Brown to lace up boots against old foe

In the days when he played for the Highlanders, Tony Brown used to look forward to "local derbies" against the Crusaders with relish.

Now, the former All Blacks first five-eighth will have his chance to renew an old rivalry - but he'll be playing in new colours.

Brown will be joining the Sharks Super 14 squad when they land in New Zealand today.

After completing his Japanese club rugby commitments, Brown will be available for the South African franchise's first game of their Australasian tour, against the Crusaders at Timaru on Saturday night.

His Japanese club the Sanyo Wild Knights lost their semifinal over the weekend, ending their season.

The Sharks had hoped to get the services of Brown - who played 83 Super 12 matches and scored 817 points for the Highlanders - as early as seven weeks ago.

With a win over the Chiefs and loss to the Cheetahs at home under their belt, the Sharks face an enormously difficult tour.

After playing the Crusaders they face the New South Wales Waratahs, ACT Brumbies, Hurricanes and Highlanders.

Coach Dick Muir is anxious to summon injured players like Springboks captain John Smit, wing Henno Mentz and promising fullback JP Pietersen to Australasia as soon as they are fit to provide some depth to a young travelling party.

Tighthead prop BJ Botha, who left the field with his neck in a brace against the Cheetahs on Saturday, will travel.

Sharks tour squad:

Backs: Brent Russell, Percy Montomery, Odwa Ndungane, Dusty Noble, Craig Burden, Waylon Murray, Gcobani Bobo, Andries Strauss, Brad Barritt, Tony Brown, Ruan Pienaar and Sandile Nxumalo.

Forwards: Jacques Botes, Daniel Farani, Braam Immelman, AJ Venter (captain), Solly Tyibilika, Albert van den Berg, Johan Ackermann, Johann Muller, BJ Botha, Deon Carstens, Brent Moyle, Danie Saayman, Skipper Badenhorst and Bismarck du Plessis.

- NZPA