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Highlanders player ratings vs Drua | Super Rugby Pacific
By Ned Lester
Just when the injury woes for the Highlanders looked to be easing, four players go down in the 24 hours before theri round five match kicks off. An entirely new midfield combination was needed as well as a new lock and No 8.
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The Fijian Drua are likely the last team you want to face when you’re depth is being tested by injury and this match was certainly a test of all players’ physicality and fitness. The game was rapid in the opening 40, line breaks regularly resulted in 50-meter runs and there were tries galore.
Young players filling in for the Highlanders stepped up across the park while the Fijians provided some typical magic moments. The Highlanders survived the early back and forth to take a commanding halftime lead of 33-12.
The second 40 was more of an arm wrestle, points were a little harder to come by which meant the tries that were scored were even more impressive. Despite being down, the Drua looked dangerous throughout and always pose a comeback threat so Highlanders coach Clarke Dermody will be pleased to see some young Highlanders make the plays to keep a lid on the game. Fulltime score: 57-24.
Here’s how the Highlanders rated:
1. Ethan de Groot – 7.5
Perhaps lucky once or twice at scrum time but otherwise enjoyed dominance in that contest. Produced a strong finish through two Fijian defenders to score the Highlanders’ second try. His physicality stood up well against the tough Fijian pack.
2. Leni Apisai – 8
Made some strong runs and really asserted himself on the match, almost to the point of injury but the Super Rugby veteran played through the pain and put in a huge shift. Got through 12 tackles.
3. Jermaine Ainsley – 7.5
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Showed great timing and positioning to score the Highlanders’ first try. Ainsley stood up physically and performed well at scrum time. He made himself known in the rolling mauls, dragging his men forward and holding off Fijian disruptors.
4. Pari Pari Parkinson – 7
The injury-prone Parkinson looked to have taken another knock in this one but soldiered on past halftime, maintaining his strong work in the lineout and set piece.
5. Will Tucker – 7.5
One of the late call-ups for this match, Tucker got through a mountain of work defensively with 15 tackles.
6. Sean Withy – 8
A huge effort from Withy, equalling Will Tucker’s mark of 15 tackles but without a miss to his name. He was involved around the wider fringes on attack too, showing his agility to facilitate the winger’s runs and kept up with the plays well to secure the ball. Put in a number of big hits at key moments.
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7. Billy Harmon (c) – 7.5
A mixed performance from the captain, with some great work on defence and some lacklustre moments. Was penalised three times. Keeping a team composed and firing against the Drua is a tough ask and Harmon deserves plenty of credit for that.
8. Nikora Broughton – 8.5
An early knock-on but found some great lines to run and made a massive amount of meters, playing a huge role in many of the Highlanders’ scoring opportunities. Had some strong moments in defence but also was caught out by some Fijian plays. A chip-through for Cam Millar’s try showed the skillset and instincts that has Higlanders fans so excited for Broughton’s future.
9. Aaron Smith – 9
Smith’s ability to be so dominant regardless of the style of game is truly special. He made the frantic nature of the match look natural and pulled the strings of his attack superbly throughout. A sniping run off the ruck five meters out saw him beat three players to score.
10. Mitch Hunt – 6.5
Hunt’s skillset for game management didn’t find much influence over such a wild match, but the No 10 still managed some class touches. Defensively, Hunt’s size was targetted by the Drua and he struggled in a number of interactions.
11. Jonah Lowe – 7.5
Lowe managed to contribute some playmaking in the match, running around players in field and putting his side in good positions. Even his indecision payed off for the Highlanders as he darted left and right behind th breakdown and eventually set up Cam Millar’s try.
12. Jake Te Hiwi – N/A
An energised start was unfortunately cut short, off in the 11th minute.
13. Fetuli Paeab – 8
Was tested in defence early by the explosive Fijian backs but Paea was up to the challenge, managing his distance well to make the tackles. Continued his strong work throughout and made some big plays, especially on the defensive end.
14. Martin Bogado – 8
The Argentine’s physicality came into its own against the Drua. Bogado kept his composure in the face of some heavy defence and imposed himself on the match, limping over for a well-earned try.
15. Sam Gilbert – 9
Gilbert got plenty of practice off the tee in this one and managed a decent success rate. He spent just ten minutes at fullback before being moved up into the midfield and didn’t skip a beat. An unorthodox charge down led to a great effort try. Won a turnover to start the second half.
Replacements:
16. Jack Taylor – 6.5
17. Daniel Lienert-Brown – 7.5
18. Saula Ma’u – 7
19. Josh Bekhuis – 7
20. James Lentjes – 7
21. Folau Fakatava – 7.5
22. Cameron Millar – 7
Some bright moments and some mistakes for the youngster, but he’ll remember the match for his try.
23. Connor Garden-Bashcop – 8
On early and quickly had a positive influence on the match. Was unfortunate to be yellow-carded in the 30th minute. Was darting around with his typical enthusiasm and intent making the most of the opportunities in front of him.
