A Super Rugby Pacific star has put forward an outlandish proposition to the Highlanders as they face a shortage of first-five options this week.
The Dunedin-based franchise are without frontline first-fives Sam Gilbert and Mitch Hunt for this Sunday’s must-win Super Rugby Pacific clash against the Rebels in Melbourne.
Gilbert, in just his second Super Rugby match at No 10, was red-carded for dumping Waratahs star Michael Hooper on his head in his side’s 32-20 loss at Forsyth Barr Stadium last weekend.
He has subsequently been handed a five-week ban by the SANZAAR judicial committee, bringing an end to his campaign.
Hunt, who has been used predominately at first-five this season, is also unlikely to feature due to concussion, leaving the Highlanders short-changed on No 10 candidates.
However, Crusaders halfback Bryn Hall have offered a left-field solution to the issue as Highlanders boss Tony Brown surveys his options for this week’s match.
Speaking on the Aotearoa Rugby Pod, Hall threw out the idea of using two halfbacks, captain Aaron Smith and promising youngster Folau Fakatava, as a possible halves combination for the Highlanders this weekend.
“It’s a pretty good idea having old Aaron Smith and Folau Fakatava as a 9 and 10 combo,” Hall said of the idea, which was initially floated by host Ross Karl.
“We’ve seen it [TJ Perenara has played 10 for the Hurricanes and All Blacks] and I think nobody would have thought Gilbert was going to be able to play 10, with Hunty [Mitch Hunt] being there.
“Would not be surprised if Tony Brown chucked out something, the two 9s playing 9 and 10.”
Although he believes there is merit to the idea, Hall still thinks the Highlanders will start veteran playmaker Marty Banks, who has returned for a third stint in Super Rugby and was Gilbert’s replacement against the Waratahs three days ago.
“I think they will go with Marty Banks,” Hall told the Aotearoa Rugby Pod.
