In the realm of Super Rugby, followers who appreciate the tales of underdogs will undoubtedly be drawn to the Highlanders, based in Dunedin, New Zealand. Positioned as the world’s southernmost major professional sports team, they embody the spirit of determination and perseverance. This season, the Highlanders have achieved a 2-1 record, most recently securing victory against Moana Pasifika on Friday. Their accomplishments include a noteworthy triumph over the Auckland-based Blues, who are not only the defending champions but also the favorites for this year’s title.
Their narrow 31-29 victory over Moana Pasifika is indicative of the season’s trend, characterized by high scores and tight contests. Indeed, nine out of 15 matches to date have been decided by a margin of five points or fewer, highlighting the competitive nature of the matches.
The Highlanders distinguish themselves in modern professional sports by prioritizing local talent. Their commitment to nurturing homegrown players rather than costly external recruits is a testament to their dedication to their community. This approach resonates deeply within their hometown, Dunedin, a city known for its Scottish ancestry and relaxed atmosphere, enriched by the presence of Otago University and its student population.
Once positioned at Carisbrook, an old stadium open to fierce winds, fans engaged in the unique tradition of burning sofas during games. Today, their matches are held at a new enclosed stadium near the university, with an area known as “the zoo” reserved for lively students. The atmosphere was particularly vibrant recently when the Highlanders triumphed over the Blues during the university’s orientation week.
The Highlanders, often featuring colorful characters over standout stars, currently boast only two All Blacks in their lineup. Fans continue to cherish memorable personalities such as Kees Meeuws, known for his on-field tenacity, and Brendan Laney, a player with Scottish connections who earned caps for Scotland. Marty Banks, who traversed from Siberia to New Zealand’s southernmost city, Invercargill, adds to their roster of celebrated players.
Participating in Super Rugby for 29 years, the Highlanders have secured the title once, notably in 2015 when they defied odds to defeat the favored Hurricanes before a 35,000-strong crowd in Wellington.
Jamie Joseph, a seasoned coach who guided the team during their 2015 win, has returned to lead them once again. Joseph played for Otago and New Zealand and spent seven years coaching Japan’s national team before his homecoming. “Coming back to Dunedin was inevitable,” Joseph shared, expressing his enduring connection to the club.
Building upon the legacy of Gordon Hunter, the Highlanders’ inaugural coach who passed away in 2001, Joseph maintains the values of physical toughness and local pride central to the team ethos. The trophy contested between the Highlanders and Blues, named after Hunter, was reclaimed by the Highlanders last weekend.
Joseph upholds the traditions of resilience and team spirit, guiding the Highlanders to third place among 11 teams in the current Super Rugby standings, proving once again that the heart of an underdog beats strong in Dunedin.
