Ryan injury sours Highlanders' victory

Highlanders 25 Western force 22

All Black lock James Ryan may miss the remainder of the season because of a shoulder injury suffered before the Highlanders' win over the Western Force yesterday.

Ryan (22), one of the finds of last year, started the Highlanders' first eight matches this season but was named on the bench for yesterday's game against the Force. However, the ginger-haired second-rower was a late withdrawal and sat sombrely in the stands as the Highlanders scored an unconvincing win.

Highlanders coach Greg Cooper conceded later Ryan's injury was "serious" and possibly season-ending. "He could be sidelined for quite a few months but it's not confirmed yet."

Ryan has had niggles with the shoulder in the past but it now appears as if the injury may require surgery and rest. That would be a blow for the All Blacks as well as the Highlanders, who have already lost Matt Saunders, Paul Williams, Andrew Blowers and Nick Evans for the season and Hoani MacDonald indefinitely.

Meanwhile, even the most rabid of Highlander fans would have found it difficult to summon enthusiasm for the victory over the Force at Carisbrook. Certainly it was a win, their fifth in nine games, but that was about all.

In terms of continuity and composure, it was another error-riddled performance by a squad struggling for confidence. They have yet to achieve a bonus point for scoring four tries. Yesterday was their best chance and they blew it. Force fullback Cameron Shepherd capitalising on an intercept by Scott Staniforth of a stray pass by Willie Ripia, in effect bringing about a 14-point turnaround for the Australians.

For a time it seemed there could be a boilover as the Highlanders battled for possession and battled even harder to retain it as they were plagued, yet again, by passing and handling errors.

Loosehead prop Gareth Hardy scored for the Force after only five minutes and, when Cameron Shepherd scored a lovely try after 30 minutes to extend the lead to 15-3, the Highlanders were in trouble.

But the home side worked themselves into the game and gained some impetus when hooker Jason Macdonald, in his first Super 14 start, crashed over from a lineout drive.

Flanker Josh Blackie scored on 49 minutes and wing Vilimoni Delasau had the third try 11 minutes later.

The impetus was provided by Blair, running hard from fullback, drawing the defence, timing his pass perfectly and sending the big Fijian on a clear run to the posts.

Blair added a penalty from 43 metres and, with a 25-15 lead and 17 minutes left, the fans sat back in expectation of the Highlanders completing a handsome victory with a bonus point.

It was not to be. The Highlanders have a habit, at times, of making the game appear extremely difficult and this was one of them.

Highlanders 25 (J. Macdonald, J. Blackie, V. Delasau tries; B. Blair 2 cons, 2 pens).
Western Force 22 (C. Shepherd, 2, G. Hardy tries; Shepherd 2 cons, pen).
HT: 8-15.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY