Six players from the 2007 Stags squad have been named - flanker Tim Boys, hooker David Hall, fullback James Wilson and prop Jamie Macintosh selected after strong performances this season. Loose forward Hoani Macdonald will play his forth consecutive season, along with halfback Jimmy Cowan and off-season signing Chris King, playing their fifth year of Super 14 football.
First five eighth Blair Stewart is a notable omission from the squad, selectors opting for Bay Of Plenty utility back Mike Delany. Loose forward Hale T Pole and prop Clarke Dermody were unavailable due to overseas contracts. Midfielder Jason Kawau and loose forward Kane Thompson from the 2006 Highlanders weren't included in the squad.
Southland Stags Co-coach Simon Culhane said the selections were positive. “It's all performing and it's good for these Stags players to advance to the next level,” Culhane added.
The Highlanders will play six home games in 2008, beginning on March 1 against the Warratahs in Dunedin, followed by the Wellington Hurricanes one week later. Frankton Events Centre in Queenstown host the Western Force on March 22, and South African teams The Bulls and Sharks come to Carisbrook in April. The final home game is against the Auckland Blues on May 10.
The team will be hoping for a stronger display in 2008, after placing ninth earlier this year. For three consecutive seasons, the Highlanders have ended with 27 competition points, falling short of a semi -final spot. Hopefully it will be a different story for avid Southland and Otago supporters next year.
