Highlanders challenged by squad depth early in season

Despite naming new recruit Andrew Hore and veteran Highlander and former captain Jimmy Cowan in their starting lineup, the men from the Deep South will again be wary of their squad depth as a record length Investec Super Rugby season begins.

The Highlanders blazed through the first half of 2011 Super Rugby, winning seven of nine matches, but finished the season with a wet sail, losing six of their last seven fixtures.

Lack of squad depth and a horror injury toll were key reasons for the Highlanders finishing unable to mount a maiden Super Rugby Final’s Series appearance since 2002.

The Highlanders first pre-season opponent the Crusaders will not field a full strength team, holding the bulk of their All Blacks in check, which will allow the wider members of Jamie Joseph’s squad to get a taste of action.

Andrew Hore will make his debut appearance for the Highlanders.

However fellow former Hurricanes Hosea Gear is on Sevens duty, while James Haskell and Tamati Ellison are still to link up with the team, currently playing rugby in Japan.

Colin Slade, Jarrad Hoeta, Siale Piutau, Jamie Mackintosh, Josh Bekhuis and Kurt Baker are still to exit the recovery ward, and the Highlanders will be hoping that the long list will not be duplicated during the season proper.

Culum Retallick will join Hore as a new Highlander, while wider squad members Daniel Ramsay and Glenn Dickson have been named.

Highlanders team to play the Crusaders:

1 – Bronson Murray
2 – Andrew Hore
3 – Ma'afu Fia
4 – Daniel Ramsay
5 – Culum Retallick
6 – Adam Thomson
7 – John Hardie
8 – Elliot Dixon
9 – Jimmy Cowan
10 – Lima Sopoaga
11 – Kade Poki
12 – Glenn Dickson
13 – Kendrick Lynn
14 – Telusa Veainu
15 – Ben Smith
16 – Jason Rutledge
17 – Chris King
18 – Hoani MacDonald
19 – Doug Tietjens
20 – Aaron Smith
21 – Chris Noakes
22 – Buxton Popoali'i
23 – Nemia Kenatale
24 – Nick Crosswell
25 – Brayden Mitchell
26 – Nasi Manu

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