Rugby: Southland hoping for Highlanders boost

Southland are hoping their impressive run in the Air NZ Cup will result in more of their players being selected for the Highlanders. Photo / Getty Images

Southland co-coach David Henderson doubts his side's impressive run to the semifinals of the Air New Zealand Cup will result in a Southland dominated Highlanders squad for the 2009 Super 14.

The Stags have had a stellar season and face Wellington in this Friday's first semifinal. They have completely overshadowed their franchise partners in 2008, with Otago failing to make the quarterfinals.

Henderson says he does not think Southland's season will significantly change the make-up of the Highlanders as there is a settled bunch within the franchise already.

However, co-coach Simon Culhane points out that still being in the competition should help more of their players get picked in the Highlanders squad.

He says it will help to be in front of the selectors for an extra couple of weeks as they usually are not around at this stage of the season.

Just seven Southland players were in this year's Highlanders squad, despite the Stags finishing above Otago in last year's Air New Zealand Cup.

- NEWSTALK ZB