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Highlanders vs Reds: Timoci can do it all, Reds still need McWallabies back
By Finn Morton
For the first time in 12 years, the Queensland Reds have beaten the Highlanders under the roof in Dunedin. Filipo Daugunu was among the standouts for the Queenslanders who claimed a valiant 29-23 win on Saturday afternoon at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
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Without Tate McDermott, Fraser McReight and Liam Wright, the Queenslanders were off to a red-hot start as Kalani Thomas and Richie Asiata crossed for early tries. While the Highlanders mounted a comeback, the second term was controlled by the Queenslanders.
Here are five takeaways.
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Timoci Tavatavanawai can do it all
Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph dropped a selection bombshell this week.
Timoci Tavatavanawai seemed to be knocking on the door for All Blacks selection as one of the form midfielders in the competition, but coach Joseph decided to shift the powerful ball carrier to the wing for round six.
It was a bold move, but mere mortals shouldn’t question the rugby genius of Joseph.
Tavatavanawai was everywhere even still. The Highlanders’ skipper almost seemed to play as a backrow-type utility by roaming the rucks as a keen volunteer to unleash fury upon the Reds with pick-and-drives close the try line.
In the 15th minute, Tavatavanawai did just that and reaped the rewards by scoring the Landers’ first of the night from close range. The No. 11 came within a metre of so of scoring another on multiple occasions throughout the first-half as the home side took over.
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On the defensive side of the ball, Tavatavanawai also won a penalty at the breakdown with an effort midway through the opening 40. Tavatavanawai leads the competition for pilfers with 11 across six games now – yes, ahead of world-class backrowers.
Tavatavanawai’s ability to have a noticeable impact either on the midfield or wing will be music to the ears of All Blacks coach Scott Robertson. Versatility is kind in rugby nowadays, so don’t be surprised if that’s the difference that sees Tavatavanawai selected for the top squad.
The harsh truth about “best team” Queensland Reds
Waratahs coach Dan McKellar was wrong.
After the Tahs’ big win over the Western Force a few weeks ago, McKellar described the Reds as the “best team” in the competition. It was a bold statement, but with a smile and a smirk, McKellar doubled down ahead of a crunch Aussie derby in Brisbane the following week.
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The Reds looked like a genuine title challenger against their neighbouring rivals from south of the border, as they ran away with a heavy 35-15 win. But, this weekend’s trip across the ditch was always going to be a significant test for these contenders or pretenders.
For extended periods of Saturday’s game, the Reds looked good – very good. They were missing some big-name players for this match – which will be discussed below – but the visitors stood tall as they took an early lead under the roof in Dunedin.
But slowly, the Highlanders fought their way back.
There was a sense of inevitability about Jamie Joseph’s team as they wrestled with the underdog Reds side. Timoci Tavatavanawai and Tanielu Tele’a scored a five-pointer each as the Highlanders took control during the first half.
The Highlanders took a 17-12 lead into the sheds.
It was a war between these two teams.
But credit to the Reds, they were much better in the second term.
With history on the line, the Reds were good enough as they snapped their 12-year drought in Dunedin with a statement win. After this result, it’s only fair that we revisit what McKellar said all those weeks ago in Sydney.
Are the Reds the “best team” in Super Rugby Pacific?
No.
Not yet.
But they’re a very good side
The Reds need some key players back on the park to mount their claim as title contenders, and that brings up to the next talking point.
Reds need their McWallabies back
No Tate McDermott and Fraser McReight for the Reds.
Ouch.
Those two regular Wallabies didn’t travel to New Zealand, with McReight suffering a tough injury while scoring a sensational somersault finish against the Waratahs. McReight joins one-time Wallabies captain Liam Wright in the Reds’ injury ward as well.
If you take the best players out of any team in Super Rugby Pacific, that absence is going to be surely felt. Moana Pasifika missed Ardie Savea on Friday against the Chiefs in Pukekohe, the Brumbies have been hot and cold with Rob Valetini, and the list goes on.
Let’s not overlook how good the Reds were against the Highlanders.
The Reds were a class above for most of the 80-minute battle. But they could even better with these stars back on the park – they could be looked at as genuine contenders.
Stand-in captain Harry Wilson told reporters on Friday that McReight won’t be out for too much longer, and for the sake of the Reds’ take aspirations, that’s a crucial update. They need that Wallabies trio back on the park ASAP.
Mixed afternoon for Highlanders’ young stars
Caleb Tangitau and Finn Hurley both have X-factor.
Tangitau captured headlines in round five with a masterful performance against the Hurricanes in Dunedin, and Hurley stood out with a double against the Blues in round two.
The Highlanders are in good hands moving forward, but let’s look at this match only.
Take what you know about Tangitau and Hurley off the table. For one of them, Saturday was another small step towards All Blacks honours, while the other had a first-half to forget.
Tangitau was brilliant. The winger scored maybe the best no-try of the season, having shown elite-levels of pace to outrun Lachie Anderson while galloping 60 metres to the house for an incredible disallowed try.
Earlier in the match, Tangitau had another try disallowed. The No. 14 broke down the right edge before kicking the ball ahead with a grubber, and the ball bounced up perfectly for the former All Blacks Sevens flyer to collect.
But Tangitau stepped in touch.
Those two moments shouldn’t take away from what was another promising performance.
As for Hurley, this match didn’t start too well. The fullback made some errors off a couple Reds clearance kicks, which included dropping the ball cold in the 12th minute off a Tom Lynagh hoof up the field.
At just 21 years of age, one performance isn’t going to define a rugby player, and it shouldn’t. Hurley was better during the second term with some nice involvements, but the outside back can be even better and rugby fans will be looking forward to that.
Filipo Daugunu must face the Lions
Filipo Daugunu was sensational against Wales last July.
With the Wallabies ushering in their new era under coach Joe Schmidt, it was Daugunu who led the way as arguably the team’s best back in those two Tests. But, after an unfortunate injury, Daugunu would take no further part in the 2024 international season.
Others like Max Jorgensen, Dylan Pietsch and Harry Potter rounded out the year as some of the top wing’s in the nation, but let’s not forget about Daugunu. Daugunu can play both on the edge and in the midfield, and that versatility – much like Tavatavanawai – is a game-changer.
With two tries in the win over the Highlanders, and generally good play around the park, the Reds’ utility looks like a must-have in the Wallabies’ 23 to take on the British and Irish Lions. Whether it’s in the starting side or off the bench, Daugunu’s form can’t be ignored.
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The Highlanders pack gotten eaten alive and spit out all match long.
Their tighthead produced the single worst performance of a NZ tighthead prop in at least a decade of Super Rugby. He made the very mediocre Alex Hodgeman look like he was Tony Woodcock circa 2011.
No scrum, no win, Jamie.
Another good game. Tough luck Highlanders, having that try award against you were they played it into an offside man, and playing the whole game with a tiring prop was rough. Some luck there and a few other moments like when Arscot gave a hospital pass to Gilbert when he had the line open a mile wide infront of him were the difference in that game.
Still a lot of improving to be done to reach the big boys at the top though, but these two could get their this season.