Highlanders assistant coach Tony Brown has revealed that their injury concerns are easing as five players who were injured have now re-joined the squad.
Four of the five players were injured in the third round win over the Lions and prop Josh Hohneck (head cut) – have now joined the Highlanders in Sydney where they are preparing to face the Rebels.
Lock Joe Wheeler and loose forward Dan Pryor have both recovered from concussion while Patrick Osborne has recovered from a hip injury,
In addition No.8 Luke Whitelock had strained knee ligaments but they are no longer a concern.
“They’re available for selection and keen to get back involved,” Brown told Stuff.
The Highlanders only new injury concern is winger Matt Faddes who is in doubt for Saturday’s match against the Rebels at AAMI Park due to a hamstring strain.
However Ryan Tongia made an impressive season debut and the return of Osborne means that the Highlanders back three can be managed.
Brown said that he was particularly pleased to have lock Wheeler and loose forward Pryor back in contention for selection.
“Joe and Dan have been playing pretty awesome footy in the first three rounds. They’ve been huge for us.”
Brown also said that this week’s opponents the Rebels form this season had not gone un-noticed and that the Highlanders would have to be tight in their defence.
“They’re playing pretty good footy. They like to throw the ball around a bit, they just play solid rugby and sometimes it’s hard to stop if you don’t get your defence strong,” Brown said.
