Not quite as fierce as William Wallace...

Although the Highlanders finished higher than the Cheetahs, Reds and Lions in last years log, they are by no means strangers to the bottom half of the log. Their last decent result coming in 2002, where they made it to the semi finals and ended in 4th position, they haven’t made it out of the bottom end of the log in the last 7 seasons.

That being said, they are not a team that can be taken for granted. The Highlanders at times manage to put in amazing team performances in taking down more powerful opposition, beating their Northern neighbours, the Crusaders consecutively over the last two seasons, as well as taking down the Bulls in last year’s competition.

The Highlanders, based in Dunedin, on the South of the South Island, don’t quite enjoy the same depth and player resources as their fellow New Zealand franchises. This often leaves them with the familiar problem of not having the experience and depth to get them through the business end of the competition, especially if some of the more established players pick up any injuries. However, boasting 5 All Blacks within their squad, the likes of Jimmy Cowan, Ben Smith, Tom Donnelly, Adam Thompson and Jamie Mackintosh, the Highlanders are in a better standing than their bottom of the table counterparts. 

Players to watch:

• Jimmy Cowan is always a live-wire at #9, if he can keep his head and his off-field indiscretions under control, he could prove to be the catalyst in the Highlanders team
• The highlanders have two giants in the front row in Jamie Mackintosh and Clint Newland. At 129kg and 130kg respectively,  both are beasts of men.
• Adam Thompson gets around the park well and is a good link player. He also needs to get his off-field antics together and concentrate on his rugby though.
• Israel Dagg is an exciting young player at #15 and joins the backline exceptionally well.

This is the kind of kak that could cost them when it counts most: [dowdsyj]

Possible concerns:

• The highlanders have the least depth out of all the New Zealand franchises. Although they tend to do well at home, it will come into play once they start touring.
• Jimmy Cowan and Adam Thompson need to get their personal lives under control so that it doesn’t interfere with the rugby.

BSR’s prediction for the Highlanders’ best possible finish: 6th