If the way the Highlanders are playing right now is anything to go by, then the future certainly looks bright for Jamie Joseph and his band of merry men. Hardnosed forward power play combined with enterprising backline surges proved too much even for the Crusaders to contain for now.
By the same token, are the Chiefs the real deal? Before this weekend I had the Crusties and Blues in my top six, now I'm not so sure, then again one swallow doesn't make it summer. The Crusties appear to have come back to the field but that will change when Dan settles back into the team, the Chiefs even with their injury woes seem to be the real deal. Nothing though seems to be certain in this years competition.
the Chiefs provide good pest value when playing other Kiwi Provinces but their real value will be revealed when they play SA and Aussie teams. SBW are Kahui are still to show there is something to their combination.
Good summation re the Highlanders. Hard nosed forward play and enterprisng backs. Definitely one of the better sides.
At present Cowan is in real danger of becoming a regular on the bench because of the exciting Aaron Smith! Hyperactive, fast crisp distributor of the ball, constant pest for the loosies around the fringes of the rucks and scrums, intelligent with guts to boot!
Alas Ben Smith the Highlanders fullback is concussed for several weeks - would have loved to see more of him in action - he would have been one of those pushing Dagg for the number 15 jersey for the ABs.
The Highlanders have been heavily underrated for years. They've had some very strong showings just like the Cheetahs. It all requires some perspective. I'm just very happy that they've avoided the problems in the region.
Apparently Rutledge one of the highlander Super hooker sub said Jamie Joseph the coach told the subs to keep punching just as hard as those playing when they come on! I must say, it does show in their attitude when they do come on!
I tell you what, that Highlanders pack was monstrous!
The Tahs are playing the Highlanders this weekend and Tom Carter seems to be on the Bench even though he played a good game last weekend - it seems Tom Carter is the most hated player in the S15, well at least by the Reds fans anyway after his sledging of Digby!
ok it was more than a sledge - but here is what Drew Mitchell has in defense of Tom Carter (funny what he says about Gregan and co)
"Tom Carter walks the walk as well as he talks the talk
LET'S get this clear at the outset, sledging is part of sport.
It is something that every rugby player has been involved in, whether it be giving some out or being on the receiving end. Mostly it’s both.
It might be verbal, it sometimes gets physical.
It happens in every game, and it happened for the 79 minutes prior to Tom Carter’s interaction with Digby Ioane in last weekend’s Queensland game.
Why Tom has been singled out and hammered all week is beyond me.
I am of the opinion that if something happens on the field in terms of sledging, it should stay out there.
It was unfortunate the comments about Tom were even brought up and turned into headlines in the first place.
But it was even more disappointing to see and hear some of the views expressed in sections of the media this week.
Some experts – including ex-players who should understand what goes on in games – have taken it to an unnecessarily personal level.
Instead of sticking to footy, some have questioned Tom’s character without knowing the guy and that’s pretty ordinary form.
Sure, Tom is the type of player who does get under people’s skin. He’s done it successfully to me in Super Rugby and club games.
When I came to the Waratahs, however, I finally got to know him and got to see there is a hell of a lot of value in having him on your team.
Tom is a passionate guy who is able to promote an emotional response from someone on the field. It distracts them from what they should be thinking about in the game.
They’re focused on how they can sledge back or put a hit on, and not what they’re supposed to be doing at the point in time.
That’s the way Tommy plays. And don’t for one minute think he’s the first to do it.
George Gregan was a master sledger. Willy Genia is a guy who always has a sharp line or two.
That’s not to say Tom Carter is, as some have alleged, just a bigmouth with limited talent.
Not only is he an invaluable team man around the Waratahs who always keeps enthusiasm and spirit high, he’s a very strong footballer.
Take a look at last year’s stats for Australian centres and tell me who outperformed Tom Carter.
Here’s just some of the categories he topped in that spot during the 2011 season: tries, runs, metres gained, linebreaks, tackle busts and tackles made.
He missed half as many tackles as the player with the second-highest tackle tally.
And that doesn’t even factor workrate, like his kick-chases or repeat efforts.
Tom doesn’t get the attention or plaudits other players get but he certainly deserves them.
When you are playing against him, you love to hate him.
But when you are playing with him, you know his true value to the group. And you wouldn’t change a single thing."
talking about monsters Aristocrat, the Crusaders ABs forward pack just got monstered by a Samoan, a Tongan and a Junior ABs! Very street smart, their tactics, sometimes illegal as it may seem.
The Highlanders have won their third successive game this season betting the Waratahs in Dunedin during over the weekend.
It was a brusing encounter at Forsyth Barr Stadium in front of a 17,000-strong crowd, and the home team almost brought the roof down when the match clock ticked pass 80 minutes and referee Bryce Lawrence blew the final whistle.
