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Highlanders without All Blacks star for Crusaders derby while youngster ruled out for nine months

(Photo by Teaukura Moetaua/Getty Images)

The Highlanders will be tasked with taking down the Crusaders this Saturday without star playmaker Josh Ioane.

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The one-cap All Blacks first-five isn’t the only injury concern for the Dunedin franchise, with promising young wing Sam Gilbert ruled out of action for nine months after sustaining an ACL injury in last Saturday’s 27-24 defeat to the Blues in Auckland.

Ioane is yet to take part in the new Super Rugby Aotearoa competition after being a late withdrawal ahead of the opening match of the league against the Chiefs earlier this month.

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The 24-year-old picked up a groin injury on the eve of the 28-27 upset win at Forsyth Barr Stadium, and it is that injury that kept him out of the Blues clash at Eden Park three days ago.

Head coach Aaron Mauger indicated after that match that Ioane was on track to be available for selection for the highly-anticipated South Island derby, which will be held in Dunedin for the first time in over two years.

However, assistant coach Tony Brown revealed on Tuesday that Ioane will likely remain inactive this week.

“Josh is probably unlikely to be available this week,” Brown said. “He’s still got a bit of a groin issue.”

As a result, it’s likely Mitch Hunt – who has been used as the Highlanders’ No. 10 all year and shone against the Blues with a try and 14 points – will likely retain his role as the side’s pivot against his former side this weekend.

As for Gilbert, the 21-year-old left the field in considerable discomfort during the first half of the Blues encounter after he landed awkwardly after fielding a high pass.

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Along with Nehe Milner-Skudder, the Canterburian was called into the Highlanders squad as an injury replacement player leading into the Super Rugby Aotearoa campaign to cover for the likes of Connor Garden-Bachop, Tevita Nabura and Thomas Umaga-Jensen.

Brown confirmed no replacement player has yet been named, but ruled out the prospect of recruiting former All Blacks wing Julian Savea, who is a free agent after returning to New Zealand following his time with French club Toulon.

“Sam has unfortunately torn his ACL and he’ll be out for nine months,” Brown said.

“It’s a massive blow to his aspirations I suppose and frustrations for us, but we’ll move on.

“I thought Sam’s trained really with us and earned his starting appearances

“He’s quite a big boy and that’s something we needed out there and I thought he played really well.

“We know that he can be better as well so it’s a bit of shame at the moment, but hopefully he’ll be back on the field in next year’s comp.”

News of Ioane’s and Gilbert’s unavailability for the Crusaders clash comes after the announcement of Cullen Grace’s fractured thumb, which will keep him sidelined indefinitely.

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TI 1 hour ago
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Rieko took literally years to turn from a defensive liability at 13 into a guy, who’s defensively sound as it befits the position. And it all came at the cost of him being much less of an offensive threat, than what he used to be. Proctor is a natural 13, he handles, passes, and kicks way better than Rieko ever will, he just isn’t as fast.


It’s unfair to judge Tupaea on the handful of games he’s had in 2022 before he got nearly crippled by a Wallaby lock. What could Tupaea/Proctor pairing be, if they got the same amount of chances as Jordie/Rieko?


Because no matter how you spin it, playing a player outside of his natural position is a poor asset management. No matter how talented he is, he still competes against players who had years and years of practice at the position. And if said guy is so talented that he actually CAN compete against specialists, imagine how much better still he could have been, if he had all those years to iron the toothing issues at the position. It just drives me mad.


Two things I hate in rugby union beyond description: aping after league, and playing players outside of their natural position. Especially considering, that they all admit they hate it, when they’re allowed to speak freely. Owen Farrell spent 80% of his international career at 12, saying every time when asked, that he is a 10 and prefers to play at 10. Those players are literally held at a gunpoint: play out of position, or no national jersey for you.

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Hellhound 2 hours ago
What has happened to Aphelele Fassi?

Willie will always be the most missed player for me once he retires. He wasn't interested in scoring tries. The ultimate team player. Has the most assists in tries in the Bok team, and his kicks always spot on, at least 95% of the time. He reads the game like no other player can. He wasn't flashy, and people didn't notice him because of that. Great rugby head and knowledge. He should be catapulted into an assistant coach in the rugby system. He should really consider coaching.


Damian Willemse is an excellent fullback and he is the number 1 fullback. He can play the entire backline positions, except maybe 9, but I'm sure he would be able too if he wanted. No one is taking that away from him, only stand in while he is injured. He is world class and you don't swap that out. He also got wicked dancing feet, great eye for openings, and reads a game like few can, like Willie Le Roux. Also very strong on his feet, with absolute great hands and his kicking game is just as good.


As for Aphelele Fassi. What a great find and he has exceptional talent that Rassie will mould into a world class player. Yet.... He is nowhere even close to Damien Willemse. He has a long way to go to get there, but he is surrounded by great team mates from who he will gain lots of advice and support. He can play wing and fullback and Rassie may just try him out as a flyhalf or centre too. He has the abilities to expand his game. He is for sure a future star, but not yet at the stage to take away Damien Willemse's spot. However, DW start and AF on the bench, that is an awesome replacement. Between the 2 they cover all positions in the backline once AF gets that training. The Boks could go 6/2 permanently if they wanted. 6 forwards, a scrumhalf and AF. I may be wrong, but Rassie will spread AF around.

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