All Blacks jersey, says Brown
has definitely done that.’’
Sopoaga has played six tests for the All Blacks since a classy debut against South Africa in Johannesburg two years ago, but has mostly had to watch from the sideline as Beauden Barrett and Aaron Cruden were preferred.
Barring an injury to Barrett, he’s sure to start at 10 against the Lions, while Sopoaga hasn’t yet been able to put a case together to argue he should provide cover off the bench ahead of France-bound Cruden.
Some might think Sopoaga will struggle to make the squad altogether – perhaps in favour of Damian McKenzie or, at a stretch, Richie Mo’unga – but not Brown.
‘‘He’s definitely not the fourthbest 10 in New Zealand, that’s for sure,’’ Brown said.
In Sopoaga’s absence, the Highlanders have won six of seven games, including Friday night’s impressive 57-14 pummelling of the Stormers in Dunedin.
Young Fletcher Smith initially replaced Sopoaga, but it’s been the ever-reliable Marty Banks running the show with the No 10 jersey on his back the past four games.
Banks has been integral in the Highlanders’ five-match winning streak, which has turned around their season after a wobbly 1-3 start.
While there’s plenty of buzz around the Crusaders, Hurricanes and Chiefs, the Highlanders have happily been going about their work under the radar.
Their injury struggles have been well documented this season, but there is good news ahead of their three-game away trip, which wraps up against the Force in Perth in three weeks.
In addition to Sopoaga returning on South African soil, co-captain and hooker Ash Dixon (back) is expected to make his first appearance of the season against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein next weekend.
Utility Richard Buckman (achilles) should also be available for the game, as should loose forwards Luke Whitelock and Elliot Dixon, who missed Friday’s game with concussion and a knee infection respectively.