Who are the new faces in the Highlanders squad? We provide some background.
• Age: 22.
• Position: Hooker.
• Province: Otago.
• Physical: 109kg, 1.85m.
• The oil: Strong season for Otago with tough attitude and never-say-die spirit.
Tony Woodcock
• Age: 31.
• Position: Prop.
• Province: North Harbour.
• Physical: 119kg, 1.84m.
• The oil: Hugely experienced All Black who is coming south to recharge the batteries.
• Age: 37.
• Position: Lock.
• Province: None.
• Physical: 112kg, 1.95m.
• The oil: After winning competitions all over the world, the big man comes back to where it all started.
• Age: 25.
• Position: Lock-loose forward.
• Province: Tasman.
• Physical: 111kg, 2m.
• The oil: Never got a look in at the Crusaders, but has talent and gets himself about.
• Age: 32.
• Position: Loose forward-lock.
• Province: None.
• Physical: 106kg, 1.85m.
• The oil: Bit of a mystery man after playing overseas for nearly five years.
• Age: 27.
• Position: Halfback.
• Province: Otago.
• Physical: 75kg, 1.63m.
• The oil: Had a great season for Otago. First Japanese player to play at this level.
• Age: 21.
• Position: First five-eighth.
• Province: Otago.
• Physical: 80kg, 1.75m.
• The oil: Impressive break-out year for Otago. May be a key man for side.
• Age: 30.
• Position: Midfield back.
• Province: Wellington.
• Physical: 107kg, 1.82m.
• The oil: One of the most explosive backs in world rugby and if fit and ready will be a huge asset for side.
J
• Age: 19.
• Position: Midfield back.
• Province: Manawatu.
Physical: 88kg, 1.73m.
• The oil: Highly promising with a nice step and good ball skills.
• Age: 21
• Position: Wing.
• Province: Waikato.
• Physical: 96kg, 1.86m.
• The oil: Made a big impact on the sevens circuit but still untapped at the 15-man game.
