The Highlanders have omitted loose forward Hale T-Pole and midfielder Aaron Bancroft from their squad to play their opening Super 14 rugby matches in Australia and South Africa next month.
Only 26 players are allowed to tour, leaving no room for that pair although Bancroft will be withthe squad for their final pre-season match against the Queensland Reds on the Gold Coast tomorrow night.
Bancroft was covering some "minor niggles" among the backs according to manager Greg O'Brien and was to return to New Zealand following the Reds match at Carrara Stadium.
The Highlanders open their campaign with three matches on the road -- against the Western Force on February 2, the Stormers in Cape Town on February 9 and the Sharks in Durban on Feb 17.
Highlanders tour squad:
Backs: Craig Clare, Glen Horton, Viliame Waqseduadua, Greg Zampach, Matthew Saunders, Lucky Mulipola, Jason Kawau, Aaron Bancroft, Callum Bruce, Nick Evans, Charlie Hore, Jimmy Cowan, Toby Morland
Forwards: Craig Newby, Ezra Taylor, Josh Blackie (captain), Alando Soakai, Hoani MacDonald, Filipo Levi, James Ryan, Kane Thompson, Clarke Dermody, Chris King, Keith Cameron, Jamie Mackintosh, Jason MacDonald, David Hall
