Mauger defends Smith shuffle out to wing
Moving arguably the best fullback in the world out of position might not go down well with some people.
But shuffling Ben Smith to the right-wing, and inserting pivot Fletcher Smith at fullback, for Sunday’s clash with the Bulls in Pretoria is the best way to combat the South African side’s kicking game, Highlanders coach Aaron Mauger believes.
Some might argue Smith, who is no stranger to playing on the wing, should stay at the back and someone such as Matt Faddes is promoted to replace All Black Waisake Naholo, who is being rested with a hamstring niggle.
However, Mauger said that option was ruled out after scouting the 4-4 Bulls, a side which tipped over the NZ conference leading Hurricanes at Loftus Versfeld in round two.
‘‘I think you look at the Bulls and how they play the game, they kick the ball a lot. So having an extra kicking option in the back there is going to be important for us with how we manage the kicking duel,’’ Mauger said.
‘‘Fletcher has had a couple of really good performances off the bench, and having Ben alongside him in the back three will be good support for Fletcher.’’
The Highlanders, currently fourth in the New Zealand conference with a 5-2 record, overcame a red card to former centre Malakai Fekitoa to trump the Bulls in Pretoria last year, but are expecting a vastly different challenge this time round.
Without ditching a style of play which utilises a beefy forward pack and feasts on opponents at set piece, former All Blacks coach John Mitchell has added another dimension to the three-times champions.
Long gone are the days of former first-five Morne Steyn hoofing the ball high and long into the thin air again and again. Now, they’re not afraid to run the ball from anywhere.
The Hurricanes found that out in their 21-19 loss, as did the Chiefs in their come-from-behind 41-28 win in Hamilton in round five.
Mauger is well aware of the added threat the 2018 Bulls pose, but he still felt the need to roll with a 6-2 split on the bench, and to start Elliot Dixon at blindside flanker over the impressive Shannon Frizell.
‘‘It’s a bit of a risk, I suppose. But we believe it’s the right thing for us this weekend,’’ Mauger said after only naming two backs – halfback Kayne Hammington and utility Seo Tomkinson – on the bench.
As for starting Dixon over Frizell, who dotted down three times against the Blues last weekend, Mauger pointed to multiple factors, before backing the rookie to come off the bench and thrive late in the match.
‘‘Once again, it’s more to do with the set piece battle,’’ Mauger said. ‘‘Elliot has had a lot of experience throughout his career and he’s played at altitude before.
‘‘He’s played against the Bulls before and he’s been in some big set piece battles. His experience and know how in those situations will be very important early on.’’