Highlanders vs Reds: The Talking Points.
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The Highlanders were made to dig deep by the Reds on Friday morning as they narrowly beat them 36-31 at the Forsyth Barr Stadium. Here are three of the main talking points form the entertaining fixture.
Reds attacking attitude
It has been a while since we have seen the Aussie side come out with such an attack-minded attitude in Super Rugby. The Reds were absolutely relentless with the ball in hand from the get-go and they cause the Landers all sorts of problems in the first and second half.
Tries from Chris Feauai-Sautia, Mosses Sorovi, Izack Rodda and Feao Fotuaika kept the Reds in touching distance for most of the game but sadly all they walked away with was an attacking bonus point and a defensive point.
Faddes Factor
Matt Faddes came on as an early substitution for Rob Thompson in the game and boy did he make a HUGE impact for the New Zealand side.
In the 34th minute of the match Faddes sliced through the Reds defence which allowed, Josh Dixon, to get close to the line, but when the Highlanders backs get the ball, they have numbers to burn and Ben Smith dots over the line.
In 74th minute made another incredible Faddes break, this time down the right touch-line and found Ben Smith inside him. The fullback should have pinned his ears back and, but feed Walden instead, who is brought down short. The ball eventually got spreads left for Dillion Hunt to cross with an overlap.
Faddes also made a really important steal in the last few minutes of the match which allowed the Highlanders to kick the ball downfield and it ultimately sealed the win for them.
Highlanders quick ball on attack
In general, the game was fierce and very fast paced but something must be said on how quick Aaron Mager’s side moved the ball. Aaron Smith obviously had a lot to do with the pace of the game on the Landers side and he made sure the Reds defence did not have enough time to set up in front of him.
The Landers made 603 meters in the game and they also produced 161 passes and made 81 gain line carries.
