Teihorangi Walden might not have been the first choice to take over the vacant spot in the Highlanders midfield this season, but when the opportunity came, the 24-year-old made the most of it.
When Malakai Fekitoa left the Highlanders at the end of the 2017 season, it left a holein their lineup. While it was expected Rob Thompson and Richard Buckman would join forces in the middle of the park, an injury to Buckman forced coach Aaron Mauger to look elsewhere.
And giving Walden the opportunity has already proved a great choice.
After making just three appearances – all off the bench - in 2017 for a combined 29 minutes of action, the young midfielder has stepped up in a big way.
Averaging around nine tackles, three tackle busts, 60 running metres, 50 kicking metres and a line break per game, Walden has impressed in his five appearances this year.
"He's just gone out there and done his job," Mauger said. "He's a good team man and he's been the real glue in the backline.
Teihorangi Walden is among the Highlanders leaders in average running metres per game. Photo / Photosport
"He's not a big man, but he plays tough and gives us everything we need."
Walden and Thompson have formed a strong partnership in the middle of the backline and have been willing to show their kicking game – both having assisted tries off the boot. They'll link up again when the side face the Blues in Auckland on Friday night.
The Auckland club have been struggling with injuries in recent weeks, however Mauger said the Highlanders were not paying attention to people saying it should be an easy win for his side.
"As soon as you start buying into that sort of chat you take you eye off the ball and lose focus on your own process."
The match was the first of three on the road for the Dunedin-based club, with two matches in South Africa next on the schedule.
HIGHLANDERS: Ben Smith (cc), Waisake Naholo, Rob Thompson, Teihorangi Walden, Tevita Li, Lima Sopoaga, Kayne Hammington, Luke Whitelock, Dillon Hunt, Shannon Frizell, Tom Franklin, Jackson Hemopo, Siate Tokolahi, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Ash Dixon (c). Reserves: Liam Coltman, Aki Seiuli, Tyrel Lomax, Alex Ainley, Elliot Dixon, Aaron Smith, Fletcher Smith, Matt Faddes.
BLUES: Stephen Perofeta, Jordan Hyland, Orbyn Leger, TJ Faiane, Rieko Ioane, Bryn Gatland, Jonathan Ruru, Akira Ioane, Kara Pryor, Dalton Papali'i, Jimmy Tupou, Patrick Tuipulotu, Ofa Tuungafasi/Mike Tamoaieta, James Parsons (c), Pauliasi Manu. Reserves: Matt Moulds/Leni Apisai, Ross Wright, Tamoaieta/Sione Mafileo, Ben Neenee, Murphy Taramai, Sam Nock, Tumua Manu, Matt Duffie.
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