Mauger back for Canes clash
Highlanders coach Aaron Mauger is expected to return to work in time for his team’s New Zealand derby against the Hurricanes tomorrow night.
Mauger’s mother, Christine Wilson, died in Christchurch during the Highlanders’ 18-15 win against the Reds last weekend. Her funeral will be held today.
The Highlanders will don black armbands against the Hurricanes at Dunedin’s Forsyth Barr Stadium, where Mauger is expected to take his seat in the coaching box, interim head coach Mark Hammett said.
‘‘We obviously want to honour Azza and his mum and family and friends. It’s the least we can do.
‘‘I’ve spoken to him several times this week and his plan is to be with us in the box. If he is in fact here, then great, we’ll just work together. If he’s not, then obviously I’ll run that role.’’
Mauger has been with family in Christchurch since May 20, when he flew back from Australia to be with his unwell mum, leaving Hammett to steer the ship in his absence.
The 8-4 Highlanders barely scraped past the Reds in Brisbane, but have named a powerful side for what’s shaping as the match of the round, and the teams’ last game before Super Rugby goes into hiatus until the end of next month.
A week after resting four All Blacks, co-captain Ben Smith, Luke Whitelock, Shannon Frizell, and Liam Coltman all return to the match-day 23.
There’s a formidable look to the team’s loose forwards, with All Blacks blindside flanker Liam Squire set to make his first start since he broke a thumb against the Crusaders in March.
Squire, who played 50 minutes off the bench against the Reds last week, joins Whitelock and Dillon Hunt in the starting back row.
There’s no shortage of quality on the bench, with new All Black Shannon Frizell and former All Black Elliot Dixon set to add punch in the second half.
‘‘If you look at the experience, from a Highlanders and All Blacks view, it probably is,’’ Hammett said when asked if he thought it was the strongest Highlanders team named since the early rounds of the competition.
Hammett has made one change to the team’s front row, with tighthead prop Kalolo Tuiloma replacing Tyrel Lomax in the starting side. An ankle injury to regular reserve halfback Kayne Hammington, suffered against the Reds last week, means Josh Renton will provide cover for Aaron Smith. Hammington’s ankle injury isn’t serious, but the short turnaround after flying home from Brisbane ruled him out, Hammett said.
Flanker James Lentjes (concussion), props Siate Tokolahi (knee) and Guy Millar (knee), and midfielder Thomas UmagaJensen (shoulder) were also unavailable for the match.
The Highlanders have won their last 11 games at home. However, the Hurricanes have tasted their fair share of success at Forsyth Barr Stadium, winning five of the past eight games.