Hard work starts now for young Highlanders

After blitzing their opposition during the pre-season trials, there is a mood of cautious optimism in Dunedin.

But trials mean little and the Highlanders’ first team of the season points to the challenges ahead for the southerners as they try to bounce back from a disappointing season last year and back into the playoffs.

Although rich in promise, the Highlanders have no current All Blacks in their 23 against Moana Pasifika and this season will be defined by how quickly a young squad bridges the unforgiving gap between potential and results.

The good news for the Highlanders is that change is under way, with Jamie Joseph back in a roving head of rugby role, Kenny Lynn inserted as attack coach with a heap of new ideas and enthusiasm, and a group of young players busting a gut to get an opportunity.

There has been a change in strength and conditioning as well, with James Holden (ex-Tasman) replacing Simon Jones in that department.

Change brings renewed optimism with it, and as for the youngsters, new All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has already noted that young lock Fabian Holland will become eligible for New Zealand in October, 2025. Clearly, there are potential All Blacks in the new wave of Highlanders.

But, before putting the cart well before the horse, it is worth remembering that young players often take two or three years to find their feet in Super Rugby – no matter how good they are.

Add in the fact that the lopsided Super Rugby draw means that the Highlanders have two ‘extra’ games against New Zealand opposition compared to the Australia sides (this year they’ll play the Blues and Hurricanes twice) and the road to the playoffs becomes a little narrower.

The Highlanders may again find themselves in a scrap for two available spots. Injuries, therefore, will play a significant part in their season.

Remarkably, given their woes in this area over the past two years, the Highlanders have made it to starting line against Moana Pasifika with almost a full deck of cards to play with.

In fact, such has been the success of the pre-season, coach Clarke Dermody has elected to omit his only current All Black, Ethan de Groot, to put another week of work into him, rather than picking a team by status only.

Whether it intended to or not, that decision – which Dermody admitted was deeply debated among the coaches – has sent a message that the Highlanders will reward those who’ve put the kilometres into their legs at training.

Dermody’s opening team also highlights the importance of a number of key, and more seasoned, performers.

While youngsters Jack Taylor, Oliver Haig and Nathan Hastie have bounced into the 23 on the back of their strong seasons, most of the match-day squad have actually been in and around Super Rugby for a number of years.