The injury hit Highlanders Super Rugby side that travels to Sydney on Friday night has had to shuffle and bring in replacement players that will assist them in the important Round Four clash with the Waratahs.
Team sport is built on a foundation of fit and healthy players, and like other Super Rugby franchises, the Dunedin side have been hit hard. Several outside back injuries depleating their reserves; think Richard Buckman, Waisake Naholo and this week Patrick Osbourne, Jamie Joseph has searched wide and the franchise has brought in Otago winger Jack Wilson as cover for the ongoing injury issues. Wilson, recently playing for the England Sevens Rugby team, has returned to Otago where he was impressive in the 2015 ITM Cup season.
Wilson has not been selected for the Sydney match (possibly debut against The Force) Ryan Tongia slotting in to the right wing along with Matt Faddes, who is gaining confidence after his Man of the Match effort against the Lions last week. Tongia was a part of the Champion Hawke’s Bay side and has proved his value in past matches, so is the logical pick. Wilson’s signing benefits this side greatly, with a strong backline a key to the attacking ability for the Highlanders rugby team and for their fortunes in 2016.
The Waratahs game will be no easy match, as they have quality throughout with blockbusting men like Israel Folou , Wycliffe Palu, Dean Mumm and ex-Crusader Zac Guildford. A well rested side after their bye, expect fireworks between the two teams who met last in the semi final of 2015 (won by the Landers 17-35)
Winning away from home is critical, as wins will bring more fan belief for sides like the Highlanders. Important that the Dunedin side travel well, as they did in 2015 and to manage the teams performance. An influx of injuries see’s the Highlanders examine their needs and to secure Wilson is good management. That factor will require some skill in utilizing all available and fit players over the entire season. Not a uncommon issue, player availability, rotation and retention are primary roles where the General Manager and coaching staff must continually plan for all contingencies.
While injuries and player signings are key, recognition of long term players is a positive element in team sports. This week Liam Coltman plays his 50th game for the franchise. Speaking with AllBlacks.com the Otago native is showing promise and will be in competition with other hookers like James Parsons, in securing a position with the All Blacks in 2016.
“Every game in this competition is a tough game and the Waratahs are looking for a few more wins under their belt so they are going to come out firing on Friday so we’ve just got to be ready for that and really take the game to them,” Coltman said. “They’re a big and physical team, that’s always been part of their game, but they’ve also got some classy backs and real pace out wide, so we’re going to have to watch them all across the park,” he said.
The solid front rower knows his role, working beside Brendon Edmonds and Siosiua Halanukonuka this friday night. “Everyone knows their role they have in the team. When everyone is on form it is great and it works out like it did at the weekend. Guys scoring tries from anywhere is what we want to see.
“We’ve had a good couple of wins the last two games and it is a case of keeping going forward and focusing on what we do best,” Coltman said.
Joseph told fans via the Highlanders website “We’ll be celebrating Liam Coltman’s 50th match on Friday night too – an awesome achievement and one we’re all really proud of.”
If this side can manage their players welfare, if they can win away from home and retain form, then the Chiefs will be looking over their shoulders. The Dunedin side sit second on the New Zealand conference ladder, and four competition points will be valuable–a bonus point even better. Bringing in cover like Jack Wilson reinforces the professional set-up that Joseph and CEO Roger Clark have developed. With the head coach role now advertised, the Mainland franchise is doing all the right things to continue their path as reigning Super Rugby Champions.
This weekend, they can reinforce that affirmation with a win over the Waratahs.
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Note: The Highlanders and many other rugby fans have mourned this week, the sad death of former Fijian International, Leicester Tigers and Highlanders player Seru Rabeni. He passed away in Fiji this week, and the Super Rugby franchise joined others on social media in their sincere sympathy’s for friends and family of the big centre. Serau Rabeni, 37 years old, is survived by his wife and two children.
Saddened to hear of the passing of Seru Rabeni today, our thoughts are with your family. #Highlander92 pic.twitter.com/iou9hONsrS
— The Highlanders (@Highlanders) March 15, 2016
“Main photo credit”
