Shoutout to Freddie Burns on what has been an outstanding night at No.10 for the Highlanders. He too has been such a huge threat in the attack, particularly during the 2nd half revival including the game-winning conversion kick. His role dissects the ability to design their way past the Reds blocks in the hope of getting the job done that includes some physicality to unpack himself, having been given ample time thanks to the Reds injury struggles before his side touched down with these big scores a few times off the back of his work. And he’s happy to be here after a illustrious career in the Premiership, especially when he scored the winning drop goal also at the death in the final v Saracens last year for Leicester Tigers.
Speaking of last-minute heroics, how about we go with the Highlanders reserve half-back Folau Fakatava who scored the winning TRY with less than two minutes to go. He has made such a huge difference since he came on where Folau helped them overtook the Reds with the lead for the first time; Although the Reds stole back once more via the penalty goal shortly after but he too found a way to close them out just before full-time with the win. He boasts a mix of pace & physicality even though Folau might not be very tall just like his understudy Aaron Smith, as he learned so much from him that made Folau a long-term asset for the Landers. Now he & Freddie are hoping to surprise the Blues next week in the hope of having an extended run from behind soon.
And Harry Wilson has been excellent in the No.8 Reds shirt where he possesses a mix of pace & physical power that broke the Highlanders line at times along the way. He’s such an all-rounder that saw him win penalties/turnovers as being tested both in attack & defense. His attacking skillsets have devastated them the most though, having helped the Reds win possession where his side were able to get the job done throughout the opening half by staying ahead. Sadly, injuries to a few key players saw the Reds good start begin to collapse through only a few penalty goals before they were piped by the Highlanders towards the finish line at the last minute with the loss in Dunedin.
