Rugby: Pickings slim as new coach hunts players

Highlanders No 8 Stephen Setephano has returned to Waikato. Photo / Getty Images

The persuasive powers of Jamie Joseph will be tested in coming weeks as he scours the country desperate for bodies to join the Highlanders.

The new coach is thought to have only about 18 confirmed in next year's squad. The race is on to secure more frontline talent.

The big problem, however, is that the other four franchises have secured the bulk of their squads and left thin pickings.

Joseph's sights are currently on Jarrad Hoeata, the New Zealand Maori lock-cum-blindside who struggled for game time this year with the Chiefs, plus Kade Poki and Colin Slade.

Joseph is also having to fight a retention campaign to convince Adam Thomson and Tom Donnelly to stay. The latter should commit but the former admits the temptation to shift to Christchurch and play in a loose trio with Kieran Read and Richie McCaw in a World Cup year is one that will be hard to resist.

Should Thomson leave, loose forward will become an area of concern as well as first five and the midfield.

Stephen Setephano, a regular at No 8 this year, has returned to Waikato. An extended 2011 campaign means that the Highlanders will need depth at loose forward. Hoeata, a ball-carrying bruiser, could make an impact but finding another of his quality could be tough.

An offer has been put to Slade and the Crusaders back-up has been encouraged by the All Black coaches to take it so he can play regularly at first five.

Joseph will be anxious to have Slade, as Robbie Robinson is now viewed as a fullback.

As well, this year's preferred No 10, Matt Berquist, could be selected by the Blues as back-up to Stephen Brett.

Jason Shoemark has gone overseas so the Highlanders are light in the midfield, although it seems Ben Smith is now considered a second five rather than a wing-fullback.

Last week was Joseph's first, officially, in the job and he faces a hectic eight weeks recruiting.

He has already lost lock Hayden Triggs, who has signed for the Chiefs.

The consoling factor is the knowledge they have a rugged tight five with Jamie Mackintosh, Clint Newland, Josh Bekhuis, Jason Rutledge and probably Donnelly all signed. They have also secured Jimmy Cowan and are guaranteed of some finishing power with Fetu'u Vainikolo and James Paterson.