Highlanders 2018
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@nepia said in Highlanders 2018:
And another Magpie winds up at a franchise other than the Canes.
Surprised that Renton has been surpassed in the rankings though (when he finally started looking the goods).
I think Hugh Renton has suffered a lot from the general misery at the Magpies and who knows what impact his (incredibly sad) private circumstances (which I don't want to post on a public forum) have had on him this year.
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Ben Smith and Ash Dixon have been confirmed as the co-Captains for the Pulse Energy Highlanders for the second year running.http://thehighlanders.co.nz/news/862-ben-smith-and-ash-dixon-named-as-co-captain-s
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Highlanders Bravehearts Side to play Crusader Knights (Saturday 10 March, k/o 1.30pm @ Linfield Park, Christchurch) :
1 Guy Millar
2 Sekonia Pole
3 Kalolo Tuiloma
4 Paripari Parkinson
5 Josh Dickson (vc)
6 Kyle Harris
7 Phil Halder
8 Hame Toma
9 Kayne Hammington (c)
10 Josh Ioane
11 Yoshikazu Fujita
12 Terence Hepetema
13 Sio Tomkinson
14 Josh Timu
15 Josh McKay
REPLACEMENTS:
16. Sam Sturgess
17. Morgan Mitchell
18. Jonah Aoina
19. Maanaki Selby-Rickit
20. Joketani Koroi
21. Taiki Koyama
22. Matt Whaanga
23. Taylor Haugh -
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The Highlanders Bravehearts lost their curtain raiser to Japan 'A': 12 -13 (HT: 0 - 13)
Edited to add that in this game, Tevita Nabura got red-carded for a high tackle after about 12 minutes and that also Tyrel Lomax spent 10 minutes in the bin during the first half.
Bravehearts' try scorers: Josh Dickson, Matt Whaanga
Line-ups (note: Robbie Robinson in the Japanese squad at 22)
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While the other Kiwi franchises still have lengthy injury lists, the news is much better for the Highlanders. They didn't pick up any fresh casualties on Saturday night, and only three members of their squad - Squire (thumb), Richard Buckman (neck) and Thomas Umaga-Jensen (shoulder) - didn't play for either the Highlanders or their development team (against Japan A) at the weekend, Mauger said. -
Buckman expected to return in 3 or 4 weeks. Tevita Li has returned from SA and is out of action due to a foot injury. Li has been replaced in the squad by Josh McKay. Thomas Umaga-Jensen will be available after the June break.
Buckman, who played four different positions through 13 games last season, injured a nerve in his neck during pre-season and hasn't featured during the Highlanders' 6-2 start to this year's campaign. But that could change before Super Rugby goes into hiatus for June's international window. Speaking ahead of the Highlanders' fixture against the Sharks in Durban on Sunday morning (NZT), head coach Aaron Mauger said Buckman was on track to return to the side in three or four weeks. "He's improving really well . . . we probably could test him about now, but it's not going to do him any good in the long run," Mauger said. "We want to make sure he is 100 per cent at his best strength wise, and also mentally around being able to approach the game with full confidence around his neck and shoulder. Hopefully that's not too far away for us." Should he get back on the park for the Highlanders before the June break, Mauger indicated he would first have to prove his fitness in club rugby. Buckman recently signed a two-year deal with Japan side Kobe, and his return to the Dunedin-based franchise for the 2019 Super Rugby season has not yet been confirmed.That's timely news considering in-form wing Tevita Li could miss time through a foot injury which forced him to fly home from South Africa after last week's win against the Bulls. Li, who was replaced by rookie Josh McKay, was scheduled to undergo an MRI scan in Dunedin on Friday, Mauger confirmed. Meanwhile, uncapped midfielder Thomas Umaga-Jensen, sidelined all season with a shoulder injury, will be available after the June break. -
Highlanders confirm players for 2019
The Pulse Energy Highlanders have announced the re-signing of several players for 2019 including All Blacks Waisake Naholo and Liam Squire. Highlanders CEO Roger Clark said “We have been working for some time to confirm our squad for next year and we are delighted that so many of our experienced players have chosen to commit to us again for 2019. We appreciate good players will always have options so their commitment to the Highlanders enables us to look toward next season with some certainty” Naholo arrived from the Blues in 2015 and played a big part in securing the Highlanders first championship and was also part of the World Cup winning All Blacks in that year. A crowd favourite he has scored 36 tries for the Highlanders with his strength and electrifying pace. Naholo is looking forward to another season with the Highlanders “Dunedin and the Highlanders have been good for me, my career really started when I came here. I love playing for this team especially at home under the roof. I have had plenty of great times and I am keen to continue next season”. The full list of those who have re-signed for 2019 is: Waisake Naholo Liam Squire Rob Thompson James Lentjes Kayne Hammington Siate Tokolahi Head Coach Aaron Mauger was also pleased to be re-signing players well before next season begins “building and maintaining a competitive Super Rugby squad is a challenging process and requires a great deal of planning to get the right balance. All the guys we are re-signing now are central to our future and are quality men and players, it’s great to have them on board for 2019.” There are further signings to be announced in the next few days. -
Whitelock Recommits to Highlanders, New Zealand Rugby and Canterbury
All Blacks loose forward Luke Whitelock has recommitted to the Highlanders, Canterbury and New Zealand Rugby to the end of 2019. Whitelock, who made his debut for the All Blacks in 2013, has played a total of 84 Super Rugby matches, which includes 34 matches for the Highlanders. “I feel I am playing some of my best rugby at the moment and I am really enjoying my time in Dunedin and with the Highlanders. “I am glad the decision to stay has been made and now I can focus on playing as best I can for the Highlanders and the All Blacks.” said Whitelock. Whitelock captained the Highlanders to an historic win against the British and Irish Lions in 2017 and has led Canterbury to three consecutive titles in the Mitre 10 Cup. Pulse Energy Highlanders Head Coach Aaron Mauger said the club is delighted to have Whitelock recommit. “Luke is a quality guy, outstanding player and is a key part of our leadership group in the Highlanders. As a club we are delighted that he has recommitted to us until the end of 2019.” All Blacks Coach Steve Hansen echoed Mauger’s sentiment. “It’s great that an All Black and senior player in his Super club and province has recommitted to New Zealand. His leadership potential was evident when he captained the All Blacks against the French XV last year, so we congratulate him on his decision.” Canterbury Coach Joe Maddock said Whitelock’s leadership skills are invaluable. “Luke has been an important member of Canterbury Rugby for the past seven seasons, and an inspirational captain, leading the side to consecutive titles in the 2015, 2016 and 2017. “His strength lies in his ability to lead by example; he’s a tough, uncompromising player, has a work ethic that is second to none and gets the best out of those around him. We are fortunate to have a player of his character re-commit to the red and black jersey,” said Maddock. Whitelock played for New Zealand Schools in 2008, was a member the World Championship New Zealand Under 20 squad in 2010 and captained the team in 2011. He made his All Black debut in Japan in 2013 and regained selection in 2017, captaining the All Blacks against a French XV. His brothers Sam and George have also represented the All Blacks.
