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Highlanders targeting first-five from rival New Zealand franchise
By Online Editors
The Highlanders are looking to make a bold move to shore up their first-five eighth stocks, attempting to sign away a 10 from another New Zealand franchise, according to a report by Stuff.
With longtime starter Lima Sopoaga moving on from the franchise last year, the Highlanders signed Blues first five Bryn Gatland, along with fan favourite Marty Banks, to compete with Josh Ioane this season. All three have received game time this season but the Highlanders haven't settled on one guy.
The report suggests the Highlanders are closing in a multi-year deal to sign Crusaders' first-five Mitch Hunt, who himself is limited for game time behind All Black Richie Mo'unga. The Tasman Mako has come through the New Zealand under-20's and Crusader system and now looks to defect south to further his career.
After Canterbury's pivot Brett Cameron was given an All Blacks cap late last year against Japan, Hunt's standing in the pecking order seems to be under threat from the third choice 10.
Hunt is set to receive a rare start against the Sharks on Friday night, however with Mo'unga recently coming to terms with a multi-year deal with NZR, going forward, those opportunities would seem to be just as few and far between.
The Highlanders may have to shed some of their playmakers to accommodate Hunt, and Banks might just be that man as he comes off-contract at the end of the year and has been injured with a broken foot suffered against the Hurricanes. Bryn Gatland, who hasn't had much game time to impress, had his own season-ending injury after coming off the bench during the Highlanders’ 52-0 thumping of the Sunwolves in Tokyo last Friday.
Head coach Aaron Mauger remained coy about pursuing Hunt but did confirm the franchise is looking for a first five-eighth.
Wales head coach Warren Gatland announces World Cup squad:
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Latest Comments
The New Zealand performance in the return fixture in 2016 was filthy. A lot of Irish supporters were pretty shocked by it, viewed it as de facto cheating just to avoid another defeat.
Also shocked by the abuse to Ireland, captain, vice-captain and spectators after the full time whistle in Paris defeat, last match.
Sledging is sledging, but that happens during the game and targetting spectators should be completely out of bounds.
The Irish public used to enjoy these matches, even in defeat. Now they are necessary but unpleasant, because NZ apparently cannot accept or respect successful challengers.
Go to commentsThanks for the analysis Nick, thought provoking as usual. Couple of queries though, in the pic where you've circled Williams bind , I'm pretty sure it shows Stuart's knee on the ground, surely that's a NZ penalty? Also having had the chance to watch it again the All Black scrum seeems to improve after halftime, but before either England or the All Blacks replace their props. Not sure if that was the result of Tuipolutu coming on or some halftime tips. Either way this is only Williams second international season, so he'll be better for the experience.
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