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Nine-try Highlanders thump Stormers
By Peter Thompson
Patrick Osborne marked his 50th Highlanders appearance by scoring two tries and Waisake Naholo also claimed a brace in a ruthless 57-14 Super Rugby rout of Stormers.
The 2015 champions ran riot at Forsyth Barr Stadium on Friday, turning on the style to stretch their winning run to five matches in devastating fashion.
Wing Osborne was outstanding in his landmark appearance for the in-form Dunedin-based franchise, helping himself to a first-half double as Highlanders scored nine tries in a ruthless demolition job.
Aaron Smith pulled the strings in a magnificent all-round performance from Tony Brown's side, who led 31-7 at half-time after Nizaam Carr's converted try had put Stomers in front early on.
FULLTIME: @Highlanders make it five-in-a-row as they dispatch @stormers with ease in Dunedin #HIGvSTO https://t.co/Vv0cdSlvlt pic.twitter.com/ASrVQnLMTw
— Super Rugby (@SuperRugby) April 28, 2017
Naholo and Liam Squire added further tries before the impressive Rob Thompson took a superb offload from Osborne to go under the posts before the break as Highlanders produced free-flowing rugby of the highest order.
New Zealand wing Naholo scored a second try following the interval and there were also tries for Dillon Hunt, Greg Pleasants-Tate and Matt Faddes in a Highlanders masterclass, with Stormers slipping to a third consecutive defeat.
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Latest Comments
It certainly needs to be cherished. Despite Nick (and you) highlighting their usefulness for teams like Australia (and obviously those in France they find form with) I (mention it general in those articles) say that I fear the game is just not setup in Aus and NZ to appreciate nor maximise their strengths. The French game should continue to be the destination of the biggest and most gifted athletes but it might improve elsewhere too.
I just have an idea it needs a whole team focus to make work. I also have an idea what the opposite applies with players in general. I feel like French backs and halves can be very small and quick, were as here everyone is made to fit in a model physique. Louis was some 10 and 20 kg smaller that his opposition and we just do not have that time of player in our game anymore. I'm dying out for a fast wing to appear on the All Blacks radar.
But I, and my thoughts on body size in particular, could be part of the same indoctrination that goes on with player physiques by the establishment in my parts (country).
Go to commentsHis best years were 2018 and he wasn't good enough to win the World Cup in 2023! (Although he was voted as the best player in the world in 2023)
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