ODT Landers Chat: 2025 Highlanders Awards
ODT Landers Chat, brought to you by Temuka Transport and Impact Roofing and Plumbing, was at the Highlanders awards night on Monday at the Otago Business Centre and caught up with all the action.
We talk to the big winners on the night and who has re signed for the Landers.
We talk to chairman Peter Kean and get his thoughts on the season and the future. We also ask him if all the owners are happy and committed?
We also talk to one of the sponsors to get their take on the season. Don't miss it!!
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Otago Daily Times
a day ago
- Otago Daily Times
Positives despite difficult season
That was probably not how Jamie Joseph imagined his first season back as Highlanders head coach would pan out. A wooden-spoon finish has given him plenty to chew on as he prepares for next season. Hayden Meikle asks Joseph for some final thoughts on the 2025 campaign. Cynics can spend as much time as they like looking for cracks in the Highlanders as they lick their wounds after finishing dead last in Super Rugby. It seems they will not easily find any. Jamie Joseph said an intensive week of meetings and player reviews following the end of their season had thrown up some common themes — the first being that the players liked each other, and liked being at the club. "The team is pretty tightly connected," Joseph told the Otago Daily Times . "They're all good mates. We had a lot of new boys in this year but also a lot of young boys who have been through the grades, whether it's in high school right up to here, then down to under-20. "There's a lot of positive connections around, so what that means is this week's been pretty positive. One-on-ones are really important for the players to take some information away from the season so they can improve." It will not be all fist pumps and best wishes for next season. Several Highlanders players will not be back, some by their own choosing and some because Joseph has deemed them surplus to requirements. "There are always difficult conversations when you're the head coach and you've got a finite number that you can select. "Especially with this group of players. They're all really young, and I'm conscientious about their rugby. When the time comes, there'll be difficult conversations, but that's kind of my role." Joseph said the other big takeaway from player reviews was that his men on the ground could see the potential in the team. They won just three of their 14 games this season, but seven of their losses were by seven points or fewer. Some key injuries — notably to No 8 Hugh Renton — contributed to the tumble down the standings, as did a sort of collective loss of confidence that manifested itself in games going haywire at key moments. "We didn't really lose our way," Joseph maintained. "We just couldn't win those tight games, and there were a lot of factors in that. So they will understand and see that, which then leads to a real positive outlook for the team. "I'm a competitive guy, like most rugby coaches, so what I find hard is where the players are. They've worked so hard and come so close to get no reward. "But the table doesn't mean too much to me. It's just where we are. "If we nailed a few of those games, even half of them, we would be in a totally different position. I think people can see that, and certainly our fans can see that." Indeed, the response from Highlanders fans has been uncommonly generous. The coach banked so much capital from his first stint with the team, which included a fairy-tale title run in 2015, that there was always going to be some latitude around public expectation this season. Joseph made no excuses when the Highlanders started losing this season but he did regularly point to the relatively young age of the squad as a factor. The club has invested heavily in youth in recent years and the hope is that will come to fruition when some of these youngsters really find their feet. He pointed out depth remained an issue for the Highlanders, who have just one current All Black though they should have at least one more in a couple of weeks, compared with the other New Zealand teams. Then there is the No 10 issue. Cameron Millar and Taine Robinson are still finding their way at Super Rugby level, and while either or both might go on to great things, the fact remains the Highlanders do not presently have a top-class operator in the most important jersey. "I think in different games, at different times, most of our players got their confidence smacked in the nose, basically," Joseph said. "But everyone gets to look at the 9s and the 10s because decision-making around controlling the game on attack and defence, particularly on attack, sort of relies back on the 9s and the 10s." Renton's absence for most of the season was also a cruel blow. He offered so much as a leader and an on-field figure of action and respect, Joseph said, and was not easily replaced. While the Highlanders' results were poor, they were often a decent watch. The coach felt their game plan was sound and their approach positive — two things that were important to show off the club as an attractive destination for potential new players. "I think, when I look at all the other teams, we've played a more forward-dominating kind of game plan in the last couple of years using pressure, and I think you can contain teams like that. "But it's a lot safer if you've got the forwards to be able to play that kind of game. We lost a few players this year, particularly in the tight five, so that's one reason I think we needed adjustments to the game. "If we're going to attract outside backs to Dunedin, we need to play a game of rugby they're excited to play and also the fans are excited to watch. "We made quite a few changes to the game. I think it's the kind of game that's going to put us in a better position going forward." Perhaps the final judgement on this Highlanders season has been made by the team's best players. And they are unanimous in wanting to stay. Timoci Tavatavanawai, Ethan de Groot, Fabian Holland, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens and Caleb Tangitau have all extended their contracts in a major show of faith in the team's direction. "I think the modern rugby player and the professional are really conscious about their futures and really understand what they need to take themselves forward in terms of being a professional rugby player with a long career," Joseph said. "So that's really, really promising for us that there are a number of guys that are all wanting to come back. "I think Sam Gilbert is the only guy that's chosen to go overseas and he's been here six years. So it's a promising future — we've just got to make sure that we improve on the small things that we have to get right this year." Joseph has effectively been on non-stop Highlanders duty for nine months. He is looking forward to a little bit of time away from rugby to clear the head before preparing in earnest for next season. "My job really is to try and create a team and a team environment where the players can be at their best. "To some extent, I feel I've achieved that, but clearly there's a lot of work to do."
Otago Daily Times
a day ago
- Otago Daily Times
Loosies Howden, Lasaqa extend Landers contracts
Two more Highlanders have made the call to stay with the club. Loose forwards TK Howden and Veveni Lasaqa, both of whom joined the Highlanders from the Hurricanes this season, have extended their contracts. Both will remain in the South until at least the end of the 2027 campaign. Both flankers made an impact in their first season with the Highlanders. Lasaqa, memorably described by coach Jamie Joseph as a man who was ''small but plays big'', appeared in all 14 games, making 10 starts at openside flank. The bustling Fijian did a bit of everything and did it well, and at 23, his best years should be ahead of him. Howden — full name Te Kamaka — was a little slower to get started as he got to full fitness. By the end of the season, the 24-year-old from Manawatu was a dynamic presence on both sides of the ball, and an automatic starter on the blindside. "Te Kamaka has been immense for us this season — tough, driven, and a real competitor," Joseph said. "We're trying to build a team that can grow together, and Te Kamaka is a big part of that vision." Lasaqa was named rookie of the year at the recent Highlanders awards. "Veveni brings energy, excitement and a real edge to our loose forwards," Joseph said. "He's only scratched the surface of what he can become. We're thrilled he's backing himself and backing us." The retention of Lasaqa and Howden follows the re-signings of a bunch of top-line players including Ethan de Groot, Fabian Holland and Timoci Tavatavanawai. Highlanders chief executive Roger Clark welcomed the announcements, reinforcing the club's commitment to developing and retaining young talent. "These signings reflect our belief in the future of the Highlanders," Clark said. "Te Kamaka and Veveni are not just talented players — they're great young men with the mindset we value. ''This is another strong step forward for our squad."
NZ Herald
5 days ago
- NZ Herald
Chiefs v Blues: Live updates from the Super Rugby Pacific playoffs
Follow the action as the Chiefs host the Blues in Hamilton in the first round of the Super Rugby Pacific playoffs. Chiefs team to face the Blues The Chiefs will be out for revenge as they host a Blues outfit that thumped them 41-10 in the Super Rugby Pacific final in Auckland last year. Since then, the sides have met twice this season, with the Chiefs coming up trumps on both occasions – although it was only by a one-point margin when the Blues visited Hamilton in round five. Coach Clayton McMillan has made nine changes to his starting XV that bested the last-placed Highlanders 41-24 last week, opting for a more experienced lineup. A new-look front row has Aidan Ross, Samisoni Taukei'aho and George Dyer slotting into the starting side. Naitoa Ah Kuoi replaces Josh Lord and joins Tupou Vaa'i in the locking department. All Black Wallace Sititi has been shifted to the bench and replaced by Simon Parker in the No 8 jersey. Samipeni Finau and captain Luke Jacobson round out the loose forwards. In the backline, Cortez Ratima will start at halfback over Xavier Roe. Quinn Tupaea has been ruled out after suffering a head injury last week and is replaced by Gideon Wrampling. Emoni Narawa has returned from injury and will start on the wing alongside Leroy Carter. The Chiefs have already booked their spot in the competition's semifinals next week, regardless of the result, but a win on Saturday night would go a long way in securing home advantage throughout the playoffs. Chiefs: 1. Aidan Ross 2. Samisoni Taukei'aho 3. George Dyer 4. Naitoa Ah Kuoi 5. Tupou Vaa'i 6. Samipeni Finau 7. Luke Jacobson (c) 8. Simon Parker 9. Cortez Ratima 10. Damian McKenzie 11. Leroy Carter 12. Gideon Wrampling 13. Daniel Rona 14. Emoni Narawa 15. Shaun Stevenson. Bench: 16. Brodie McAlister 17. Ollie Norris 18. Reuben O'Neill 19. Josh Lord 20. Wallace Sititi 21. Xavier Roe 22. Josh Jacomb 23. Etene Nanai-Seturo. Unavailable: Quinn Tupaea (head/eye), Anton Lienert-Brown (collarbone), Liam Coombes-Fabling (hamstring), Fiti Sa (shoulder), Manaaki Selby-Rickit (toe), Rameka Poihipi (knee, season), Kaleb Trask (ankle), Malachi Wrampling (hamstring), Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi (shoulder), Sione Ahio (ankle). Blues team to face the Chiefs Coach Vern Cotter has made just one change to his Blues side, tasked with taking the trip down State Highway 1 to knock over a high-flying Chiefs outfit if they wish to defend the Super Rugby Pacific title. The side snuck into the top six of the ladder after a 46-6 win over the Waratahs at Eden Park at the weekend, but will have their work cut out for them. The sole change involves Adrian Choat replacing Anton Segner at blindside flanker, with Segner being shifted to the bench. The equation for the underdog Blues is quite simple – win and they earn another week. Blues: 1. Joshua Fusitu'a 2. Ricky Riccitelli 3. Marcel Renata 4. Patrick Tuipulotu (c) 5. Laghlan McWhannell 6. Adrian Choat 7. Dalton Papali'i 8. Hoskins Sotutu 9. Finlay Christie 10. Beauden Barrett 11. Caleb Clarke 12. A.J. Lam 13. Rieko Ioane 14. Mark Tele'a 15. Corey Evans. Bench: 16. Kurt Eklund 17. Jordan Lay 18. Angus Ta'avao 19. Josh Beehre 20. Anton Segner 21. Sam Nock 22. Harry Plummer 23. Cole Forbes. Unavailable: Cam Christie (thumb), Stephen Perofeta (leg), Reon Paul (shoulder), Cam Suafoa (medical, season), Ofa Tu'ungafasi (neck, season), Sam Darry (shoulder, season).
