Super 14 call for Saunders
Highlanders coach Glenn Moore announced late yesterday that Saunders would join the squad fulltime replacing wing Lucky Munipola who has been ruled out of the rest of the competition as the result of a broken arm which he suffered during round one against the Reds in Brisbane.
Saunders has been training with the Highlanders for the past two weeks and it seems his knowledge of the Highlanders structure was a big factor in his callup.
%26quot;Matt is an experienced player at this level. He knows the Highlanders environment well and will fit into the squad,%26quot; Moore said yesterday.
It is some much wanted positive news for Saunders after the 25-year-old was left contemplating his future late last year when he was unwanted by Otago and the Highlanders for 2008.
Saunders resisted a move overseas and opted to sign with Southland for this year, and he now finds himself back in the Highlanders frame.
Meanwhile, a decision on a replacement for No 8 Ezra Taylor will be made prior to the Highlanders departure to South Africa in two weeks.
Moore has opted not to call in another No 8 just yet despite its looseforward stocks severely depleted at the moment.
Along with Taylors absence first choice No 8 Stephen Setephano has also been ruled out of the game against the Lions in Dunedin on Friday night because of a calf problem.
While Southlands Tim Boys is almost certain to start on the openside flank with Alando Soakai nursing a badly broken nose.
Soakai is expected to to be sidelined for two weeks.
Captain Craig Newby is now likely to start at No 8 with Boys and Adam Thomson on the flanks.
This will leave locks Hoani MacDonald and Hayden Triggs to provide the looseforward cover.
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