Defence maestro Hunt leading tackler in competition
DILLON Hunt is fast turning into a tackling machine.
The Highlanders openside flanker has logged the most tackles of any player in the Super Rugby competition.
The master on defence has made 165 tackles this season.
It is a bit of a Highlanders benefit in the defensive stakes, as the men from the southern franchise fill the top three places in the tackling ranks.
Lock Tom Franklin is second with 163 tackles made, while No 8 Luke Whitelock has recorded 161 tackles.
Hunt said it was not surprising having the Highlanders high up in the tackling stakes.
‘‘That is partially to do with the way we play the game. But in saying that, my work rate has been something that I have prided myself on,’’ he said.
‘‘The flanker role is evolving. There is still that fetching aspect in there, but it is just getting harder to do it. Being there at the tackle, trying to slow the ball down or just being another body there — that is just as important.’’
Hunt (23) is deadly accurate in his tackling and he has to be, with the Highlanders favouring a game in which they repeatedly kick the ball away and back their defence to create turnovers.
The side is trying to bring more territory and possession into its game, and will have to hang on to the ball against the Hurricanes tomorrow night.
Hunt will have Liam Squire back on his shoulder for the match tomorrow night.
‘‘It’s always nice to have him there. He adds a whole lot of abrasiveness to the pack and gives us some goforward. It makes things easier for us.
‘‘I am a bit of a different player. I am always trying to learn things from guys like that and if I can I might pick something up. I’m around a lot of them in training, so I try to pick things up from these guys as quick as I can.’’
Hunt made his All Black debut last year in a game against the French Barbarians but did not get the callup for this June’s squad.
‘‘Yeah, it was disappointing. But in saying that you look at the guys who were there — Sammy Cane and Ardie [Savea], they are pretty established. I wouldn’t say I was expecting my name to be read out on the day. I look forward to any opportunity that comes along and, hopefully, it will a little further on down the track.’’
Hunt said he was happy with his form — it was never perfect.
‘‘You are always working on your skills. I might be top tackler, but in terms of technique and stuff there is always things to work on.’’
A proposal to move the tackle line to the nipple line would not impact on him.
‘‘For me I am always trying to go around the bootlaces anyway, so it is not going to make a whole lot of difference to me. But safety is the main thing. If the powers above are going to make a difference for the safety of the game then you can’t blame them.’’