The Highlanders' season sits at the crossroads after a disappointing 33-26 loss to the Blues in Auckland last night. The Highlanders lacked accuracy with the ball in hand last night and there was a real lack of X-factor from a side which seems to have lost its way. The tactic of kicking the ball away is clearly not working and the side lacks confidence - not helped by constant selection changes. The Highlanders had periods of dominance in the first 40 minutes, enjoying a pushover try from a 5m scrum after 17 minutes. The Blues broke through the Highlanders defence and, after a couple of nice passes, the ball went to Ioane 5m out and he went over.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 22, 2019 15:33 UTC