Hookers
This appears to be an easy start.
Henry Bell and Jack Taylor will head into their second season of Super Rugby.
Bell, 25, started 13 games this year, but will face immense pressure from the rising Taylor, 21, who has just one Highlanders start under his belt, but has huge potential.
Ricky Jackson has stepped back from top-level rugby, so the Highlanders have signed Blues rake Soane Vikena as another option.
Expect some intense competition among these three in the preseason campaign.
Props
Ethan de Groot, who has watching the All Blacks from the stands, will again be joined by Saula Ma’u, veteran Daniel Lienert-Brown and the developing Rohan Wingham.
Jermaine Ainsley has bolted to France and the contract situation of back-up Ayden Johnstone remains unclear, so it seems there could be a couple of new big boys in the squad.
The Otago Daily Times understands the Highlanders have signed former New Zealand under-20 tighthead Sefo Kautai from the Brumbies. Former Chiefs and Force prop Josh Bartlett could be a wildcard arrival, while it would not be a surprise to see reinstated coach Jamie Joseph use his Japanese connections to look at options there.
Most of the leading props from the NPC appear to be locked down, though perhaps Bay of Plenty and Maori All Blacks bruiser Benet Kumeroa is available, and Stags bookend Jack Sexton showed promise.
Locks
Rising star Fabian Holland and wily veteran Mitch Dunshea will be the starters in the second row.
Then the picture gets very murky.
Pari Pari Parkinson and Max Hicks have both headed offshore, and it is uncertain whether the injury-plagued Will Tucker has earned another contract, so at least two new locks might be required.
Oliver Haig and Will Stodart can cover if needed, while Wellington recruit Hugo Plummer did a reasonable job when called on last season.
Again, this could be a position where Joseph uses his contacts in Japan to find some tall timber.
Loose forwards
Billy Harmon, captain and outstanding openside flanker, leaves a big hole, but otherwise this is an area of stability.
All Blacks XV blindside Haig took great strides this year, Stags skipper Sean Withy should get an extended run in the No7 jersey, and outstanding No8 Hugh Renton will (cross fingers and toes) be back to his best after injury. Either Withy or Renton could be the new captain.
Nikora Broughton should be coming into his prime; Hayden Michaels is a year older and will back up Withy; Stodart and Tom Sanders (injury permitting) provide cover across the back row; and the Highlanders have recruited Fijian hardman Veveni Lasaqa from Bay of Plenty.
It is believed the Highlanders have also signed Hurricanes and Manawatu loose forward TK Howden.
Halfbacks
Status quo or a real talking point?
Incumbent No9 Folau Fakatava might have dropped down the All Blacks pecking order, but he remains the star man behind the scrum for the Highlanders.
Whether he continues to be backed up by James Arscott and Nathan Hastie could be of interest.
Dynamic New Zealand under-20 halfback Dylan Pledger is ready to play Super Rugby now, and there were whispers the Highlanders liked the look of speedy Taranaki utility Adam Lennox.
First fives
Millar time, again. The Highlanders are eager to see young first five Cameron Millar continue to develop, and the No10 jersey should be his for a long time.
Ajay Faleafaga did well in a couple of cameos before falling off the pace the rest of the year, and Rhys Patchell’s time in New Zealand rugby was always going to be just one season. Unless Joseph feels Sam Gilbert and Finn Hurley provide enough cover, another first five option is needed.
Either Byron Smith or Jake Strachan could be options from Southland. Do the Highlanders have another international coming this way? Or even a twilight season from someone like Aaron Cruden?
Midfielders
Youngster Josh Whaanga earns his first contract, and blockbusting Thomas Umaga-Jensen will return after missing last season with injury.
They will presumably join Gilbert, Tanielu Tele’a and Jake Te Hiwi, which could mean there is no room for Whaanga’s brother, Matt.
Outside backs
Regular wings Jona Nareki and Timoci Tavatavanawai return, but Martin Bogado has headed to France and the Highlanders will long grieve the premature death of Connor Garden-Bachop.
Sevens star Caleb Tangitau comes south from the Blues, excitement machine Hurley earns his first full contract, and Jonah Lowe enters the final year of his contract.
The neck injury to star fullback Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens is a concern, so another custodian might be required, though Gilbert has plenty of experience there. Do the Crusaders have Isaac Hutchinson locked down?
Late oil suggests Southland wing Michael Manson, surely the fastest man in New Zealand rugby, might be in line for promotion if he is not returning to the United States.
