Highlanders to be without 7 All Blacks players against the Blues

The Highlanders will be without seven All Blacks as they look forward to their clash against the Blues this week.

Ben Smith, Aaron Smith, Waisake Naholo, Liam Squire, Dillon Hunt, Luke Whitelock and Liam Coltman will spend the week in an All Blacks in Christchurch.

The camps are designed to review the All Blacks players on their performances last year and to identify what is required to improve in the coming season.

Other All Blacks players include Wyatt Crockett, Kieran Read, Sam Whitelock, Ryan Crotty, Owen Franks, Joe Moody, as well as Israel Dagg.

Highlanders Head Coach, Aaron Mauger says they know the Blues are a dangerous beast back at Eden Park and they probably have not had the best month, but the Highlanders well aware of the threats they possess so they are looking forward to that challenge this week.

At the end of round 9, the Hurricanes now lead the overall Super Rugby points table with 27 points, the Lions are second with 25 points, the Waratahs are third with 24 points while defending champions the Crusaders are fourth also with 24 points.

The Blues will face the Highlanders at 7.35pm Friday and the Waratahs will meet the Lions at 9.45pm.

On Saturday, the Crusaders take on the Sunwolves at 7.35pm, the Reds will take on the Chiefs at 9.45pm  while on Sunday the Bulls meet the Rebels at 1.05am, the Sharks face the Stormers at 3.15am, and the Brumbies will take on the Jaguares at 6.05pm.

[Source: stuff.co]