Let’s start with the good. The Highlanders get their Super Rugby Pacific season under way at home on Friday and Timoci Tavatavanawai and Hugh Renton are locked in as co-captains again this season.
The second five and No 8, respectively, bring continuity and experience to the roles, having been co-captains last year.
Holland had barely been on the field 10 minutes — after being injected at halftime during the game against Moana Pasifika in Queenstown last Friday — when he went down wincing, holding his shoulder after being cleaned out.
The All Black, who was named world rugby breakthrough player of the year in 2025, will be a huge loss if he is set for a spell on the sidelines.
The Highlanders beat Moana Pasifika 41-31 in a bruising encounter that Highlanders' assistant coach Ben Smith felt his side was better for heading into round one.
"We managed to put a few things into play that we executed and then [yesterday] was really about looking at that game and making sure that we fix a few errors up so we’re better against the Crusaders," Smith said.
"There’s a few fix-ups that we’ll be better for from the weekend, and I know the squad’s really excited to get into round one and start the competition."
The Highlanders host old rivals and defending champions the Crusaders first up at Forsyth Barr Stadium on Friday.
There is always more buzz when game week finally rolls around after a long preseason, consisting of two months’ hard work.
But the Highlanders know what they are up against and will be looking to start their season with a bang.
"We’re expecting the Crusaders to be the Crusaders really," Smith said.
"They’re a good team, but in the same sentence we’re really looking forward to the opportunity and playing at home on Friday night with hopefully a good crowd in.
"t’s pretty exciting for the group and we’re looking forward to it."
