SPORT: Highlanders reap early season success

The first match of the evening ended in a 17-all draw, and head coach, Andre Swanepoel said mistakes were abundant in this ‘typical first match of the season’.

March 11, 2018

Bruce Douglas 2 minutes read

Highlanders got the season off to a mixed start on Friday night.

Boschpick Newcastle Highlanders kicked off the season with two friendlies on Friday night.

A number of teams made the journey to Volksrust to compete.

The first match of the evening ended in a 17-all draw, and head coach, Andre Swanepoel said mistakes were abundant in this ‘typical first match of the season’.

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“Mlu Phakati [blindside flanker] played well among the forwards, while Spy Ndlovu [flyhalf] showed glimpses of the talent which got him selected as a professional for Border Bulldogs for two years.”

In the main game, Highlanders enjoyed a blisteringly paced first half, with Swanepoel describing the effort as the best rugby he’d seen at the club.

By comparison, the second half was simply ‘okay’.

He said scrums and lineouts were good throughout and provided good traction for the backline to cross the whitewash and score seven times.

“The focus dropped because I think the players aren’t as fit as I want them to be.”

Despite this, the team enjoyed a convincing 47-14 victory.

According to Swanepoel, the team performed well as a unit, with Jaco Truter (flyhalf) identified as one of the stand-out players.

“He is going to be a huge asset for Highlanders; his all-round performance was very good and he scored three tries on the evening.”

Other notable players were Bryne Buthelezi at right wing, Gift Mabaso at inside centre who was impressive on defence, and Wandile Nkosi at fullback, who was dangerous on the counter.

In the forward pack, lock Lappies Labuschagne also had a good match.

Tighthead prop, Wessel Botha did excellent work in the scrums and lineouts, and loose forwards Shakes Mbatha and Louis van Niekerk had the Volksrust defence in tatters.

“Mbatha scored the try of the evening, outstripping everyone and running 50 metres to score beneath the posts after very good interplay.”

Highlanders will host Volksrust in return on Friday night at 6.30pm and 8pm, and on Saturday the under-20 side plays its first game in the Mpumalanga league.

This match against the Highveld Region is effectively a trial for the Steval Pumas u-20.

“The time will be revealed at a later stage, as it has to be confirmed by Pumas.”

On March 24, Highlanders travels to Nelspruit with its under-20 team, to face Lowveld as a curtain raiser for the Steval Pumas.