Mauger’s tough decisions
If Aaron Mauger isn’t feeling the pinch in his first season in charge of the Highlanders he never will.
Two heavy defeats in their past three games, including Saturday night’s 41-12 towelling at the hands of the Waratahs in Sydney, are no doubt cause for concern as the 7-4 Highlanders drift off the pace set by the Crusaders and Hurricanes.
But that won’t be the only thing bouncing around his mind.
There’s also last night’s Sanzaar disciplinary hearing for wing Tevita Nabura, who faces a lengthy suspension after he booted Waratah Cameron Clark in the chops, and a bunch of selection questions ahead of Saturday night’s match against the Reds in Brisbane.
Mauger has already ruled out co-captain Ben Smith for the match, which suddenly doesn’t look so easy after the Brad Thorn coached side pushed the Hurricanes in Wellington last Friday night.
Smith was one of six Highlanders yesterday named in the 33-man All Blacks squad for next month’s test series against France, while hooker Liam Coltman, named as cover for Nathan Harris because his wife is set to give birth during the series, has joined them for a three-day camp in Auckland.
Before the squad was named, Mauger indicated others could join Smith in not returning to Australia to play the Reds after the camp was complete.
There’s now a questionmark over halfback Aaron Smith, No 8 Luke Whitelock, flanker Liam Squire, loose forward Shannon Frizell, and wing Waisake Naholo, the Dunedin-based side’s other representatives.
Given All Blacks are required to sit two Super matches before the playoffs roll around in July, and Whitelock has started all 11 of the team’s games, he’s most likely to remain in New Zealand.
Halfback Smith and Naholo have both sat out one, while Squire, Frizell and Coltman have done their time on the sidelines.
Mauger must juggle resting his players while not stripping his team of too much talent, as they attempt to bounce back from their horror night in Sydney, which went sour after Nabura’s 19th minute sending off.
For the record, Mauger had no complaints about referee Brendon Pickerill’s decision to red card Nabura, a key moment as the Waratahs went on to snap a 40-match losing streak for Aussie teams against their Kiwi foes.
The good news is Squire, who hasn’t played since hebroke a thumb against the Crusaders in March, could make his return at Suncorp Stadium. The same goes for utility back Richard Buckman, who has been sidelined all season with a neck injury.
There is bound to be extra emphasis on defence during the week.
Sure, playing 10 minutes with 13 men and 60 minutes with 14 didn’t help on Saturday night, but the Highlanders have leaked 106 points the past three weeks.
Addressing that is paramount as they prepare for two last games before the June test window, including a New Zealand derby against the Hurricanes in Dunedin Friday week.
Mauger and his coaching staff could well be burning the midnight oil a few times before then. ❚