Blair settles in well for Highlanders

Highlanders' fullback Ben Blair is keen to retain the goalkicking duties ahead of Nick Evans.

Evans was yesterday named in the team to play the Bulls at Carisbrook tomorrow night.

Blair was chosen as goalkicker ahead of Cameron McIntyre when Evans was ruled out of the competition opener against the Blues, and kept hold of the kicking tee against the Stormers at Invercargill last week.

"That's up to Coops [coach Greg Cooper]. If he wants Nick to kick then that's that, but hopefully if I'm going well, then I'll stay kicking," Blair said.

"I'm hitting it pretty good. I'm comfortable with my goalkicking and I've done it for a few years now. I've got used to kicking in big games and it's something I really enjoy."

Blair has been positive in a difficult start to the season for the Highlanders, who lost their opening game against the Blues and then had to settle for a draw against the Stormers.

Goalkicking aside, Blair has been solid at the back and provides the team with another attacking option, something with which the Highlanders are not overflowing.
Blair said he had settled well in Dunedin since shifting with his partner and 15-month-old baby.

Dumped by the Crusaders, he still has two years to run on his Canterbury contract and is determined to prove his worth. "I was disappointed not to be playing for Canterbury, but when I came down here and met the guys, I settled in quickly. I knew a lot of them through age-group rugby, and it's been really good.

"It doesn't really matter what team I play for.

"I just want to give my best, whether I'm playing for my club or at rep level.

"You don't want to let the people down who are relying on you."

* Highlanders vs Bulls, Carisbrook, 7.35pm tomorrow

Highlanders

Ben Blair, Neil Brew, Anthony Tuitavake, Seilala Mapusua, Matt Saunders, Nick Evans, Danny Lee, Paul Miller, Craig Newby, Hoani MacDonald, James Ryan, Tom Donnelly, Carl Hayman, Anton Oliver (c), Clarke Dermody.

Reserves:
Jason Shoemark, Cameron McIntyre, Jimmy Cowan, Colin Bourke, Filipo Levi, Chris King, Mahonri Schwalger/David Hall.