Although the Highlanders failed to get the win at home on Friday evening against the Hurricanes, Jamie Joseph’s side has highlighted and unearthed a talented winger, who has taken his opportunity with both arms through the opening rounds of Super Rugby Pacific.
Caleb Tangitau is no stranger to the top level, playing for the All Blacks Sevens side under Hurricanes coach Clark Laidlaw, and representing the U20 All Blacks in 2023.
On Friday night under the roof in Dunedin, fans were treated to another Tangitau special, picking off a sloppy Brad Shields pass, to run the length and score in front of the raucous ‘Zoo’ crowd.
Tangitau went from scorer to provider, showcasing fantastic initiative to smash a kick downfield, and with no one home for the Hurricanes, replacement playmaker Ajay Faleafaga scampered through under the posts to score.
Laidlaw quickly praised Tangitau and his performances so far this season, saying that the whole Sevens program under his guidance has excelled this season.
“I’m really pleased for Caleb to come down here and get an opportunity to play,” Laidlaw said post-match.
“The Highlanders are a team that often allows that to happen, and Caleb’s gonna be another example of that. So he should be really happy with the way he’s started the season.
“No, I’m not surprised at all. Leroy Carter, Fehi Fineanganofo, Che Clark and Payton Spencer, like we knew the type of players we were recruiting at sevens, how good they were, they were young men and had maturing to do, but the out-and-out talent was there for everybody to see.”
Highlanders head coach Jamie Joseph was also pleased with his winger’s efforts so far this season, admitting that Tangitau’s success also comes down to the enjoyment factor.
“Well, I think he’s a good, good example of a young man taking his opportunities, I think he’s fitter than he’s ever been.
“So you see him being able to identify the right spaces and the right opportunities at the right times, then get himself into position to actually use his skill.
“I think that’s the big the big thing for him, and he’s enjoying his rugby.”
The Highlanders winger amassed a game high two line breaks and eleven carries, proving the Auckland-born winger is more than just a finisher.
Tangitau’s two try involvements in Dunedin add to an impressive start to the season, where Tangitau scored a double against the Waratahs in round one, before scoring an intercept try in Auckland against Moana Pasifika.
