What went right, what went wrong
Another year, another quarterfinal exit. The gloomy expressions plastered all over the players’ faces told the story last weekend, after blowing a 23-6 halftime lead to lose 30-23 to the Waratahs in Sydney.
It was the 2018 Highlanders down to a T–brilliant one minute, but downright poor the next. Just like last year, when their season ended with a 17-0 quarterfinal loss to the Crusaders in Christchurch.
To think it started so well, with three consecutive wins. But inconsistency, a lack of composure at crunch moments, shoddy defence, and a poor record (3-7) outside of fortress Forsyth Barr Stadium ultimately doomed them.
THE STATS (includes quarterfinals) Tries: 61 (sixth) Metres carried: 7441 (sixth) Clean breaks: 191 (seventh) Defenders beaten: 382 (eighth) Offloads: 181 (fourth) Lineouts won: 85.4% (11th) Scrums won: 92% (fourth)
BEST PERFORMANCE
The 30-14 win against the Hurricanes in round 16.
This season review might have been delayed a week or two if the Highlanders repeated the performance they turned in under the Forsyth Barr Stadium roof on June 1.
Having prepared for the fixture without head coach Aaron Mauger (bereavement leave), the Highlanders overcame Liam Squire’s yellow card to turn an 8-7 halftime lead into a four tries to two win.
Many questions were asked of the Highlanders’ defence this season, but on that particular Friday night it was topnotch, shutting down Beauden Barrett and his team’s gun offence with a brutally hard-hitting shift.
The win also featured the team’s best passage of play all year, after the then 14-man Highlanders scored five minutes after the halftime hooter through wing Tevita Li, a movement sparked by Lima Sopoaga and Waisake Naholo from deep in their own half.
WORST PERFORMANCE
The 38-12 loss to the Sharks in round 12.
Last month’s 45-22 towelling to the Chiefs in Fiji would top a list for worst half of the season, but the Highlanders at least showed some ticker and ensured the 42-0 halftime deficit didn’t morph into their worst ever defeat, which is still their 70-26 trouncing against the Brumbies in 1996.
The Highlanders were simply worse in Durban than they were in Suva, where the lethargic bunch were blown off the park, and only cracked doubledigits after a late Tei Walden try.
It was a sign of things to come, and topped a list of matches, including their ugly 41-12 defeat to the Waratahs in round 14, considered for stinker of the year. PLAYER OF THE SEASON
Centre Rob Thompson
To think there was genuine concern regarding the position 12 months ago, after former All Black Malakai Fekitoa headed to French club Toulon.
Thompson didn’t just hold the fort, he improved it, particularly if you’re talking about the Fekitoa of 2016 and 2017.
Only three players – Damian McKenzie, Akira Ioane and Solomon Alaimalo – beat more defenders than Thompson (68) this year, and some pegged him as a potential All Blacks bolter ahead of the French series in June.
Thompson was noticeably slimmer and quicker than a year ago, and head coach Aaron Mauger helped him develop a nifty kicking game which added another dimension to the team’s attack.
The 26-year-old has given himself two years to reach his goal of making the national side. Keep an eye on him as he returns home to play for Manawatu in the coming Mitre 10 Cup.
FIND OF THE SEASON
Shannon Frizell
Tongan-born Frizell announced his arrival into the world of professional rugby by scoring a hat-trick against the Blues in April. Two months later, he made his All Blacks debut against France in Dunedin.
He was a true All Blacks bolter, having won head coach Steve Hansen over with his ability to play both loose forward and lock, and with his speed and athleticism.
The rookie, who was persuaded by his agent to play for the Highlanders over the Crusaders due to the likelihood of increased opportunities, only started four games for the Dunedin-based franchise, but clearly has a bright future.
THE OUTLOOK FOR 2019
The biggest question heading into next year is who will take over from Englandbound first-five Lima Sopoaga as the side’s primary first-five eighth?
Former Blues pivot Bryn Gatland and Josh Ioane are both signed, while the search goes on for an experienced player to join them. If they can’t find one, Fletcher Smith might have to stick around.
Otherwise, much of the squad is set to return, including all the key players, and Mauger and his coaching staff are well set to build upon the foundation laid this year.
But next year could be do-or-die for the Highlanders, who could well only have one more year of service from Ben Smith, Aaron Smith, Waisake Naholo and Luke Whitelock.