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Cam Miller to start for Highlanders against the Brumbies
By Ben Smith
The Highlanders have opted to start kicking ace Cam Miller for their crunch quarter-final against the Brumbies in Canberra.
Over the last few weeks of the season Ajay Faleafaga was handed the No 10 jersey but after not getting the results the side has gone back to the trusty hand of Cam Miller who is renown for his out-of-hand kicking.
After fielding a team full of youngsters last week, they have put forward their strongest possible line-up with the usual outside backs taking their places outside Miller.
The men from the south will be looking for against the odds victory with the Brumbies winning 11 of their last 12 Super Rugby Pacific clashes.
They have also won their last three against the Highlanders, presenting a tough challenge for Clarke Dermody's team.
“They have a strong home record and we will need to be at our best to challenge a team that has been a model of consistency all year," the head coach said.
"We’ve had a good preparation week and are excited by the challenge that finals footy offers.”
The Highlanders have a poor record in Australia, winning just one of their last nine across the ditch. In their last attempt they were shut out 31-0 by the Reds.
Highlanders v Brumbies – 7:35pm AEST (9:35pm NZT) Saturday 8th June, GIO Stadium, Canberra
- Ethan de Groot (CC)
- Henry Bell
- Jermaine Ainsley
- Mitch Dunshea
- Fabian Holland
- Oliver Haig
- Sean Withy
- Billy Harmon (CC)
- Folau Fakatava
- Cameron Millar
- Jona Nareki
- Sam Gilbert
- Tanielu Tele’a
- Timoci Tavatavanawai
- Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens
RESERVES
16. Jack Taylor
17. Daniel Lienert-Brown
18. Saula Ma’u
19. Max Hicks
20. Nikora Broughton
21. James Arscot
22. Jake Te Hiwi
23. Finn Hurley
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The “sameness” was caused by appointing Hansen’s mini-me, Foster, above his competency level. Foster’s 50% win rate as Head Coach of the Chiefs for 8 years, should’ve been instructive. He & his personally selected & targeted coaches then proceeded to coach the ABs into mediocrity for the best part of 3 seasons before the NZRFU took drastic action. Foster left the ABs role with a 69.57% win rate; the worse of those who had coached the ABs for a minimum of 30 tests, & 40 tests. Out of the 25 ABs Head Coaches, he ranks 20=. It’s going to take a huge effort for Razor & Scooter to squeeze the Foster stink out of the ABs environment, spiritually, mentally, emotionally, & professionally. With Ardie, Reiko, & others using descriptors such as “energising” & “refreshing”, it seems they’re off to a good start. For now, just win. ABs by 1pt will do me.
Go to commentsHis record as an All Black is not good enough to warrant the change to the eligibility rules. G Fox winning percentage 90% average over 10 points per game DW Carter winning percentage 88% average over 10 points per game AR Hewson winning percentage 84% average over 10 per game AW Cruden winning percentage 88% CJ Spencer winning percentage 77 % average 8.3 points per game DB Clarke winning percentage 77 % average 8.3 points per game R Mounga winning percentage 70% average 8.3 points per game. Time to move on.
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