Hawkes Bay loose forward George Naoupu has joined the Highlanders as a temporary replacement and could go with the squad to Africa on Saturday.
Naoupu will train with his new side for the first time today as injury cover for No 8 Ezra Taylor (out for season - knee), No 8 Steven Setephano (calf) and flanker Alando Soakai (broken nose).
His presence will alleviate the positional crisis that led to the Highlanders running a squad with just three specialist loose forwards last week.
‘‘We're particularly thin at No 8 and George will come in and give us a good option there,'' Highlanders coach Glenn Moore said yesterday.
‘‘He's played a lot of his rugby at the back of the scrum. I've seen him play there a few times and he's a powerful ballcarrier.''
Naoupu (24) played 11 games for Canterbury, mostly as a lock, before joining Hawkes Bay, where he made 14 appearances at No 8 and flanker on the run to the Air New Zealand Cup semifinals last year.
He has been training with the Hurricanes as part of their wider group this year.
Moore has to decide which 26 players he will take to Africa for the three-game road trip, and will probably take Naoupu if there is still doubt over Setephano.
Soakai looks an extremely doubtful starter for Friday's game against the Sharks at Carisbrook, but lock-flanker Hoani MacDonald will probably be available after wrenching his knee in the 29-20 win against the Lions.
Moore said it pleasing to spend the weekend reflecting on the win that broke the Highlanders' long losing streak.
The satisfaction at the result was tinged with some disappointment at the second-half collapse that nearly ruined their good start.
‘‘There was a bit of frustration at that period, for sure. But in the same breath, we're satisfied because we know that win should do a bit to kick the boys forward.
‘‘The mood in the squad has always been good, anyway. That's been one of the pleasing aspects of where we've been at. There's always been a real sense of belief there. But I think we will see a lot more genuine confidence now. At times I think we've been a little hesitant this season. I think getting the win may help the players kick through that.''
The Highlanders now prepare to host the Sharks, who are second on the table and still unbeaten after claiming a fortuitous draw against the Hurricanes.
Moore will be disappointed if the Highlanders do not follow their first win with at least an improved performance against one of the competition's heavyweights.
‘‘You're only ever as good as your last game. The important thing now is that we go on and perform next week and the week after that. We have to front up again.
‘‘The Sharks are a very good team, with a good set piece, and they're quite clinical in most things they do. They've got a tremendous kicking game and obviously their defence is one of the best going.''
The Highlanders slipped back from 11th, their highest placing this season, to 12th yesterday morning when the Cheetahs beat the Reds 29-14 in Bloemfontein.
There is now a bunch of stragglers near the bottom of the table, with the Reds (12 points) followed by the Cheetahs (11), the Highlanders (10), the Bulls (10) and the Lions (seven).
The only game involving two of those sides left this year is the May 2 clash between the Highlanders and the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein. That is a game the Highlanders might yet have to win to avoid the wooden spoon.
Lions prop Ross Geldenhuys will face the Sanzar judiciary in Wellington this afternoon, after he was cited by commissioner Mike O'Leary for allegedly using his knee to strike Highlanders prop Jamie Mackintosh in the 38th minute of Friday's game at Carisbrook.
The Sharks, who play the Highlanders this Friday night could also have a player in strife Winger Epi Taione will face the judiciary after being red-carded for striking a Hurricanes player with his head on Saturday night.
