Evans still out of Highlanders line-up

Nick Evans calls for assistance after injuring a hamstring against the Bulls. Picture / Fotopress

Highlanders utility back Nick Evans faces another week on the sidelines due to his hamstring injury.

Evans tore the hamstring during the side's round three win over the Bulls.

He travelled to South Africa and is now in Australia where the team have arrived ahead of their Super 12 game against the Reds this Friday, but he has not played for a few weeks.

The side had a successful tour of South Africa winning two from two. Coach Greg Cooper said it was a hard trip, so they are pleased to come out of it on top.

Cooper said they were hoping Evans would be fit for this Friday, but he is not training at 100 per cent so they are now pinning hopes on him being fit for the game against the Brumbies the weekend after.

Cameron McIntyre will start at first five for the Southerners.

Cooper said it is only round six so they do not want to get ahead of themselves, but the team is on the up at the moment and just needs to keep the ball rolling.

After five weeks of Super 12, the Waratahs have stormed to a handy lead, with the Brumbies, Hurricanes and Crusaders rounding out the top four.

The Highlanders are fifth.

Reds captain Elton Flatley has been ruled out of Friday night's clash at Ballymore.

Flatley has not recovered from a head knock that forced him to miss the Chiefs game on March 18.

His absence means Nathan Sharpe will again captain the side, which is unchanged from the team that won in Hamilton.

- NEWSTALK ZB