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The Highlanders finished in eighth position on the overall Super Rugby table in 2012. They’ll be looking to build on the progress that was made last season.
The Squad
Front Row: Liam Coltman, Andrew Hore, Jamie Mackintosh, Ma’afu Fia, Chris King, Brayden Mitchell, Tony Woodcock
Locks: Josh Bekhuis, Brad Thorn, Joe Wheeler
Loosies: Tim Boys, Elliot Dixon, John Hardie, Jarrad Hoeata, Nasi Manu, Jake Paringatai
Halfbacks: Aaron Smith, Fumiaki Tanaka
First Fives: Hayden Parker, Colin Slade, Lima Sopoaga
Centres: Phil Burleigh, Tamati Ellison, Jason Emery, Ma’a Nonu, Shaun Treeby
Wings: Hosea Gear, Declan O’Donnell, Kade Poki
Fullbacks: Buxton Popoalii, Ben Smith
The Draw
It’s a very nice draw for the Highlanders. They do not leave New Zealand until round 13, which will give all of the new combinations plenty of time to gel before heading overseas.
Aside from the usual home and away local derbies, they play the Cheetahs, Reds, Brumbies and Sharks at home and have the Bulls, Kings, Force and Rebels to worry about away from home. Aside from the Bulls, they play very nice away fixtures.
Summary
I do not think I can remember a time when I have looked at the Highlanders’ backline and said “that’s a pretty lethal backline”.
But the 2013 edition is one lethal backline, with six players boasting All Blacks experience. The odd mane out (Poki) is not too shabby either. A backline of A.Smith, Slade, Ellison, Nonu, Poki, Gear and B.Smith will be enough to trouble many sides.
With some extra grunt and experience in their engine room, and the most potent backline in the history of the franchise, the Highlanders will be causing many headaches for other teams this season.
Adam Thomson is a big loss, but some very solid recruiting sees this Highlander outfit looking every bit a challenger, with some serious talent to burn.
It will all come down to how the side gels together, and how long it will take them to find their combinations.
I’m looking forward to seeing halfback Fumiaki Tanaka play some minutes in Super Rugby. He looked great at times in the ITM cup.
My biggest concern for this side might be keeping its best 15 players healthy, and we all know of Slade’s horror run with injuries. They don’t have too much depth, but their best lineup is a match for any side in the competition.
The Highlanders will be a serious threat for a finals spot.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.