Highlanders unfazed by Blues
Highlanders flanker Dillon Hunt has heard all the hype about Blues No 8 Hoskins Sotutu but has a wee message for those who think the Highlanders are simply heading north to play the role as plucky losers in the Blues’ renaissance story tonight.
‘‘He’s been going good,’’ Hunt said. ‘‘He’s a promising young fella but we’ve also got a young fella in Marino [Mikaele-Tu’u] who’ll be looking forward to that matchup as well.’’
Hunt’s words were understated but the intent was clear: the Highlanders have ambitions of their own this year after their first-up win against the Chiefs. Hunt will be a central figure in tonight’s game.
The 25-year-old No 7, who made an appearance for the All Blacks against a French XV in 2017, likes what he sees in the new breakdown directives.
Hunt isn’t the biggest man to wear No 7 in New Zealand, but he’s quick and intelligent and strong over the ball, attributes that referees have rewarded in the opening two rounds of Super Rugby Aotearoa. ‘‘I’m enjoying it,’’ he said.
‘‘It was a bit to get my head around at the start but it’s going to be open up some things for jackalers, for No 7s particularly.
‘‘There is still a bit of a feeling out period going on but once we get a hold of it, it’s allowing guys to get on the ball and have a shot of turning the ball over.’’
Two phrases have become key at the breakdown in Super Rugby Aotearoa: ‘‘winning the race’’ and the ‘‘clean lift’’. Referees will award No 7s who show they can get on the ball quickly and Hunt’s strengths are perfectly suited to the interpretations.
Remarkably, both starting packs are unchanged from their previous outings – almost unheard of in the modern game – and with rain on the radar for Auckland tonight there is every chance of a forwardsdominated game.
Hunt admitted the prospect of rain suited him down to the ground and Highlanders big men Josh Dickson and Pari Pari Parkinson will relish the chance to test themselves against New Zealand’s form lock, Patrick Tuipulotu.
Still, the Highlanders are expecting the Blues to present nothing less than a significant physical challenge in Auckland.
Mauger and assistant coach Mark Hammett also both spoke this week about the Blues’ improved final quarters, the tactical direction they are getting from No 9 Sam Nock, No 10 Otere Black and No 15 Beauden Barrett, and their obvious firepower. But it’s not just in the pack where the Highlanders are trying to muscle up.
Coach Aaron Mauger said the selection of Scott Gregory at fullback and Ngane Punivai on the bench was designed to give the Highlanders some presence in the wider channels.
Gregory, 21, is as broad as a loose forward, admits his preferred position is in the midfield and has an athletics background in events such as the discus and hammer.