Rugby: Bekhuis holds high hopes at home

Josh Bekhuis has a dream of playing in black. Photo / Getty Images

It may be only the second round of the competition but the importance of tonight's match against the Blues is not lost on Highlanders lock Josh Bekhuis.

Bekhuis, who forms a solid locking partnership with Tom Donnelly, said the match tonight was one the Highlanders had to stamp their authority upon.

"It is a must-win game for us, really. In this sort of competition you need to get off to a good start.

"Also, with this being our first game at home, we want to do well," Bekhuis said.

"The guys started well last week and although we didn't win [against the Crusaders] we had some good moments. If we had managed to string a few more passes together then we would have been all right."

The 23-year-old Southlander put on an impressive effort last week, making a few runs out wide and winning his fair share of lineout ball.

He said he enjoyed an open game and getting his hands on the ball.

"It's something I've always wanted to do, but sometimes the way the game goes you can't always do that.

"But the new rules seem to help. There seemed to be a lot less kicking and for a lock that's good.

"You don't want to stand in the middle of the field for so long watching the ball go back and forwards."

The Highlanders needed to hang on to the ball more and play some football in the opening period tonight.

"They're in the same boat as us, losing their first game, so they are going to be really desperate. But they weren't far away last week and neither were we."

Bekhuis is into his second season with the southern franchise, but is already being tipped by some pundits as a future All Black.

"It's something that is always in the back of my mind and I've thought about it a bit more this year. But it comes back to playing well with the Highlanders and being consistent in my play."

Bekhuis will have a big part to play tonight if the Highlanders are to win. They showed promise against the Crusaders but need to be more clinical and not make costly errors.

The two teams are somewhat similar - both have exciting outside backs, a couple of relative greenhorns in the No 10 jersey, and solid packs. If anything, the Highlanders have the loose forward capabilities to shade the Blues.

It is a big match for Steven Setephano. The No 8 looked impressive in preseason matches and gets his chance after injury to Nasi Manu.

Michael Hobbs gets his chance to start and show he is more than a 40-minute cameo. Hobbs must be accurate with his goalkicking and steer his side around.

If he can get his side in the right parts of the field, and use the talents of those on the outside, the Highlanders will be in with more than a show.

- OTAGO DAILY TIMES