Hunt comes in at 10, Ioane shifts to No 12
The Highlanders have moved All Blacks No 10 Josh Ioane to No 12 to accommodate new recruit Mitch Hunt for their opening Super Rugby trial game against the Waratahs in Sydney today.
Hunt, who has shifted south from the Crusaders in search of more game time at No 10, will get an early chance to press his claims after another strong season for Tasman in the Mitre 10 Cup.
Elsewhere, Josh McKay is handed the first opportunity to fill Ben Smith’s boots at fullback, with exciting young backs Scott Gregory and Tima Faingaanuku on the wings.
Athletic newcomer Teariki BenNicholas
has been handed the No 8 jersey with Otago hardman
Sione Misiloi at No 6.
New captain James
Lentjes will lead the side in a game that will be played in four quarters and the Highlanders expect to use all 28 members of the squad they are taking to Sydney.
All Blacks Aaron Smith, Liam Coltman and Shannon Frizell were not considered for the game and will also miss next week’s preseason game against the Crusaders in Wanaka as they make a gradual return to action following the Rugby World Cup campaign.
Hooker Ash Dixon was also not considered for the trip to Sydney due to injury, with Sebastian Siataga drafted in as a late replacement.
There is a danger of reading too much into preseason selections and Hunt’s selection at No 10 offers no guarantees about how the Highlanders will line up against the Sharks in Dunedin on February 7, when they open their campaign.
Nonetheless, the early start to this year’s competition means there is little time to waste and the Highlanders are clearly keen to give him some preseason minutes in the saddle under returning attack coach Tony Brown.
Ioane is also no stranger to second five-eighth, having moved there at times during last year’s Super Rugby campaign. He has also slotted into the position for Otago in the Mitre 10 Cup.