Collins called in to fill Highlanders trouble spot

Michael Collins has been asked to solve the Highlanders’ problem position at fullback.

The versatile Otago back has been recalled to the starting jersey for the clash against the Crusaders tomorrow, after Vilimoni Koroi and Scott Gregory failed to nail down the No 15 jersey in the Highlanders’ first two games of Super Rugby Aotearoa.

Collins was at fullback when the Highlanders played the Crusaders in Christchurch earlier this year, and his cool head and ability under the high ball will be important in front of what is likely to be another healthy crowd at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin.

Ngane Punivai starts in the No 14 jersey, after Sam Gilbert suffered a season-ending ACL injury against the Blues last week.

The starting pack contains three changes, with All Blacks hooker Liam Coltman getting the nod ahead of Ash Dixon.

Dixon has been excellent in the Highlanders’ No 2 jersey in Super Rugby Aotearoa, but has consistently shared starting duties with Coltman since 2015 and will be expected to provide some spark off the bench.

Coltman will be joined in the front row by Daniel Lienertbrown and Jeff Thwaites.

The Highlanders have produced much improved performances against the Chiefs and Blues, and Coltman said the side was having no problem in finding motivation in Super Rugby Aotearoa.

‘‘Derbies games are like that,’’ he said. ‘‘New Zealand sides get up when they play each other.

‘‘It’s a great spectacle and the guys embrace the challenge. When you are playing guys you compete against in your own country it brings out the best in you.’’

The Crusaders’ aerial work was excellent against the Chiefs in Christchurch last week, and senior All Black lock will no doubt challenge the Highlanders’ sharp lineout.

However, Coltman was confident that the Highlanders’ locks would get the job done.

‘‘They [the Crusaders] are a quality lineout, there is no doubt there. They’ve got tall timber.

‘‘But we’ve got the likes of of Pari Pari Parkinson and Josh Dickson in our group, and they bring exactly the same sort of skillset and dynamic to our team.

‘‘I think it is going to be a great matchup.’’