Coach sure Hammington will do job
THE timing is right for halfback Kayne Hammington.
The backup No 9 has been named to start for the Highlanders ahead of Aaron Smith when the side faces the Blues at Eden Park on Friday night.
Smith was unavailable to train with the Highlanders on Monday because he was attending an All Blacks training camp and the sixday turnaround the Highlanders face after their 4317 win over the Brumbies at Forsyth Barr Stadium meant the timing was right for coach Aaron Mauger to rotate his halfbacks.
‘‘It is probably a bit of a reflection of the week we have had,’’ he said.
‘‘A short week, with Aaron being away on Monday, we thought it was best to give Kayne that time in the saddle [at training].’’
‘‘In terms of our preparation, it has been the best thing for us.’’
Mauger quickly shot down any suggestion the move to rotate Smith came from any directive from the national coaches or New Zealand Rugby to rest senior All Blacks.
Instead, the swap is more of a reflection of the rotation strategies the Highlanders coaches have used throughout the season.
‘‘In all of our selections this year we have managed to bring guys in and rotate and they have all performed for us,‘‘ Mauger said.
‘‘We are confident that Kayne will do the job for us and start and that Aaron will bring a lot of energy off the bench.’’
Mauger was glowing in his appraisal of Hammington before his big opportunity.
‘‘Every time Kayne has taken the field, whether it is for the Highlanders, the Bravehearts or his club this year, he has been outstanding, so he has really earned his opportunity.’’
The Highlanders’ rotation policy also means he predictable swapping of hookers Ash Dixon (starting) and Liam Coltman (bench) who reverse the roles they played against the Brumbies.
In the only other change to the side, Tyrel Lomax takes the bench spot of fellow prop Kalolo
Tuiloma who saw game time against the Brumbies.
Rotating of players at halfback and hooker was not mirrored in the Highlanders’ loose forwards.
Blindside flanker Shannon Frizell retains his No 6 jersey and Elliot Dixon is again left on the bench.
Utilising Dixon’s aggressive play late in the game as a replacement and strong prior form as a substitute sealed the decision not to swap the two blindsides.
‘‘I reckon Elliot’s best performances for us have been off the bench and the fact that he is so versatile and covers six, seven and eight gives us a great option,’’ Mauger said.
The strong start Frizell has made to his Super Rugby career and his physicality have also helped him retain his starting role.
Mauger gave the Tasman Makos forward the tick of approval after his starting debut last week.
‘‘I felt Shannon was very good [against the Brumbies] and he is getting better with every performance, so I just felt it was better to keep him going.‘‘
‘‘Also, having Shannon out there matches the Blues’ physicality and he did that very well against a very physical Brumbies pack last week.’’