Highlanders fitter, faster, stronger and unbeaten
Whether you’re talking to halfback Aaron Smith, midfielder Rob Thompson or hooker Liam Coltman, you get the same message when discussing the 2018 Highlanders.
People are taking notice of the Dunedin-based franchise ahead of their blockbusting NZ derby against the Hurricanes in Wellington on Saturday night.
After all, they’re unbeaten and atop the New Zealand conference through three games under new coach Aaron Mauger.
All Blacks halfback Aaron Smith, now in his eighth year for the Highlanders, has no hesitation in chucking plenty of credit at the team’s conditioning.
‘‘For sure,’’ he said when asked if the Highlanders are in better shape than ever. ‘‘We put a lot of hard work in [during pre-season].
‘‘The All Blacks boys came back in January . . . we didn’t want to hold the team back. Just trying to add to all the work the boys did.
‘‘They worked for 10-12 weeks and we only came in for the last four weeks.’’
The hard work has so far paid off, and was no more evident than at halftime of last weekend’s 25-17 win against the Crusaders in Dunedin.
Up 14-10 but on the back foot for much of the first 40 minutes, Mauger and assistants Mark Hammett and Glenn Delaney expected to see a mob of sapped players when they trudged down from the coaching box and into the changing sheds.
They were pleasantly surprised with what they saw.
‘‘We were all sitting there, heads up, focussed, breathing, listening intently, which is always good,’’ Smith said.
‘‘I’m really happy with my physical conditioning. Turning up is always a tough thing after the summer.
‘‘I put in a lot of work over the summer and that’s put me in good stead to start well. But it’s only a start, I just try and do the best I can for my team.’’
Speaking of starts, the 29-yearold Smith has been right near the top of his game in home wins
Ben Smith (co-captain), Waisake Naholo, Rob Thompson, Tei Walden, Tevita Li, Lima Sopoaga, Aaron Smith, Luke Whitelock, Dillon Hunt, Elliot Dixon, Tom Franklin, Jackson Hemopo, Tyrel Lomax, Liam Coltman, Daniel Lienert-Brown. Ash Dixon (co-captain), Aki Seiuli, Siate Tokolahi, Shannon Frizell, Marino Mikaele Tu’u, Kayne Hammington, Josh Ioane, Matt Faddes.
Jordie Barrett, Julian Savea, Matt Proctor, Ngani Laumape, Ben Lam, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara, Gareth Evans, Ardie Savea, Brad Shields (c), Sam Lousi, Murray Douglas, Ben May, Ricky Riccitelli, Chris Eves.
Asafo Aumua, Fraser Armstrong, Jeff To’omaga-Allen, Michael Fatialofa, Reed Prinsep, Richard Judd, Ihaia West, Vince Aso. Where: Wellington, Saturday, 7.35pm Referee: Mike Fraser TAB odds: Hurricanes $1.44, Highlanders $2.75 against the Blues, Stormers and Crusaders.
The 71 times capped All Black scored twice against the Stormers, his snappy pass has allowed the Highlanders to play with a rapid tempo, and he’s put numerous players through holes with passes not many other players in the world could make. Again, credit the fitness, Smith said.
‘‘It makes everything a lot easier when you’re physically conditioned. When you’re a bit fitter, you can make better decisions than when you’re fatigued, and your fatigue doesn’t hit until later in the game.’’
Smith and the Highlanders face arguably their biggest challenge of the young season on Saturday, when they play the Hurricanes in a match which Smith’s opposite, TJ Perenara, will notch 100 games for the Hurricanes.
In years gone by, Smith admits he might have got carried away and wasted too much energy on a one-one-one matchup with Perenara.
‘‘I try not to make it about the one-on-ones anymore because they get you nowhere,’’ Smith said.
‘‘If I try to be more physical with TJ, I will lose. I just try to focus on doing my job as best as I can for the boys. If you go into a competition with him, you won’t win.
‘‘But this is why you play footy – for the big games – there’s nothing better than preparing for another hard derby game . . . the Hurricanes pose threats across the board, athletes everywhere, smart guys.