Work cut out for Highlanders in Brisbane
eight matches. Hammett isn’t so silly. He watched centre Samu Kerevi repeatedly bust the Hurricanes open, and wings Izaia Perese and Jordan Petaia slashing through Nehe Milner-Skudder and TJ Perenara to set up a try, were also on song.
Forget their loss to the Sunwolves the previous week, Hammett would rather talk about their 27-22 win against the Lions last month.
‘‘The Reds have shown right throughout this year, I think the game against the Lions they were just passionate and hungry, the Hurricanes last week, once again, exactly the same,’’ he said.
‘‘We’re under no illusions. Obviously, for us, we know it’s a really hard place to win, and one of the big challenges for us this week is acknowledging that and knowing we have to be at our very best.’’
In other words, the 4-7 Reds have former All Blacks, Crusaders and Highlanders enforcer Thorn’s imprint stamped all over them, Hammett said.
All Blacks rest means no Ben Smith, Luke Whitelock, Shannon Frizell or Liam Coltman, and an elbow injury to Elliot Dixon is far from ideal.
But at least All Blacks loose forward Liam Squire is back from his broken thumb, as is utility back Richard Buckman (neck) for the first time this season.
Back to Highlanders fans and their anxiety levels.
Perhaps the thought of uncapped 20-year-old Josh McKay starting in place of Smith at fullback will lift them some more, especially when someone like Matt Faddes continues to be left out of the match day 23.
‘‘He’s working really hard,’’ Hammett said of Faddes, who prefers the midfield but can also play both wing or fullback.
‘‘It’s just a challenging position when you’ve got midfielders who are in really, really good form.
‘‘He’s had a few opportunities and we love having him around. Just in terms of trying to make our mix at the moment, it hasn’t fallen for him.’’
The Highlanders, minus their seven All Blacks who have a threeday training camp to attend in Christchurch, will return to Dunedin tomorrow to begin preparing for next Friday night’s home match against the Hurricanes. Highlanders: Josh McKay, Waisake Naholo, Rob Thompson, Tei Walden, Tevita Li, Lima Sopoaga, Kayne Hammington, Marino Mikaele Tu’u, Dillon Hunt, James Lentjes, Tom Franklin, Jackson Hemopo, Tyrel Lomax, Ash Dixon (captain), Daniel Lienert-Brown. Reserves: Greg Pleasants-Tate, Aki Seiuli, Kalolo Tuiloma, Josh Dickson, Liam Squire, Aaron Smith, Josh Ioane, Richard Buckman. Reds: Hamish Stewart, Izaia Perese, Samu Kerevi, Duncan Paia’aua, Jordan Petaia, Jono Lance, Ben Lucas, Scott Higginbotham (captain) , George Smith, Angus Scott-Young, Harry Hockings, Izack Rodda, Taniela Tupou, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, JP Smith. Reserves: Andrew Ready, Sef Fa’agase, Ruan Smith, Kane Douglas, Caleb Timu, Liam Wright, Moses Sorovi, Aidan Toua.