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Highlanders star hit with last-minute injury blow ahead of Super Rugby Aotearoa opener against Chiefs
By Alex McLeod
The Highlanders have been hit with a significant injury blow just hours ahead of the Super Rugby Aotearoa opener against the Chiefs.
All Blacks first-five Josh Ioane has been ruled out of the clash with a groin injury sustained during training, and has thus been withdrawn from Saturday's blockbuster clash in Dunedin.
The one-test playmaker had initially been named in the No. 10 jersey to pair up with fellow New Zealand international Aaron Smith in the halves, but his late injury has since forced a re-shuffle in the backline.
Mitch Hunt - who started at first-five in all of the Highlanders' Super Rugby matches earlier this year while Ioane played one spot outside him at No. 12 - will move back into the No. 10 role after originally being named to play at fullback.
That means All Blacks Sevens star Vilimoni Koroi will make his Highlanders debut from fullback instead of off the bench, while Bryn Gatland has the chance to face off against his father and Chiefs head coach, Warren, from off the bench.
In a statement released on Saturday afternoon, the Highlanders said Ioane will be further assessed next week, during which time the Dunedin club will observe a bye.
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Latest Comments
HAHAHAHA typical.. there is no where near 90% of the top players in Europe Nick. Those playing in Brazil and Argentina still are probably better that 90% of the none top 5 european leagues.
Even just because these australians are in Europe, does not make them better than those at home. And that goes for nearly all the nations with heavy representation in europe.
What you're trying to say is europe is were 90% of the money in football is, that would get your point across better.
Go to commentsScott Robertson wants his men to push through and sight their targets to help minimise errors from rushed and frustrating brain explosions.
This test match will highlight if the entire coaching staff can select from the All Blacks sqaud, a team capable of producing the necessary and silencing their critics.
Go the All Blacks...looking to have the rub of green again vs Ireland... onwards and upwards.
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