Brown full of praise for Highlanders youngsters

Highlanders head coach Tony Brown sang the praises of his two least experienced players after Saturday’s victory over the Brumbies in Canberra.

Brown singled out debutant winger Sio Tomkinson and openside flanker Dillon Hunt for special praise after they delivered superb performances in the 18-13 triumph against the Australian Conference’s tabletoppers.

Tompkinson scored one of the Highlanders’ two tries and caught the eye with some big hits in defence.

“Nobody gets through Sio Tomkinson,” Brown told Stuff.

“He’s a punishing defender and he hit hard all day long.

“He left a few people on the ground, which is a trademark for him. He’s a star in the making and just defensively he’s so strong.”

Hunt combined well with his All Black back row partners, Luke Whitelock and Elliot Dixon, and he stood up well to the physical onslaught unleashed by the Brumbies’ forwards.

“Dillon Hunt was awesome tonight,” added Brown.

“I thought he had an outstanding game.

“We’re probably down to our fifth or sixth openside flanker. He’s not a bad replacement.”