Super Rugby Preview: Highanders

The Higlanders

Going into Super Rugby 2016 as champions Highlanders continued their good form and ended the round-robin in 2^nd place in the New Zealand conference.

There journey would end when they were knocked out by the Lions in the semi-finals. The Highlanders have world-class players in Ben and Aaron Smith and will be confident that the pair can steer them to further success in 2017.

The signing of young winger Tevita Li will add necessary depth and quality for the coming seasons. They will also have a new coach Tony Brown replacing Jamie Joseph, who joined Japan’s coaching staff.

Brown’s maiden Super Rugby match will be against the Chiefs on the 24^th of February.

Head Coach: Tony Brown

Notable departures: Mark Reddish (Harlequins), Jamie Joseph (Japan)

Notable additions: Tevita Li (Blues), Siate Tokolahi (Chiefs)

Co-Captains: Ash Dixon, Ben Smith

Forward to watch: Elliot Dixon

Back to watch: Aaron Smith, Ben Smith

Rising star: Tevita Li