Highlanders coach Greg Cooper has applauded the Super 12 draft system for 2005, believing player "riches" have been distributed evenly throughout New Zealand's five franchises.
Cooper had good reason to be satisfied with the process after the Highlanders successfully claimed the six draft players, including former All Black Ben Blair, they
were seeking.
Blair, 25, has been in the Crusaders squad for the past four years and is also a reliable goal-kicker. He made his All Blacks debut against Scotland in 2001 and has four test caps.
But Cooper was also pleased that Highlanders discard Sam Harding had found a spot with the Crusaders. Harding was one of 16 players to receive contracts via the draft.
Cooper believed greater communication between coaches during the draft process had ensured that quality players were not left on the sidelines.
No coach wanted to see players of the quality of Sam Harding or Tom Harding not playing Super 12 rugby, he said.
"If we can help with that we will. Other coaches have said, 'I don't think I'm going to pick this player. Are you interested in him?'
"If it suits our needs then it's good for us and for the player."
Cooper was also happy for All Blacks coach Graham Henry to have his say on Super 12 selection and discuss his needs with individual players.
"All Blacks rugby is the most important thing in New Zealand rugby but I can tell you there is no pressure on us from All Black selectors and coaches."
Dropped from the squad were Mathew Berquist (Otago), Daniel Quate (Southland), Jason Rutledge (Southland) and Hale T-Pole (Southland).
- NZPA
