Right now I've (slightly) gotten over that I will add a few more thoughts.
Overall it was an incredibly poor display by the Highlanders. They just didn't seem to turn up. I hate to say it but the 30 point margin probably flattered the Highlanders - if the Tahs had been more clinical in the 1st half the margin could well have been 50! This is not to say the Waratahs didn't deserve the big win - far from it, they played very well and are clearly a much better side than the Highlanders. I just don't think the Highlanders would have beaten any side in the competition the way they played...
I'll start with the positives for the Highlanders. The scrum was dominant in the 1st half, the lineout was good once Mitchell went off injured (though was shocking before that), Ben Smith was dangerous when he actually touched the ball, while Osbourne, Dixon, and Fekitoa made some good spot tackles.
That's where the positives end though. I won't list all the negatives (as that would take too long), but the biggest issues in my opinion were our inability to stop the Tahs ball runners behind the advantage line, our inability to slow down the Tahs ruck ball, completely aimless kicking, woeful midfield defense, and an inabilty to adjust to the Waratahs rush defense (there was in behind/out-wide but we seemed unwilling/incapable of exploiting this).
I do think the Tahs are now firm favourites for the ***le (if they weren't already) but I do think the Crusaders are their biggest threats. The Crusaders haven't been outstanding this season, but they are a much better side with Carter and their other previously injured players (Read, Dagg etc) back. The can get too lateral at times, but if executed correctly their style of play in the backs can be effective (e.g. the 1st 20 mins vs the Blues), and it can be particularly effective against a rush defense (like the Waratahs use). Kicking in behind could also be an effective tactic against the Tahs, and both Carter and Ellis are quick to identify space in behind. If the Waratahs and the Crusaders did meet in the playoffs I would still have the Tahs as slight favourites, but I would predict it would be a close match that could go either way.
As for the Highlanders..... Despite that hammering we are still firmly in playoff contention. I don't expect us to beat the Crusaders, but I imagine we will put on a much better performance. Even if we lose (without a bonus point) we are still a good chance of making the playoffs. If the Chiefs lose to the Blues we are in, but we will also be in if the Brumbies vs Force match isn't a draw or the losing side doesn't pick up 2 bonus points. If we secure a bonus point it almost guarantees us a spot (barring a high scoring draw between the Brumbies and the Force), but ideally we should just beat the Crusaders are get some momentum (and home advantage) going into the playoffs
