Rugby: Highlanders' eyes on youngest Whitelock

The audition has begun and an early stake has been claimed.

The biggest shoes to fill in the champion Highlanders side for next year is at No8 where long-time servant and co-captain Nasi Manu has left to play for Edinburgh.

Manu's experience and leadership will leave a big hole for the Highlanders and getting a player of the same quality is the task now faced by head coach Jamie Joseph.

But one man who put his hand up is also a No 8 from Canterbury as was Manu.

It is believed the Highlanders have their eyes on one-time All Black and Crusaders back rower Luke Whitelock.

Whitelock skippered Canterbury on Saturday night in its 38-24 win over Otago at Forsyth Barr Stadium.

The youngest of the four Whitelock brothers has been in the Crusaders for four years but, with the likes of Kieran Read, Jordan Taufua and Matt Todd signed on for the Christchurch-based franchise next year, he may look to move elsewhere.

It would be a wise move for Whitelock as his career has rather stalled since he became an All Black in 2013.

He played one test against Japan in November of that year but has not featured since.

The 24-year-old brought up his 50th game for the Crusaders this year although plenty of them have been off the bench.

Whitelock and his three older brothers - George, Sam and Adam - have all played professional rugby for Canterbury and the Crusaders.

Other options for the No8 position appear to be within the squad but the Highlanders may be loath to move the likes of Elliot Dixon or Gareth Evans from the blindside position where they have played most of their rugby at this level.

Dan Pryor also played there but he is more of a flanker.

The Highlanders have signed 27 of this year's squad to return next year so there are only a few spots open.

A replacement for John Hardie will also have to be filled. Hardie has moved to Scotland for a crack at making the Scottish side for the World Cup.

• Otago will have to face All Black fullback Israel Dagg on Saturday night.

The All Black selectors have released a list of players to play for their ITM Cup sides over the next couple of weeks and Dagg will be available to play for Hawkes Bay when it takes on Otago on Saturday night.

The following week, Otago plays Taranaki in New Plymouth and Beauden Barrett and James Broadhurst will front up for Taranaki.

Otago's only All Black, fullback Ben Smith, has not been released to play any games.