Rugby
1News

Highlanders hint at unleashing All Blacks in Super Rugby opener

February 12, 2019

The likes of Ben and Aaron Smith could face the Chiefs this weekend, says assistant coach Mark Hammett.

Highlanders coach Mark Hammett has teased the potential return of his side's All Blacks stars, ahead of their Super Rugby season opener against the Chiefs on Friday.

Returning for a staggered pre-season, due to both the 2018 northern tour and one eye on the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan, all five Kiwi Super Rugby sides will manage the workloads of their All Blacks stars this season, which begins this weekend.

For the Highlanders, the likes of Ben and Aaron Smith, as well as Liam Squire and Waisake Naholo will all be in contention for Steve Hansen's World Cup squad, although coach Hammett has hinted that fans might be in for a treat this opening weekend.

"[You'll] find out that on Wednesday - is that selection day?" Hammett joked.

Hammett also said that the Highlanders' All Blacks stars have been involved in pre-season, allowing for them to feature early in Super Rugby 2019.

"They haven't just walked through the door this week.

"They've got a pretty good idea, they've been involved for the last three weeks.

"We keep in touch pretty closely, and have a pretty good relationship before Christmas [and] after Christmas.

"They're not really coming in fresh, our job is that come Friday night they are fresh and ready to go."

The Highlanders will name their squad for their Super Rugby season opener, tomorrow.

SHARE ME

More Stories