Highlanders.... *shakes head*

(also published on Pink Rugby)

When it was announced that the Highlanders had the services of Tony Woodcock, Ma'a Nonu and

I too would be bowing my head in shame

Brad Thorn for the 2013 Super Rugby season, it seemed the Highlanders would have a very competitive team. Between them, the three new signings have 231 All Blacks caps, and 305 Super Rugby caps – when added to the likes of Andrew Hore, it seemed the Highlanders would have a very magical team for 2013. Definitely the team to watch!

Some very impressive pairings automatically came to mind – Hore and Woodcock in the front row, Thorn and Jarrad Hoeata together in the locking department, then in the backs Aaron Smith feeding the ball to Ma'a Nonu, Tamati Ellison, Hosea Gear and Ben Smith. Ten players with All Black & Maori All Blacks experience, it seemed like a no brainer. As an ex-Highlanders supporter I must admit that I

Elliot Dixon
... tats AND the man can play!

perience to the team. While I'm sure their knowledge and experience has been beneficial to the other players on the team, it seems that the Highlanders have become almost a 'retirement home' for players. Rather than playing with the energy and vitality of younger players, all these new, experienced signings seem to be making little impact at all on the team, almost as if they'd be happier sitting down to a game of BINGO or crib, while sipping on a sherry.

When you look at numbers (as I regularly do, having a fetish for rugby statistics), on paper the Highlanders have the oldest average age, at 25.7 years, followed by the Hurricanes on 25.1, the Chiefs on 24.8, the Blues on 24.0 and the Crusaders on 23.7. When analysed even further – focusing solely on forward packs, the Highlanders again have the oldest age average, at 27.9 years, with the four other teams averaging between 25.1 and 25.9 years. These averages make it clear that while age can often mean experience – it doesn't always translate into success.

As we enter round nine, it seems that the Highlanders coaches are shaking things up to try and get

One can watch the Highlanders lose....
and perve at Phil Burleigh....

that elusive first win of the season – All Blacks Aaron Smith and Colin Slade have been dropped, in favour of some lesser-known names. I personally think this is a good thing – because it HAS been all the 'lesser' knowns from the team, who are performing well this year. The likes of Elliot Dixon, Phil Burleigh (who also has the added benefit of being some major eye candy!) and Kade Poki have been playing exceptionally well. I think it's time for the coaches to stop waiting for the bigger names (namely any player who has worn the black jersey in the last 24 months) to finally step up, and for them to instead give the lesser-knowns a chance to prove their worth.

Jarrad Hoeata.
Just cos he's hot.
Unlike the Highlanders.

While I'm at it, perhaps the Highlanders lack of success is all down to the 'Nonu Curse'. Think about it it. 2011 – Hurricanes play badly. With Nonu. 2012 – Blues play badly. With Nonu. 2013 – Highlanders are playing badly. With Nonu. Yes, perhaps it's unfair to suggest, but I guarantee you it is a thought that every Kiwi rugby fan has had over the past couple of weeks. I would go as far as to say that the 'Landers will secure their first win without Nonu on the field.

OF COURSE it's not all bad. If the Super XV was a sexy-man competition, the Highlanders would be sitting in the top four, especially when Tamati Ellison comes back from injury in the next couple of weeks.