Collins happy to be midfielder
HIGHLANDER Michael Collins started out as a midfielder.
Then he became a fullback. And he was more than useful at the back.
But now he finds himself back in the midfield — part of whitehot competition to grab a starting spot in the Highlanders.
Collins (27) started his season last Friday night with a hitout at centre.
He did what he could with limited opportunities, finding it tough going as he played in the Highlanders lineup which took the field in the second half.
In the ultimate game of two halves, the Highlanders led at 260 halftime but the Crusaders came back in the second half to win 2826.
Collins is looking at the bigger picture although it was tough being in the team in the second half.
‘‘It was tough because we did so well at the start when things were going so well. We let ourselves down a bit in that second half.
‘‘ But that is what preseason is about . . . we know where we can get to,’’ he said.
‘‘Things did not quite click. The first half the team played with real speed, intensity and collision accuracy while in the second half it swung for them. We missed a few opportunities. When the Crusaders got a roll on we could not stop it.’’
Preseason, the result does not mean a lot but it would have been good to win.
Now the Hurricanes are next although whether the game will be played is still up in the air.
Changing Covid levels do that to games and can get on the mind of players.
‘‘It is all out of our control so we are just taking it day by day. Originally it was quite hard to adjust to as there was so much unknown around about it. But everyone has adapted to it.
‘‘We played the Hurricanes in front of noone. It was different. Fans add a lot to sport.
‘‘ We have been lucky here to have fans all year round for the most part. We would love to play in front of fans.’’
The Highlanders may or may not play but players will be keen for a game as the start of Super
Rugby is under 10 days away.
Collins said getting to play in midfield was an opportunity he was keen to make the most of. He played in the midfield at school.
‘‘He came on for Ngani Laumape in a schools international back in 2011, while Roger TuivasaSheck was in the same side.
It is a a position he feels comfortably in. He is not being considered as a fullback by the Highlanders coaching staff.
‘‘I’m just a midfielder. Suits me a bit better. I think for me I need to work around the collision detail and organising defence And when there is space in front of me having a crack.’’
Last year at the back end of the Super Rugby competition he moved into centre for some games and played well.
‘‘I really enjoyed it — it was the first time I have played really consistently in that midfield jumper.’’
The difference between the positions came down to the style of play of teams rather than positions he said — ‘‘there are slight tweaks but overall it is just rugby.’’
Collins is off contract for the Highlanders at the end of the season and said he was undecided on his future.