennox crossed for another try after covering for Xavier Tito-Harris on the wing.

“Very quick. If he gets an opportunity, gets a sniff, if he breaks the line so that’s a point of difference for him as a rugby player and something good for the team,” Joseph told reporters in Christchurch.

“We’ve got some really good, high quality number nines so it’s a competitive position.

“Nic Shearer who came from no where really, played really well for us in the last couple of games a couple of weeks ago. Obviously Folau Fakatava played for the All Blacks.

“It’s nice to have to have a competitive edge around that position.”

Moana took a 10-7 lead into half-time after tries to Israel Leota and Glen Vaihu, but the second term was a different story. While Moana still played with plenty of ball, the Highlanders were able to make the most of some point-scoring opportunities.

First five-eighth Cam Millar knocked over an early penalty goal to bring the two teams level, before Angus Ta’avao crashed over. Then it was Lennox’s time to strike, with the versatile halfback gathering a kick to score around the one-hour mark.

The Highlanders led by 14 with 20 minutes remaining, but Moana gave themselves a chance of a comeback late in the piece. Former All Black Augustine Pulu powered over, and the Pasifika side controlled possession during the last 10.

But the Highlanders did enough, before Millar iced the result with a final-minute penalty. That result has seen the Highlanders surge up to seventh on the ladder, just two competition points the Queensland Reds in sixth.

“Probably before half-time, there was a bit of white line fever from the boys. Everyone’s trying to be the guy,” Highlanders captain Ethan de Groot said.

“Second half, it was just back to our game; back our set-piece, our maul, when we went up through the middle and just a bit of our power. It was good to get back into the game that way and take points when they’re on offer.

“That’s probably from the leaders, just back to our game, our simple game. When we’re doing it, it works.”