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In the absence of any interesting rugby news over the last few weeks I am starting a thread on speculations. A different team every few days. How will each team do in the Super 14 in 2008? Who is coming, who is going, whats worth looking out for? Feel free to add thoughts/inside info on each one (or tell me I'm full of s**t). We'll start with an interesting one: The Highlanders.
Form from 2007
The Highlanders put in a pretty credible showing in the 2007 Super 14 with equal 8th (shared with the Hurricanes and Stormers on 27 points). Otago did not perform so well, however, in the ANZC failing to make the semi-finals. At least Southland put in some solid performances, despite financial problems, to give a bit of hope to the side.
Comings and Goings
The New Zealand player exodus has hit the Highlanders particularly hard. With names like Carl Heyman, Anton Oliver, Clarke Dermody, Josh Blackie and Nick Evans all leaving the team you would expect the Highlanders to drop a few spots in the rankings. Couple this with the exclusion of James Ryan (due to injury recovery) and a few other departures and you are looking at a brand new first choice tight five. In addition to this, with Greg Cooper moving to Auckland, the Highlanders have a new head coach in Glenn Moore. Moore will have his work cut out for him in rebuilding the Highlanders squad and keeping as many players as possible injury free since depth will be an issue.
Who to watch out for
Jimmy Cowan was in stellar form for the Highlanders for most of the Super 14 and was unlucky to be overlooked for AB selection. He will probably be the most senior back and will look to take on a significant leadership role within the group.
New member of the team Clint Newland will be interesting to see out on the field for the Highlanders. After gaining infamy for decking Hurricanes prop Neemia Tialata in a line-out the Hawkes Bay prop has proven he has more than enough passion to fit in with the Highlanders. He is in to take over the rather large gaps left by Heyman and Dermody and if he can keep his discipline in check will do pretty well for himself.
Predictions for 2008
Moore will be looking to harness the Otago pride and work on recreating a powerful forward pack and the set-piece which have been the cornerstone to the Highlanders success in the past. Funnily enough, having Oliver and Heyman in the reconditioning program probably helped out in the long run with depth in hooker and props having already developed. Regardless, the Highlanders are losing the majority of their class players and will probably end up close to the bottom come the end of the season. I'm tipping them to come in at 12th.