Latest news with #Highlanders'
1News
01-06-2025
- Sport
- 1News
Vaa'i hat trick clinches top spot for Chiefs
A hat trick to Tupou Vaa'i has seen the Chiefs score a 41-24 win over the Highlanders and clinch top spot in the Super Rugby Pacific play-offs. Needing a bonus point to make sure of home ground advantage through to the final, Vaa'i's third try as time expired sealed the deal after a hard-fought end to the Highlanders' season. A serious-looking injury to All Black hopeful Quinn Tupaea was a major turning point in the first half. The midfielder was stretchered off the field after 20 minutes, which, along with a yellow card to prop Reuben O'Neill 12 minutes later, shifted the momentum of the game completely to the home side before halftime. Before then, the Chiefs had simply picked up where they left off last weekend in their massive win over Moana Pasifika. Samipeni Finau and Vaa'i (two) scored off some slick work by their backs and a massive hit on Cam Millar that jolted the ball free for Vaa'i to gallop half the length of the field to score. However, after Tupaea's injury, the Highlanders knuckled down and were able to control territory. It eventually led to a try from a quick tap to Ethan de Groot, who had a very strong game across the park. ADVERTISEMENT Right on halftime the Highlanders' other co-captain Timoci Tavatanawai muscled his way over after some great lead up work by Taniela Filimone, Tanielu Tele'a and Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens. Even though Xavier Roe scored straight after the break for the Chiefs, the Highlanders didn't wilt like they did when the two sides met in round 10. Manasa Mataele's 59th minute try to give the Chiefs some decent breathing room was totally against the run of play, but even then, the Highlanders kept fighting and were rewarded with a try to Sam Gilbert. Vaa'i completed his hat trick in fortuitous fashion on fulltime by nabbing a short goal line restart - however the bonus point was more of a nice to have as even if they didn't get it, the Crusaders would've needed to have beaten the Brumbies by over 100 points to overtake the Chiefs. The Highlanders finish their season with only three wins and 11 losses, the defeat consigning them to last place no matter what happens in the rest of the weekend. The Chiefs will now watch on tomorrow's games with interest, with the Waratahs, Blues and Moana Pasifika all in a three way battle to face them in the first round of the play-offs next weekend.
Otago Daily Times
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Landers seek consistency in key positions
Consistency and impact will be the watchwords for two of the Highlanders' positions of inconsistency tomorrow night. Hooker and first five are two of the pillars of a rugby spine, but they have provided more questions than answers for the struggling Highlanders this season. Soane Vikena (eight starts), Henry Bell (two) and Jack Taylor (one) have worn the No 2 jersey to varying degrees of effectiveness. While transplanted Aucklander Vikena has nominally been the preferred starter, he has perhaps not quite found a consistent standard of performance, and his lineout throwing was particularly poor in the loss to Moana Pasifika before the Highlanders had the bye. Taylor, a real prospect and lightning quick around the field but still a tender 21, has been given the start against the Hurricanes tomorrow night as the Landers begin their run to the finish. "It's just around consistency, really," coach Jamie Joseph said yesterday. "Jack has always created some impact for us as a team. He's done that well. I remember the first game of the season, against the Blues ... he creates some energy for the forward pack in big moments. "When you have inconsistent performances, you're kind of looking for a solution. "Soane has been good for us most of the time. Didn't execute at lineout time [against Moana Pasifika], so Jack gets a crack." First five is another area of scrutiny for the Highlanders. They have not really had an established, top-class No 10 since Lima Sopoaga left after the 2018 season. Mitch Hunt has been the best of a rotating cast of first fives that has included Josh Ioane, Marty Banks, Bryn Gatland, Cameron Millar, Taine Robinson, Ajay Faleafaga and internationals Freddie Burns and Rhys Patchell. Robinson was a left-field choice to start the first seven games of this season, and Millar has started the past four. Millar's progress appears to have stalled slightly, and while Robinson's final act of the game against Moana Pasifika was having his kick charged down for the game-losing try, he has returned to the No10 jersey to play the Hurricanes. "I felt sorry for Taine," Joseph said. "All eyes were on him. I guess everyone in the stadium felt that was the problem. "But I look at the first 15 minutes, where we didn't create enough rugby or enough scoring opportunities, and in many cases were quite flat, and that was disappointing. "The bench came on and got us back in the game, and it came down to one kind of moment. "Taine was good for us at the start of the season. Another position that's been inconsistent in terms of performances, and hampered by injuries. We just want to give him another go." A rejigged backline has Folau Fakatava back at halfback, Tanielu Tele'a at centre, a fit-again Jona Nareki on the left wing and Jonah Lowe on the right. With co-captain Hugh Renton seemingly gone for the season, Sean Withy moves back to No 8, and Veveni Lasaqa starts on the openside flank. Mitch Dunshea replaces Oliver Haig at lock. Ten years after Joseph led the Highlanders to their sole championship by beating the Hurricanes in Wellington, he will hope to see similar inspiration from his troops tomorrow night. "The Hurricanes are a quality side with lots of All Blacks. "When we played them earlier, they were a team in a really tough position, and they've been able to battle their way out and into finals footy, which highlights the quality of their roster." The Hurricanes have lost star winger Kini Naholo to a season-ending knee injury, and All Blacks prop Tyrel Lomax is out with a sore ankle. First five Brett Cameron makes his first appearance of the season on the bench. Highlanders v Hurricanes The teams Highlanders: Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Jonah Lowe, Tanielu Tele'a, Timoci Tavatavanawai (co-captain), Jona Nareki, Taine Robinson, Folau Fakatava, Sean Withy, Veveni Lasaqa, TK Howden, Fabian Holland, Mitch Dunshea, Saula Ma'u, Jack Taylor, Ethan de Groot (co-captain). Reserves: Soane Vikena, Josh Bartlett, Sefo Kautai, Oliver Haig, Michael Loft, Adam Lennox, Cameron Millar, Thomas Umaga-Jensen. Hurricanes: Callum Harkin, Bailyn Sullivan, Billy Proctor (co-captain), Riley Higgins, Ngatungane Punivai, Ruben Love, Cam Roigard, Brayden Iose, Peter Lakai, Brad Shields (co-captain), Isaia Walker-Leawere, Zach Gallagher, Pasilio Tosi, Asafo Aumua, Xavier Numia. Reserves: Raymond Tuputupu, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Tevita Mafileo, Will Tucker, Du'Plessis Kirifi, Ereatara Enari, Brett Cameron, Fatafehi Fineanganofo.
Otago Daily Times
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
First five, hooker changes continue for Highlanders
Consistency and impact will be the watchwords for two of the Highlanders' positions of inconsistency on Friday night. Hooker and first five are two of the pillars of a rugby spine but they have provided more questions than answers for the struggling Highlanders this season. Soane Vikena (eight starts), Henry Bell (two) and Jack Taylor (one) have worn the No 2 jersey to varying degrees of effectiveness. While transplanted Aucklander Vikena has nominally been the preferred starter, he has perhaps not quite found a consistent standard of performance, and his lineout throwing was particularly poor in the loss to Moana Pasifika before the Highlanders had the bye. Taylor, a real prospect and lightning quick around the field but still a tender 21, has been given the start against the Hurricanes on Friday night as the Landers begin their run to the finish. ''It's just around, consistency, really,'' coach Jamie Joseph said today. ''Jack has always created some impact for us as a team. He's done that well. I remember the first game of the season, against the Blues . . . he creates some energy for the forward pack in big moments. ''When you have inconsistent performances, you're kind of looking for a solution. ''Soane has been good for us most of the time. Didn't execute at lineout time [against Moana Pasifika] so Jack gets a crack.'' First five is another area of scrutiny for the Highlanders. They have not really had an established, top-class No 10 since Lima Sopoaga left after the 2018 season. Mitch Hunt has been the best of a rotating cast of first fives that has included Josh Ioane, Marty Banks, Bryn Gatland, Cameron Millar, Taine Robinson, Ajay Faleafaga and internationals Freddie Burns and Rhys Patchell. Robinson was a left-field choice to start the first seven games of this season, and Millar has started the past four. Millar's progress appears to have stalled slightly, and while Robinson's final act of the game against Moana Pasifika was having his kick charged down for the game-losing try, he has returned to the No 10 jersey to play the Hurricanes. ''I felt sorry for Taine,'' Joseph said. ''All eyes were on him. I guess everyone in the stadium felt that was the problem. ''But I look at the first 15 minutes, where we didn't create enough rugby or enough scoring opportunities, and in many cases were quite flat, and that was disappointing. ''The bench came on and got us back in the game, and it came down to one kind of moment. ''Taine was good for us at the start of the season. Another position that's been inconsistent in terms of performances, and hampered by injuries. We just want to give him another go.'' A rejigged backline has Folau Fakatava back at halfback, Tanielu Tele'a at centre, a fit-again Jona Nareki on the left wing, and Jonah Lowe on the right. With co-captain Hugh Renton seemingly gone for the season, Sean Withy moves back to No8, and Veveni Lasaqa starts on the openside flank. Mitch Dunshea replaces Oliver Haig at lock. Ten years after Joseph led the Highlanders to their sole championship by beating the Hurricanes in Wellington, he will hope to see similar inspiration from his troops tomorrow night. ''The Hurricanes are a quality side with lots of All Blacks. ''When we played them earlier, they were a team in a really tough position, and they've been able to battle their way out and into finals footy, which highlights the quality of their roster.'' The Hurricanes have lost star winger Kini Naholo to a season-ending knee injury, and All Blacks prop Tyrel Lomax is out with a sore ankle. First five Brett Cameron makes his first appearance of the season on the bench. Highlanders v Hurricanes The teams Highlanders: Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Jonah Lowe, Tanielu Tele'a, Timoci Tavatavanawai (co-captain), Jona Nareki, Taine Robinson, Folau Fakatava, Sean Withy, Veveni Lasaqa, TK Howden, Fabian Holland, Mitch Dunshea, Saula Ma'u, Jack Taylor, Ethan de Groot (co-captain). Reserves: Soane Vikena, Josh Bartlett, Sefo Kautai, Oliver Haig, Michael Loft, Adam Lennox, Cameron Millar, Thomas Umaga-Jensen. Hurricanes: Callum Harkin, Bailyn Sullivan, Billy Proctor (co-captain), Riley Higgins, Ngatungane Punivai, Ruben Love, Cam Roigard, Brayden Iose, Peter Lakai, Brad Shields (co-captain), Isaia Walker-Leawere, Zach Gallagher, Pasilio Tosi, Asafo Aumua, Xavier Numia. Reserves: Raymond Tuputupu, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Tevita Mafileo, Will Tucker, Du'Plessis, Kirifi, Ereatara Enari, Brett Cameron, Fatafehi Fineanganofo.
Otago Daily Times
08-05-2025
- Otago Daily Times
Man appears in court over stolen Highlanders equipment
Highlanders' halfback Nathan Hastie fires off a pass during their Super Rugby Pacific match against Moana Pasifika at North Harbour Stadium in February. PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES An Auckland man has been arrested and two others are on the run after allegedly stealing almost $40,000 worth of equipment belonging to the Highlanders rugby team. The New Zealand Herald reported yesterday the incident occurred during the Dunedin team's stay in Auckland, a day after their victory over Moana Pasifika in round three of Super Rugby Pacific on February 28. Auckland City area investigations manager Detective Senior Sergeant Martin Friend said in a statement police received a report of three people allegedly seen breaking into a vehicle in a carpark outside an Albert St building about 3am on March 1. The trio were allegedly "removing a number of items" from the vehicle, Det Snr Sgt Friend said. Court documents state items stolen included laptops, tablets and "specialised rugby equipment", valued at $38,303.53. "A search warrant executed in Eden Tce [on April 15] located charging cables belonging to the stolen laptops," police said. It is unclear if all of the stolen property has been recovered. A 33-year-old man appeared in the Auckland District Court on Monday charged with theft and has been remanded in custody ahead of his second appearance on Tuesday. The maximum penalty for the offence is seven years' imprisonment. New Zealand Rugby referred all questions to the Highlanders. The Highlanders declined to comment. — APL
Otago Daily Times
27-04-2025
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Tough task ahead for coach
Two ugly numbers reveal just how far off the pace the Highlanders are in Super Rugby. An optimist might cling to the fact they are only five points off a playoff spot, but that is more a reflection on both a generous playoff system and a congested second tier in the competition than the Highlanders' suitability to be in the top six. More relevant numbers are 36 and 33. Those are the Highlanders' losing margins over the past two weeks against the Chiefs and the Crusaders. How wonderful they get to play both teams again this season. Granted, they are far superior teams loaded with All Blacks — and they are clearly the two big dogs in Super Rugby this season, being tied on 37 points, eight clear of the pack — but these back-to-back losses have illustrated the tough task that lies ahead of master coach Jamie Joseph. He reflected on the gap between his side and the best when he digested the 43-10 loss to the Crusaders on Saturday night. "This is a pretty young team playing 10 or 11 All Blacks," Joseph said. "What do people expect around a young team playing a quality side at the top of the table? I don't know. "Our players gritted their teeth and did their best against a really good team." Joseph acknowledged he was frustrated to see the Highlanders botch some attacking opportunities in the first half as the Crusaders effectively killed the game off with a 21-0 lead. It was obvious they needed to get better at turning half-chances into points — and the statistics reflected that. The Highlanders edged the Crusaders in metres gained (478m to 440m), carries (193 to 105) and defenders beaten (37 to 18). "I actually think the score ... it didn't really reflect our performance. "I'm disappointed for the players because they created a lot of opportunities to score in the first half, and we didn't really take those opportunities. "We were held up over the line a couple of times, there was the line open with nobody in front of it and we passed ... so those kind of opportunities against quality teams like the Crusaders have got to be taken. "The guys are doing enough to get into the 22m first. When we get into the 22m, we've got to make sure we execute. "Part of that is they defended really well, the Crusaders. And part of it is that we didn't execute our part of it well. "At this stage of this team's life, that's where the difference is — the ability to execute tough skills under pressure." Joseph highlighted the efforts of world-class fullback Will Jordan, who scored two tries in the first 15 minutes and pretty much did everything right, as an example of the difference between the South Island rivals. Highlanders star Fabian Holland should be back on his feet quickly. The lock left the game and was replaced by Oliver Haig after just 11 minutes when Holland failed an HIA, but he passed stage two. The Highlanders slip to 10th in the 11-team competition, tied on 17 points with the Blues but ranked below them on points difference. There is a six-point buffer on the battling Fijian Drua, so the Highlanders will likely avoid the wooden spoon, but they really need to beat Moana Pasifika in Dunedin this Sunday before the daunting finish against the Hurricanes, Crusaders and Chiefs. Moana Pasifika, led as usual by the peerless Ardie Savea, beat the Drua 34-15 in the Pacific derby at Albany on Saturday. The Hurricanes became the first New Zealand side to win in Australia this season when they upset the Brumbies 35-29 in Canberra to leap to fifth in the standings.
