Super Rugby Aotearoa round 1 review

Highlanders vs Chiefs

It was an enthralling game of rugby in Dunedin as the Highlanders hosted the Chiefs in the first game of Super Rugby Aotearoa. Following an address by the Minister of Sport and Recreation and an applause for essential workers, ‘Landers 10 Mitchell Hunt got us underway to the delight of fans worldwide!

Penalties were exchanged both ways, before the 15^th minute, where an exceptional rolling maul saw the Highlanders crash over through captain Ash Dixon- to take the score to 8-6. Soon after, a series of interceptions from both sides in the Chiefs 22’ eventually saw the home side capitalise, with All-Black 9 Aaron Smith delivering a sublime short ball to 13 Rob Thompson, who in turn gave a deft offload inside to his centre partner Sio Tomkinson, barging his way over the try line to increase their lead to 15-6. 

However, the Chiefs responded well with some lovely interplay in the backline. The ball found its way to Shaun Stevenson on the wing who took on the ‘Landers defence before scrum-half Weber got quick ball away and through seven pairs of hands until left winger Sean Wainui touched down in the corner.  

Then, just on half time, another lineout was thrown by captain Dixon on the Chiefs 5’. This time though the away side’s maul defence had improved and held out the initial surge. Instead Smith went blindside and shipped it to fly-half Hunt, who popped it inside to no8 Tu’u. A perfect touchline conversion by Hunt saw the home side go in 22-16 up. 

Several penalty goals were exchanged by both sides, with no scoring until the 73^rd minute, when the Chiefs rapid hands saw full-back McKenzie deliver a basketball-style pass over the top for centre Anton Lienert Brown to gander in untouched on the left wing. Agonisingly for the away fans, the player who provided the assist led the conversion inches to the left and the score remained 25-24. 

In the 78^th minute, Mckenzie saw the opportunity and dropped into the pocket- his drop goal went over the sticks and his side crawled into the lead- 25-27. However, there was still time remaining on the clock and the home team made their way into the opposition 22’ before Smith delivered an on-point pass to Bryn Gatland, who slotted his own drop-goal to sink his fathers team! FT Highlanders 28-27 Chiefs. 

The new law changes caused the penalty count to be high, with referee Paul Williams handing out 30 penalties in total and two yellows, for ‘Landers back three players Koroi and Nareki. But overall, the game was a high-intensity, try filled spectacle that provided a welcome boost for rugby-deprived fans worldwide.