The Highlanders’ Resurgence in Super Rugby Pacific
The Highlanders have matched their 2023 win total of five with two rounds remaining in the Super Rugby Pacific competition. The Southerners are poised to secure a spot in the top eight, needing only a win against Fijian Dura on Saturday to cement their place in the playoffs. The Dura have endured a dismal away record, losing 22 out of 23 matches on the road, with their sole away victory coming against Moana Pasifika (36-34) at Go Media Stadium in Auckland in 2023.
On May 13th, the Highlanders snapped a 19-game winless streak against New Zealand opponents when they defeated the Crusaders 32-29 in Dunedin. Cam Millar’s impressive 27-point haul equaled the record for most points scored against the Crusaders, a feat previously achieved by Springbok Derick Hougaard in 2007. The Highlanders’ record for most points in a game is held by All Blacks fullback Ben Blair, who scored 28 points in a 43-7 win against the Bulls in 2005.
The Highlanders’ performance this season has been a rollercoaster, with a disastrous Australian tour in April where they were whitewashed 31-0 against the Reds and thrashed by the Rebels in Melbourne. However, they managed to grind out a crucial 7-6 victory over the Force in Dunedin on April 27th, a match that Highlanders openside flanker Sean Withy described as “possibly the worst spectacle of the season but could be the Highlanders most important win.”
“possibly the worst spectacle of the season but could be the Highlanders most important win.”
- Sean Withy, Highlanders openside flanker
Withy, who has appeared in all 12 matches for the Highlanders this season, believes the team can be a threat if they show greater consistency. The 23-year-old, a product of Southland Boys’ High School, has been a prolific tackler for the Highlanders, topping the tackle count in several matches.
The Highlanders’ strong ties to Southland Boys’ High School are evident, with several players, including Withy, having represented the school’s First XV. The Dermody family, in particular, has a deep connection to both Southland and the Highlanders, with Jason Dermody coaching the Southland Boys’ First XV and his brother, Clarke Dermody, serving as the Highlanders’ head coach.
As the Highlanders look to secure their place in the Super Rugby Pacific playoffs, they will be hoping to build on their recent performances and capitalize on their strong regional ties to propel them to success.
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