Rugby: Still holes which need to be filled

The Highlanders are assembling a pretty good line-up. The acquisitions of Tony Woodcock, Ma'a Nonu and Brad Thorn give an imposing look to the side. But there are still a few holes which need filling. Rugby writer Steve Hepburn looks at the positions under the spotlight.

Tighthead prop
One side of the scrum is looking secure with All Black veteran Tony Woodcock arriving and Jamie Mackintosh still with the franchise and not going anywhere fast. On the other side, the important tighthead position, Chris King and Ma'afu Fia are the men who will have to step up to the task.

King is a grisly veteran who battled last season with a groin injury.

Hard to beat but is not getting any younger.

Fia was picked on promise last year and had some tidy games. Not the biggest of men, one would hope he makes advances next season.

Another alternative is Otago front-rower Liam Coltman. He has made every post a winner for Otago this year and has been picked as a hooker for the Highlanders for next season.

But he can play prop and may come into the equation.

Openside flanker
One of the most critical, if not the most critical, players in rugby is the wearer of the No 7 jersey. The Highlanders have doubts in this position.

John Hardie was going to be the man last season and started off well. But he broke his toe early on and his season was over.

After five months away he promptly broke it again in a pre-season match against Otago in August and is out until the end of the year.

If he is fit, he is right up there with the best openside flankers in the country but needs to get on the paddock.

In behind are Tim Boys and Doug Tietjens.

Boys is a solid performer who will go all day but is no game-breaker.

Tietjens damaged his knee badly against the Sharks in one of his few minutes this year.

He is still recovering and will have to get up to speed quickly if he wants to make an impact next season.

There has been whispers about getting someone like Scott Waldrom but, with his injury record, that investment would be about as wise as putting the life savings with Allen Stanford.

First five-eighth
The Highlanders have three options here but they all have question marks.

Colin Slade - we all know that story.

Suffice to say the words Highlanders, Slade and injury have been written in the same sentence more than once in the past two years.

Lima Sopoaga is much the same. He has talent but we are yet to see it for any decent period as he has picked up serious injuries.

Hayden Parker is expected to sign with the franchise and it will be interesting to see how he takes to the next level. Knows how to find the goalposts at Forsyth Barr Stadium.

Right wing
On one wing is Hosea Gear but anyone could be on the other side. Telusa Veainu is a goner, Kade Poki is always injured and Kurt Baker is not wanted. Maybe someone like Buxton Popoali'i while Sean Maitland may be heading out the exit door at the Crusaders.

He would be a good pick-up but has had injury issues. Declan O'Donnell and Tino Nemani have been given do not return cards by the Chiefs and could be late call-ups if no-one else wants them.

L. Luck
One of the most vital players for the Highlanders is one every team needs - Lady Luck.

Look at any successful side and it will have had a fair smattering of good fortune. The Highlanders need it as every team does.