Highlanders hopeful for the quick recovery of Nareki and Parkinson for the final at Eden Park

The Highlanders are hopeful that wing Jona Nareki and lock Pari Pari Parkinson will be over their shoulder injuries in time for the Super Rugby Trans-Tasman final at Eden Park.

Both players were supposed to feature for the Highlanders in their 33-12 victory over the Brumbies but were pulled out in the last hour.

Nareki has been a game-breaker for the Highlanders this season - carried a shoulder niggle into the game, and was withdrawn as a precaution.

Blues coach Leon MacDonald stated after his side's 31-21 win over the Western Force on Saturday night that he was looking forward to the final, but was wary of the scary Highlanders with Smith in such good form.

The Blues will host the Highlanders at 7.05 pm Saturday.

[Source: Stuff.co.nz]