In the most electrifying Super Rugby final in recent memory, an unfancied Highlanders side upset the odds as well as the home crowd to claim victory 21-14 over Wellington’s Hurricanes.
Highlanders Win Super Rugby Final
At a packed out Westpac Stadium; affectionately known as the ‘cake tin’, fans were treated to 80 frenetic minutes of free-flowing rugby, inspired by rival half backs TJ Perenara and Aaron Smith. The scrum halves were allowed largely unchallenged access to quick ball, allowing for the most dramatic cake tin scenes since the Great British Bake Off of 2014.
The Hurricanes came in as heavy favourites having finished the regular season comfortably on top of the pile, losing only twice all year. On paper it was difficult to see beyond the All Black quality that littered their side, many of whom will be competing for World Cup places this autumn. However, names and reputations don’t mean much in the heat of a final, and the Highlanders have made a habit of flying under the radar to turn over more glamorous opposition. Head coach Jamie Joseph’s assessment of his charges speaks volumes, “They aren’t All Blacks, they aren’t Wallabies, they aren’t Springboks but they are very good rugby players.”
Very good rugby players in the right culture and environment are a dangerous proposition at any level. Though it would be a disservice to paint these South Islanders as simply journeymen and workmanlike however; there is a sprinkling of class in key positions. Aaron Smith is the complete scrum half, Fekitoa adds monstrous power and dynamism in midfield (though even he was simply released by The Blues) and Ben Smith at fullback has the most dependably excellent skill set in world rugby.
For all the superstars on show it was Highlanders blindside, Elliot Dixon, who battered his way to the line from fifteen metres out, swatting away defenders like King Kong atop the empire state building. His powerful finish ensured a 13-5 half time lead for the Highlanders and gilded a man of the match display.
After the break it was Dixon again at the heart of another scoring move, this time providing the assist for prolific winger Waisake Naholo, scoring his 13th of the season and surely putting his name firmly in the mix to be Julian Savea’s wing partner for the All Blacks. After his sudden, stratospheric rise, Naholo also looks likely to stay at The Highlanders next season, as he tries to negotiate his way out of a two year deal signed with Clermont. That deal was agreed after Naholo was moved on by the Blues, a fact that perfectly represents the Highlanders rise this year. Rejects, misfits and players striving for a second chance.
In fact, three key protagonists in this victory had been passed on by previous franchises. Elliot spent one year at the Crusaders, Naholo with the Blues and replacement fly half Marty Banks from the Hurricanes themselves. It was Banks who dropped a goal in the dying minutes to all but secure victory at 21-14. Adding the finishing touches to the work of Lima Sopoaga who outplayed Dan Carter’s long term heir Beauden Barrett both in hand and from the tee.
The final minutes were an exercise in burning clock, marshalled superbly as ever by Aaron Smith, who hammered the ball into touch on full time, sparking scenes of jubilation from the travelling support. The Hurricanes are now the only New Zealand Franchise never to win a Super Rugby final and in the aftermath it would be a shame to overlook the contribution of their skipper Conrad Smith. A stalwart for New Zealand and long suffering star in what has been, until this season, an inconsistent Canes franchise. May he enjoy the pension and sunshine afforded to him by Pau.
But 2015 belongs to the Otago Highlanders. As they celebrate their maiden Super Rugby crown, it is worth considering the foundations of their success. A culture, identity and cohesiveness that galvanised this team from underdogs to champions.
Are you watching England?
“Main Photo”
