Treeby never misses a beat in star backline
In a backline that is rapidly establishing its rock star credentials, Shaun Treeby epitomises the ethos this Highlanders team has been built on.
Jamie Joseph started his tenure with a team lacking star power, but when his side warms up for Friday’s mouth-watering clash against the conference-leading Hurricanes under the roof at Forsyth Barr Stadium, he will be able to cast his eye out over a backline which includes three All Blacks, one of the form first five eighths in the competition and a couple of Fijian flyers capable to ripping defences to pieces.
Then there’s Treeby, the nuggety 26-year-old Wellingtonian who is approaching 50 games for the southern franchise.
Just as former New Zealand wicketkeeper Ian Smith titled his biography, Just a drummer in the band, it’s Treeby’s selfless play which makes those around him look even better.
‘‘We’ve got some pretty good attackers,’’ Treeby said. ‘‘Some games I don’t get the ball as much as I’d like but I’m just doing my job. If the ball does come my way, I take it. If I’m putting the other guys away then I’m doing my job and I’m happy with that.’’
Treeby believes his combination with Malakai Fekitoa is starting to come into its own during their second season together.
‘‘We’ve got that year behind us and it took a few games to get a feel for each others’ game. We know each other pretty well now and are good mates off the field as well. I think that helps and it’s getting better with each game,’’ he said.
‘‘At second five you have to be strong on defence, linking with the forwards and the backline. At times you have to carry the ball strong, but also link with your outsides where we’ve got some pretty good players.
Games against the Canes are ones that Treeby always looks forward to.
‘‘I’m from Wellington, so it’s always quite special playing the Canes, from my point of view. They are playing really well at the moment as well. A New Zealand derby is always good and I’m definitely looking forward to this
Through the gap: one,’’ he said. ‘‘I enjoy playing against the bigger guys – Conrad Smith and Ma’a Nonu are obviously a pretty good combination. It’s a good challenge for me and Malakai and something we are really looking forward to.’’
The Hurricanes have won four games on the trot to lead the New Zealand conference and sit second overall.
The Highlanders have won three straight since losing their opening game to the Crusaders and are fifth on the Super Rugby ladder.
‘‘I think we’ve always had a lot of confidence in each other as a team, but hopefully it’s showing on the field a bit more now. If we play well we can beat anyone on their day,’’ Treeby said.
Meanwhile, Dan Pryor is the latest player to be handed the Highlanders injury-cursed No 7 jersey.
The dreadlocked Northlander will start at openside flanker against the Hurricanes.
He’s the fourth player in five games to be named to start in the position.
John Hardie started the season as the Highlanders fetcher because falling out of form and favour.
He’s now recovering from a dislocated ankle suffered against the Waratahs last week.
Elliot Dixon was used in the position and made a good fist of the experiment in the win over the Chiefs, but is better suited to the blindside or No 8.
Shane Christie would have been the Highlanders first choice openside but he tore his hamstring during the preseason and then aggravated injury during the warmup for the Waratahs game.
Flanker Gareth Evans has been added to the bench, along with Daniel Lienert-Brown, a former Crusaders prop who has been called into the Highlanders squad to cover injuries and the suspension to Kane Hames.