Super 14

(Kick-off is GMT)

Saturday, March 27:
H'canes v Sharks (06.35)
Waratahs v Blues (08.40)
Force v Bulls (11.10)

Friday, April 2:
H'canes v C'saders (06.35)
Force v Stormers (10.05)

Saturday, April 3:
Blues v Bulls (04.30)
Chiefs v H'landers (06.35)
W'tahs v Cheetah (08.40)
Sharks v Reds (15.05)

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Super 14

Friday, March 26:
Highlanders 39-29 Lions
Brumbies 30-23 Chiefs
Cheetahs 10-31 Reds

Saturday, March 20:
Crusaders 46-19 Lions
Highlanders 16-30 Sharks
Force 10-14 Waratahs
Stormers 21-8 Cheetahs

Six Nations

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Newsletter

Super 14

Cowan leads revamped Highlanders

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 08:59

The return of captain Jimmy Cowan is one of an astonishing nine changes to the Highlanders team to face the Sharks in a Super 14 encounter at Carisbrook on Saturday.

Also back are two other key players - All Black loose forward Adam Thomson and flyhalf Michael Hobbs, following their one-week suspension for breaching team protocol.

Thomson and form inside back Hobbs were stood down from last week's 35-50 loss to the Bulls in Pretoria for breaking a team curfew, but coach Glenn Moore hasn't wasted any time reinserting them as the 11th-placed Highlanders look to revive a season that threatens to sink.

There are five changes in the forward pack and three in the inside backs - where Cowan returns at scrumhalf in place of Sean Romans, after recovering from a dislocated finger.

Hobbs' return comes at inside centre for Jason Shoemark, rather than the No.10 jersey where he has impressed this year - leaving room for exciting Southland flyhalf Robbie Robinson to make his Super 14 starting debut in place of Matt Berquist.

Out wide, James Paterson takes over the left wing from Fetu'u Vainikolo, but is up front where Moore has swung the axe with most vigour.

Hayden Triggs takes over from Tom Donnelly at lock, with the All Black second row forward having suffered an ankle injury against the Bulls. The Highlanders medical report said he will be sidelined for this week only.

Thomson (at No.8), John Hardie (on the flank), Clint Newland (tighthead prop) and Jason Rutledge (hooker) replace Steven Setephano, Tim Boys, Chris King and Jason MacDonald respectively.

Nasi Manu is also still sidelined for at least one more week due to a knee injury.

Highlanders: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Ben Smith, 13 Kenny Lynn, 12 Michael Hobbs, 11 James Paterson, 10 Robbie Robinson, 9 Jimmy Cowan (captain), 8 Adam Thomson, 7 Alando Soakai, 6 John Hardie, 5 Hayden Triggs, 4 Josh Bekhuis, 3 Clint Newland, 2 Jason Rutledge, 1 Jamie Mackintosh.
Replacements: 16. Jason Macdonald, 17 Chris King, 18 Joe Tuineau, 19 Tim Boys, 20 Sean Romans, 21 Jayden Hayward, 22 Fetu'u Vainikolo.

Date: Saturday, March 20
Venue: Carisbrook, Dunedin
Kick-off: 19.35 (06.35 GMT)
Referee: Jonathon White (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Garratt Williamson (New Zealand), Kane McBride (New Zealand)
TMO: Glenn Newman (New Zealand)