In unbelievable code update news, THE HIGHLANDERS ARE UNDEFEATED (or they were when we went to print on Thursday). That’s right folks – two home games, two away, four wins, 16 points, top of the table, top of the conference, top of the world.
It’s not as if they’ve had an easy draw either. They snuck through in three grudge matches against the Crusaders, Chiefs and Hurricanes and ground out a victory against a Waratahs team containing plenty of Wallabies. Crowds have been great, filling up the lunchbox and especially “The Zoo”. I have said before that the marketing idea for “The Zoo” is as cheesy as a herd of cows on a trampoline, but that hasn’t stopped you students packing it out at the two opportunities that you have had.
There have been several standouts so far. Critic’s undisputed favourite Highlander Aaron Smith has been so much better than Jimmy Cowan. Cowan should just leave the country right now, while he still has a rugby career. Cowan has become obsolete – he can’t even kick a ball out to end the game any more. Smith has done that twice in one game! Unfortunately when Critic informed Aaron of how awesome he is, he was disappointingly humble. He pretended to be learning plenty off Cowan when we all know he is already the best halfback in the country and possibly the world.
I don’t think even Jamie Joseph really knew who Phil Burleigh was until he put him in the starting line up for the season opener. Turns out he’s a solid contributor in midfield who can’t stop scoring tries. Meanwhile, John Hardie has become the pride of Dipton – usurping previous pride Bill English, who stole the crown from a rouseabout named Kingi. Hardie looks like he might be the Highlanders number seven for a long time and may even get the opportunity to ride All Black pine if he keeps up the good work.
Unfortunately the next game at Forsyth Barr isn’t until Saturday April 7 (next week), meaning that we won’t have had a game to go to in nearly a month. Instead there is a game in Invercargill on Friday March 30, which in my opinion is a massive miscalculation. The momentum and excitement are up here folks.
I bleed blue and gold.
Highlanders Unbeaten
Who Saw This Coming?
