Loosies to miss Stormers game

THE Highlanders will be missing two key loose forwards for its match against the Stormers at Forsyth Barr Stadium tomorrow night.

Luke Whitelock has been ruled out after developing concussion symptoms following the 4015 win against the Sunwolves in Invercargill on Saturday, while Elliot Dixon is still recovering from an infection in his knee which saw him hospitalised.

‘‘Obviously [Whitelock] took a bit of a knock in the Sunwolves game and just woke up on Sunday a little bit off, so precaution prevails there and we are not going to risk him for the Stormers,’’ Highlanders coach Tony Brown said.

‘‘He is a quality rugby player. He prepares 100% all the time and is really consistent with his performance so, you know, were going to miss him out there on Friday.’’

Dixon was admitted to Dunedin Hospital on Friday and was only released earlier this week, so he was not seriously considered.

Dillon Hunt was called in as a replacement for Dixon last week and he continues to impress in his debut season for the franchise, Brown said.

‘‘If you look at our loose forwards and these injuries we’ve had, it just gives opportunities to other guys like Dillon Hunt, who was not even on anyone’s radar at the start of the year but has come in and been pretty impressive in that No 7 jersey.

‘‘And that’s why I say it is Gareth Evans’ turn to try and lock down the No 6 jersey. It’s just an opportunity for him and hopefully he takes it.’’

Patrick Osborne has been named on the left wing ahead of Tevita Li and will be making his 50th appearance for the Highlanders.

‘‘When he gets the ball he always keeps it alive and he is dangerous and he creates so much play off him. He has had a massive impact for the Highlanders over the last two or three years and one of the reasons why we’ve sort of had a bit of a successful period.’’

Rob Thompson, whose father, Geoff, died last month, will start at second fiveeighth, with Malakai Fekitoa shifting back to centre and Matt Faddes dropping to the bench.

Faddes was impressive against the Sunwolves, but Brown feels the Highlanders are stronger defensively with Fekitoa at centre. He also wanted to give Thompson an opportunity.

‘‘We like [Fekitoa] there defensively. It shuts down a lot of attack there and the Stormers play some pretty good footy, so it will be a big night for him.

‘‘[Thompson] was playing some pretty good footy at the start of the year and, obviously, with the passing of his father he has been away for a few weeks. We thought the Stormers’ game is a good opportunity to get him out there.

‘‘His partnership with Malakai Fekitoa has been really good this year, so we are looking forward to those two guys playing well together.’’

Fellow midfielder Richard Buckman is still sidelined with an Achilles injury.

Brown believes the Stormers will be much better than their disappointing 5724 loss to the Crusaders last week suggests.

‘‘Traditionally it is the second game when the South Africans get up and they destroy a few teams. We’re aware of that and have prepared well this week and are expecting a pretty tough battle.’’

Other changes see lock Tom Franklin and prop Siosuia Halanukonuka return to the starting lineup, while lock Jackson Hemopo and first fiveeighth Fletcher Smith join the reserves.