Highlanders gored by fighting Rhinos

It was a weekend of mixed fortunes for Boschpick Newcastle Highlanders.

While both the second and third teams recorded ticks in the W column, the first team and under-20 sides were handed defeats.

All things considered, it was another tough day in the office for Highlanders I.

“It is evident losing players like Ferrari Hadebe, Telly Ngobese, Gift Mabaso, Pieter Reeve and Alister Keet, and the unavailability of Johan Esterhuizen, Innes Visser and Jaco Botha has cost the team its depth. We are struggling to come to terms with that,” said head coach, Andre Swanepoel.

With the half time score at 17-5 in favour of Rhinos, it was ultimately mistakes which led the first team to a third consecutive loss in as many weeks.

“Well, the game goes on, and I’ve said before we need to adapt very quickly.”

Going into the half time break, Highlanders would have felt the chances were there, but two Rhinos tries early on took the game away from the local side.

With its line-up, slipping through the gaps was simple for Rhinos.

The visitors fielded players like Josh Dannhauser, a former member of the Sharks Vodacom rugby campaign, Dean Moolman, a former Bulls under-21, and powerhouse flanker, Sizwe Ngcobo.

It was Sizwe who scored the two successive tries to break Highlanders.

“Every times these guys had the ball, they gained metres for the team.”

On the positive side, the forwards pack handled the set pieces with aplomb.

However, the hard work in the scrums and line-outs was undone by poor backline play, needless kicking and bad decision-making.

Mr Swanepoel said the biggest downfall was poor individual backline defence, and finishing off.

“We can’t create try-scoring opportunities every weekend, and not finish. At least four tries were botched, and in this league, you have to take your opportunities.”

Highlanders winger, Rikus Botha was the pick of the weekend, emulating Brent Russell with his size, speed and skill.

He was later invited to attend a Sharks under-19 practice soon.

Among the forwards, Robert Everson (lock), Errit Visser (blindside flanker) and Sizwe Mavundla (hooker) also caught the attention of scouts.

Earlier in the day, the under-20 side made history.

“This was the first ever u-20 club side to play in Northern KZN. We started this year trying to get young school-leavers to join, and we are happy to have 27 members in training.”

Although the Durban Collegians u-20 side clinched the win, by 43 points to seven, there are encouraging signs for Highlanders.

Here are the remaining weekend scores:

Highlanders II recorded its first victory in the League, beating Rhinos II by 25 points to 22, while Highlanders III trounced Flying Eagles I 69-19.

“As a club, we thank all the loyal supporters who pack out the stadium every Saturday. They are creating a great atmosphere, sticking by the team to the end.”

This weekend, Highlanders travel to Durban to face the formidable Crusaders I and II, while the u-20s take on Harlequins at the Bluff.

“The third team is in action at home against Bergville Zebras I.”