Highlanders getting left behind
Bitterly disappointed Highlanders coach Aaron Mauger has conceded his Highlanders side is still on its L plates as the reality of their offseason departures and current injury list bites hard.
‘‘I run the risk of sounding like a broken record here,’’ Mauger told Stuff from South Africa after the Highlanders’ conceded five second-half tries in a 38-13 loss to the Bulls.
‘‘We’re creating opportunities, getting in positions to apply more pressure and finish the job and it’s not there yet. It’s reflection of where this team is at.
‘‘There are some good things and there are some poor things and at times we’re our own worst enemy and put our own game under pressure.’’
The Highlanders left a bagful of points on the table in the first half, with at least three scoring opportunities going begging that should have seen them head into the sheds with a 20-point buffer instead of a narrow 10-5 lead.
That has been a recurring theme this season and with the Highlanders now sitting on a 1-4 record Mauger conceded that having to replace the likes of Ben Smith, Luke Whitelock and Liam Squire was a huge challenge, particularly with the squad’s depth now being tested
‘‘We were always aware that we were pretty green as a team and we’ve obviously got a few guys out with injuries at the moment,’’ Mauger said.
‘‘Pari Pari Parkinson and Josh Dickson would be our starting locks. Manaaki [Selby-rickit] has come in and had his first start tonight but he is going to be better for the experience. He showed lots of good signs
‘‘Jesse Parete has been an absolute warrior for us, but Teariki Ben-nicholas is a young guy, Marino Mikaele Tu’u is a young guy – even Pari Pari and Josh haven’t played a lot of footy at this level. That’s just where we’re at. We’re a young team and we’re trying to build.’’
There maybe more injuries to deal with before playing the Jaguares in Argentina this weekend.
Wing Jona Nareki was replaced before halftime after taking painful knocks to the back and rib and loosehead prop Ayden Johnstone was removed after taking a heavy head knock.
Johnstone was in good spirits but Mauger said Nareki was in considerable pain and a decision will be made today.