Rugby 08: A Highlanders World League Journey

[hedger_14]

Established: 1996
Location: Dunedin, New Zealand
Ground: Carisbrook
Coach: Jamie Joseph
Captain: Jimmy Cowan​

Part of the World League in Division 3, the Highlanders will be one of the favourites to go through. They have a strong squad. Here is their full squad and it should be a competitive force this season.

Jamie Mackintosh - Prop
Clint Newland - Prop
Bronson Murray - Prop
Chris King - Prop
Jason Macdonald - Hooker
Jason Rutledge - Hooker
Tom Donnelly - Second Row
Hayden Triggs - Second Row
Josh Bekhuis - Second Row
Joe Tuineau - Second Row
Adam Thomson - Flanker
Alando Soakai - Flanker
Tim Boys - Flanker
Nasi Manu - Flanker
John Hardie - Flanker
Stephen Setephano - Number 8
Jimmy Cowan - Scrum Half (Captain)
Sean Romans - Scrum Half
Scott Cowan - Scrum Half
Matt Berquist - Fly Half
Michael Hobbs - Fly Half
Chris Noakes - Fly Half
Fetu?u Vainikolo - Wing
Ben Smith - Wing
James Paterson - Wing
Jason Shoemark - Centre
Kenny Lynn - Centre
Jayden Hayward - Centre
Israel Dagg - Fullback
Rob Robinson - Fullback


The squad mostly consists of 24-29 year old players with only a couple over 30 and no players under 20. They lack an experienced fullback, Dagg 22 years of age and Robinson 20, and the youngest player in the squad. They don?t really lack in anything as it is a good all-round squad. Here are their fixtures this season.

Highlanders Vs Ulster - Week 1 - Feb 28, 2010
Racing Metro Vs Highlanders - KO Cup Round 1 - Mar 2, 2010
Highlanders Vs Newport - Week 2 - Mar 5, 2010
Glasgow Vs Highlanders - Week 3 - Mar 13, 2010
Highlanders Vs Leeds - Week 4 - Mar 20, 2010
Racing Metro Vs Highlanders - Week 5 - Mar 26, 2010
Bennetton Vs Highlanders - Week 6 - Apr 3, 2010
A & G Lions Vs Highlanders - Week 7 - Apr 10, 2010
Highlanders Vs Connacht - Week 8 - Apr 17, 2010
Western Force Vs Highlanders - Week 9 - Apr 24, 2010
Highlanders Vs Cheetahs - Week 10 - May 1, 2010
Viadana Vs Highlanders - Week 11 - May 7, 2010

 

[Chewie]

Good luck with this I support the Highlanders when they're not playing the Blues

 

[hedger_14]

February 28, 2010 - Highlanders Vs Ulster


The first game of the season. It should be a good match. Highlanders are slight favourites into this match, and a close match could be on the cards. Let’s have a look at the lineups.


Highlanders

1. Jamie Mackintosh
2. Jason Macdonald
3. Chris King
4. Tom Donnelly
5. Hayden Triggs
6. Adam Thomson
7. John Hardie
8. Stephen Setephano
9. Jimmy Cowan (C)
10. Matt Berquist
11. Fetu’u Vainikolo
12. Jason Shoemark
13. Kenny Lynn
14. Ben Smith
15. Israel Dagg

16. Jason Rutledge
17. Clint Newland
18. Josh Bekhuis
19. Alando Soakai
20. Scott Cowan
21. Michael Hobbs
22. Rob Robinson


Ulster

1. Tom Court
2. Rory Best (C)
3. BJ Botha
4. Ryan Caldwell
5. Johann Muller
6. Stephen Ferris
7. David Pollock
8. Chris Henry
9. Ruan Pienaar
10. Ian Humphreys
11. Simon Danielli
12. Paddy Wallace
13. Andrew Trimble
14. Mrak McCrea
15. Bryn Cunningham

16. Nigel Brady
17. Cillian Willis
18. Niall O’Connor
19. Andy Kyriacou
20. Declan Fitzpatrick
21. Bryan Young
22. Dan Tuohy


It was a very exciting opening 10 minutes, with Ulster getting some good chances at scoring but the Highlanders defence was standing firm denying any chance of the opposition scoring. Ulster were on top though and would they be able to score? The Highlanders defence finally broke 17 minutes in when a ruck off the line saw the fly half, Ian Humphreys go over. The try was converted and Ulster led 7-0. It got worse for the Highlanders when centre, Lynn had to go off injured bringing Michael Hobbs on. A mistake from the Highlanders gave Ulster the chance to score and they did pretty easily in the end, and it was 14-0 through 26 minutes. The Highlanders managed to hit back 5 minutes before half time when Ben Smith left Cunningham on his ass and Danielli’s tackle didn’t do anything to stop his momentum as he went over to score. The kick was a good one and it was 14-7 with the Highlanders back in it. They had the momentum with them as they looked to score another before half time. One of the Ulster players were offside gibing the Highlanders a penalty and while the advantage was played, they turned it over and the penalty was given. Since it was now into the 40th minute, they opted to take the penalty goal from right in front and they put it over with ease to go into the break 14-10 down.

Ian Humphreys opens the scoring for Ulster

The Highlanders pull one try back after Ben Smith goes over after palming off Cunningham​

It didn’t take long into the second half for the Highlanders to take the lead, Israel Dagg going over for his first try after running through the defence and putting in a grubber past Cunningham and won the foot race before picking up the ball avoiding diving tackles from 2 players and running around to score under the posts. The try was easily converted and the Highlanders led 17-14. Mark McCrea went over only 2 minutes later though and Ulster had regained the lead. The post became one of the main players for the Highlanders as they firstly passed it into the post giving away the ball centimeters out but they managed to regain it in the ruck and then throwing it into the post out of the ruck but luckily, one of the Highlanders’ players dived out to grab the ball before it was cleared away next play. The Highlanders were doing everything to score but the time ticked by and although they had a perfect chance at the end, they turned it over before the Ulster’s fly half put the ball into touch and Ulster had won 21-17. The Highlanders not off to a great start for the season. They’ll need to regroup for the next match.

Shoemark with a trademark tackle

A nicely timed grubber brings Israel Dagg a try​

 

[hedger_14]

March 2, 2010 - Racing Metro Vs Highlanders


The Knockout Cup and the Highlanders would be looking to regroup after their loss in their first league match. Their only change was the injured Kenny Lynn out for James Paterson.


Highlanders

1. Jamie Mackintosh
2. Jason Macdonald
3. Chris King
4. Tom Donnelly
5. Hayden Triggs
6. Adam Thomson
7. John Hardie
8. Stephen Setephano
9. Jimmy Cowan (C)
10. Matt Berquist
11. Fetu’u Vainikolo
12. Jason Shoemark
13. James Paterson
14. Ben Smith
15. Israel Dagg

16. Jason Rutledge
17. Clint Newland
18. Josh Bekhuis
19. Alando Soakai
20. Scott Cowan
21. Michael Hobbs
22. Rob Robinson


Racing Metro

1. Andrea Lo Cicero
2. Carlo Festuccia
3. Julien Brugnaut
4. Santiago Dellape
5. Lionel Nallet
6. Alvaro Galindo
7. Jacques Cronje
8. Seb Chabal
9. Jerome Fillol (C)
10. Juan Hernandez
11. Sireli Bobo
12. Mirco Bergamasco
13. Epi Taione
14. Dan Scarbrough
15. Francois Steyn

16. Ben Noirit
17. Craig Smith
18. Simon Raiwalui
19. Jone Qovu
20. Jonathan Wisniewski
21. JP Orlandi
22. Mani Vakaloa


So lets head down to the ground, with Racing Metro to kick off. Who would win this game an progress to the next round? It took only 8 minutes for the first try to be scored, coming off a Highlanders mistake which led to a scrum 5 metres out and the Number 8, Seb Chabal went over from the scrum. It was 7-0 after the try was converted. It was the Highlanders who were creating chance after chance though and it seemed sure that they would go over soon but the goal line defence was too strong by Racing Metro and 34 minutes in, it was very lucky they were still 7-0 up. They finally broke though, a minute from half time with a break away try. Paterson timed his ball perfectly passing it, milliseconds before he got tackled by the opposing fullback and Vainikolo after shrugging off a tackle ran away to score under the posts. Berquist converted the try with ease, which everyone should do right in front and it looked like it was going to be 7-7 at half time. What wasn’t expected was for Berquist to run half the field before laying it off to Shoemark who sprinted all the way to the goal line before going over for the Highlanders second try and to go into the break 14-7 up. The Highlanders had dominated possession in the first half with 62% of it and would hope to maintain their momentum into the second half.

Racing Metro Score First

Vainikolo Gets the Highlanders Back On Level Terms

Shoemark gives the Highlanders the Lead going into Half Time​

It took 11 minutes into the second half for the first points to be scored and it was Racing Metro who drew back level through a try from Dan Scarbrough. The try was right in front of the uprights and was easily converted to bring it back to 14-14. It remained level and even for so long but Racing Metro finally broke the deadlock with a try in the corner in the 77th minute. It had to be the game? And as the time ticked on, they couldn’t manage to score and Racing Metro had won 21-14 and another close game doesn’t go the way of the Highlanders. Now they can just focus on the league though. It’s Newport up next and hopefully they can record their first win there.

The Winning Try in the 77th Minute

Highlanders Disappointed after Another Defeat​

 

[Ollie_H]

Dissapointing for the Highlanders go down in their first two games. Israel Dagg is a very good upcoming talent. Have you downloaded an update to get the squads right for the world league and to get teams like Racing Metro in?

 

[hedger_14]

Yeah. It's the Rugby 08 Full Roster patch over on the Rugby forums. All the players are pretty much right other than a few transfers but I'm not the biggest Rugby supporter so I don't mind. I just love the game so I'm doing a story on it.

 

[CG123]

I don't normally come to the "other stories" section, but saw rugby story so I though I'd check it out.
Nice start anyway, two pretty close loses is always a disappointing way to start the season though.
Obviously World League Division 3 is fake, but it's an interesting idea, that I guess what never work in real life with all the traveling.
Does the World League thing come with the game, or did you/someone else just make it up?

 

[Chewie]

^ It's part of the game

Not too great a start from you so far, hopefully everything comes right in the next match

 

[-D-S-B-]

SWEET story bro! Good thing you chose my boys the Highlanders.
A great front row, and a great forward pack in general with one of the best hookers in the country on the bench.
Pure pace with Dagg, Smith and Fetu'u Vainakolo too. Good luck

 

[hedger_14]

Transfer Update


Highlanders have made 2 new signings with the 29 year old flanker, Juan Smith coming in with Nasi Manu, the Highlanders reserve Flanker going out. The other signing is a 29 year old prop, Nic Henderson who came in for Clint Newland. These 2 trades are first looked at as good trades to make and Juan Smith, the Flanker who has won 42 caps for his country will be a huge part of the Highlanders team as it would seem certain he would be in the starting XV. The Highlanders next game is at home against Newport and it would be a good opportunity to show off the new signings.

 

[-D-S-B-]

Sad to see Clint leave

 

[hedger_14]

March 5, 2010 - Highlanders Vs Newport


The Highlanders now after losing their opening 2 games weren’t looking in great shape. With the KO Cup out of the way, they could now only focus on the World League. They only made 3 changes, the 2 new players coming in, Juan Smith coming in for John Hardie, Nic Henderson in for Chris King and the only other change being Hayden Triggs out in place for Josh Bekhuis.


Highlanders

1. Jamie Mackintosh
2. Jason Macdonald
3. Nic Henderson
4. Tom Donnelly
5. Josh Bekhuis
6. Adam Thomson
7. Juan Smith
8. Stephen Setephano
9. Jimmy Cowan (C)
10. Matt Berquist
11. Fetu’u Vainikolo
12. Jason Shoemark
13. James Paterson
14. Ben Smith
15. Israel Dagg

16. Jason Rutledge
17. Chris King
18. Hayden Triggs
19. John Hardie
20. Scott Cowan
21. Michael Hobbs
22. Rob Robinson


Newport

1. Ali McKenzie
2. Tom Willis (C)
3. Ben Castle
4. Dan Lydiate
5. Luke Charteris
6. Joe Bearman
7. Lewis Evans
8. Robin Snowden-Taylor
9. Wayne Evans
10. Matthew Jones
11. Will Harries
12. Rhodri Gomer-Davies
13. Matt Watkins
14. Aled Brew
15. Ashley Smith

16. Steve Jones
17. Hugh Gustafson
18. Adam M. Jones
19. Gavin Thomas
20. Danny Lee
21. Shaun Connor
22. Duane Goodfield


Will the Welsh team manage to surprise the Highlanders here today and add to their woes? Let’s head down to the kickoff and find out. The Highlanders went risky on the first play of the day out of the maul which had formed from the kickoff. Shoemark received the pass before going for the chip over the defenders head. They regained the ball and cleared it down field next phase before Ashley Smith caught the ball and called the mark. The Highlanders had won a penalty in the 5th minute 30 metres out and Cowan opted for the kick at goal, which Berquist easily put over to give the Highlanders a 3-0 lead. Newport Dragons took the lead though in the 18th minute when Brew went over in the corner. The try was unconverted though which meant Newport had a 5-3 lead. A great hit from Mackintosh saw a turnover 10 metres out from the line which brought a try through Shoemark 2 phases later as he fended off one before his momentum in the next tackle carried him over the line as he put it on the ground to have the Highlanders 8-5 in front with a kick to come. The try was converted to put them 10-5 in front but it wasn’t long before Newport went over right in front to give them back the lead at 12-10 just before half time. It wasn’t good for the Highlanders though then Berquist went down injured, bringing on Scott Cowan. So it was 12-10 at the break with the game in the balance.

Shoemark plays a Risky Kick on the First Play of the Game

Brew Scores in the Corner and Newport Lead 5-3

Great tackle from Mackintosh Dislodging the Ball

Shoemark Scores to Give Highlanders the Lead

Berquist Goes down Injured and Has to be Taken Off​

10 minutes into the second half, Newport had won a penalty for a Highlanders defender being offside. They went for goal and put it over easily to extend the lead to 5 points. A bad kick off a mark proved costly for Newport as the substitute, Scott Cowan ran up the field before letting it off to the winger who drew in the defender before putting Paterson in to score who ran around to do so under the posts and Israel Dagg, the reserve kicker put it over to give the Highlanders a 2 point lead. Ben Smith went so close to scoring after some innovation after grubbering across field before regaining and putting in another grubber and picked up the ball but he was brought down a metre out and a turnover was forced. Ben Smith went over himself though with a try he deserved after playing a good game and it would probably seal the game with 10 minutes to go as long as the try was converted but with Israel Dagg taking it about 10 metres in from touch, it wouldn’t be easy. The kick was great, going high in the air, always looking like going in and it sailed through the posts and the Highlanders led 24-15. Could they take a bonus point though by scoring another try? They couldn’t score the bonus point try but I don’t think it worried them too much as they turned out 24-15 winners. It was a deserved result. Everyone played well and I can’t see many if any changes for the next game. News from the Berquist injury has also come through and they’re saying it is a pinched nerve and he will be out for about 2 weeks. This could open up room for Cowan or Hobbs, depending on what the coach wants to go with.

Paterson's Try Puts Highlanders back in front

Ben Smith's Try Seals the Game

The Highlanders Celebrate a Hard Fought Victory​

 

[-D-S-B-]

Good win there, nice to see a few try's too. Is Alando Soakai rated bad or something? He should be up there with the best of them, captain of Otago, he's surely better than John Hardie any way. Bloody game ratings

This is on hard right?

 

[hedger_14]

Soakai isn't rated as high as Hardie, he's like 3 rating points lower. And yes, I'm playing on elite.

 

[hedger_14]

March 13, 2010 - Glasgow Vs Highlanders


The Highlanders would be looking for another win after their win at home against Newport the previous week. There were a fair few changes made to the lineup, with Macdonald dropped for Rutledge. Josh Bekhuis also not having a great run of form was dropped for Triggs who came into the Second Row. Michael Hobbs was given the position at fly half in place of the injured Berquist while the previously injured Lynn came back into the side in place of Paterson. Chris Noakes was the player who moved onto the bench in to replace Hobbs who had moved into the starting XV. Glasgow were going to be a tough target, with the Highlanders away from home for the first time in the league season.


Highlanders

1. Jamie Mackintosh
2. Jason Rutledge
3. Nic Henderson
4. Tom Donnelly
5. Hayden Triggs
6. Adam Thomson
7. Juan Smith
8. Stephen Setephano
9. Jimmy Cowan (C)
10. Michael Hobbs
11. Fetu’u Vainikolo
12. Jason Shoemark
13. Kenny Lynn
14. Ben Smith
15. Israel Dagg

16. Jason Macdonald
17. Chris King
18. Josh Bekhuis
19. John Hardie
20. Scott Cowan
21. Chris Noakes
22. Rob Robinson


Glasgow

1. Kevin Tkachuk
2. Dougie Hall
3. Justin Va’a
4. Alastair Kellock
5. John Barclay
6. John Beattie
7. Richie Vernon
8. James Eddie
9. Chris Cusiter
10. Ruaridh Jackson
11. Thom Evans (C)
12. Rob Dewey
13. Max Evans
14. DTH van der Merwe
15. Bernardo Stortoni

16. Fergus Thomson
17. Julio Garcia
18. Richie Gray
19. Dan Turner
20. Hefin O’Hare
21. Colin Gregor
22. Graeme Morrison


The first 8 or so minutes of the game just alternated between each end, Israel Dagg kept busy having to take a few high bombs but he showed his talent by plucking them out of the air with ease. Israel Dagg was in fine form and was already showing his importance so early in the season after some good games previously. The first attacking opportunity came from a penalty to the Highlanders where Hobbs put it into touch to give the Highlanders an attacking opportunity inside the opposition 22. It was some poor defence though by Glasgow in the maul from the lineout as the Highlanders forwards pushed them over the line before Tom Donnelly took the ball and planted it down and 10 minutes in, the Highlanders led 5-0. Unfortunately, the conversion from Hobbs went just right and the score line stayed at 5-0. Not long after though, Glasgow pulled back level and an easy conversion put them 7-5 in front. The Highlanders looked the better of the sides though and a great run from Dagg from 30 metres or so out saw him fend off 2 players before going over to give the Highlanders the lead again. Hobbs made no mistake this time though putting it over with ease and it was 12-7 through 26 minutes. Despite the chances that the Highlanders made towards the end of the half, they were unable to build on their lead and led 12-7 at the break. They needed to hold on in the second half though.

Donnelly Scores an Easy Try to give Highlanders the Lead

Highlanders Poor Defending costs them their Lead

Dagg’s Great Run puts Highlanders ahead Again​

A dangerous tackle 13 minutes into the second half gave Max Evans the chance to put 3 points on the board and did so easily to bring the game back to within 2 points. It had been pretty even so far in the second half but how would the rest of the game turn out like. The kickoff didn’t work out great either as a dangerous tackle, while the ball carrier was still in the air gave Glasgow a penalty. Vainikolo showed his defensive qualities pulling out an incredible tackle on his opposing winger taking out his legs and pushing him over the sideline, about 5 metres out. That could have been a match winning moment. A drop goal from the fly half, Jackson though put Glasgow 1 point in front at 13-12 and with 12 minutes to go, it was going down to the wire. The game was sealed though in the 79th minute when Glasgow went over for another try to have them 18-12 in front with a kick to come. The try was converted and Glasgow had gone home 20-12 winners although the Highlanders could have felt that they should have won.

A Tackle in the Air didn’t turn out well as a Penalty was Given

Incredible Tackle Denies van der Merwe a Try

Drop Goal puts Glasgow a Point in Front​