Things can only get better for Highlanders

It's a new year, a fresh challenge and certainly time to put on a fresh shirt for the Highlanders.

The southern franchise finished ninth in the competition last year, their worst placing since ending 11th in 1997, and even allowing for some ifs and buts, they could have no argument with the final outcome.

Two games, against the Sharks and the Chiefs, were lost by one and five points - the first due to a last-gasp pinch and grab from halfback Craig Davidson, the other to a late Lome Fa'atau try.

Wins there could have had the Highlanders in the semifinals, but it's time to move on, says accomplished flanker Craig Newby.

"There's a lot of water under the bridge since then," he said. "New boys like Cameron McIntyre have come in with ideas on how to win those pressure games so we don't really look back on it. But it was disappointing at the time."

First five-eighth McIntyre has come south from Canterbury, one of a clutch of young prospects who will provide what coach Greg Cooper hopes will be a happy leavening with the older sweats.

"The average age of the forward pack is 26 plus, so it's not that young. But it's been proven in recent times that you can't do without that experience and understanding of what it's like to compete at the highest level.

"The backs are slightly younger but we've certainly got some who've had three or four years experience of the Super 12.

"I think it's a good mix, but time will tell how that gels together."

One thing the former All Black fullback learned from his first year in charge of the Highlanders last season led to a realignment of his selection thinking.

"Ability will take you so far. But commitment and character is a huge part of it as well.

"We ended up focussing our selection very heavily on the performance or ability factor, plus players who we know will be committed."

A glance at the Highlanders draw should bring a smile to their fans - the Blues at Carisbrook, the Stormers in Invercargill and the Chiefs back at HQ in Dunedin before they hit the road. Cooper is more circumspect. He sees those three opponents as historically one of New Zealand's best Super 12 sides, followed by two of last year's semifinalists.

"So yes, three home games, but three high-quality opponents. Yes, it's nice to have those games at home and if we do get away to a good start it will build momentum in our campaign."

What they will need is a tighter defence. Last season they shipped 347 points, worse than any team apart from the dreadful wooden spooners, the Cats.

The Highlanders pack will be anchored by Anton Oliver, Carl Hayman and Carl Hoeft, who should match any front row in the competition.

Newby and Filipo Levi provide a hard edge; Grant Webb and Paul Miller the bulk at the back; and in Colin Bourke and flying Josh Blackie - whose battles with the likes of Richie McCaw, Marty Holah and Daniel Braid should be doozies - there is flair and speed.

Much will depend on Nick Evans at No 10, who is missing tonight's opener against the Blues, and how halfback Jimmy Cowan advances his longer-term All Black claims against the likes of Justin Marshall, Byron Kelleher and Piri Weepu will be an intriguing sidelight.

There is some pace out wide but the old adage applies: the forwards will have to provide the foundation before the backs can produce the fancy stuff.

Newby sees the arrival of Ben Blair and Evans as helping in providing a broader range of leadership.

"It's not just a forward-dominated thing off the pitch. It's good for the whole team flow, a more rounded leadership."

But where Newby, who made his two All Black appearances as a replacement last year, insists specific goals aren't on the players' agenda, Cooper is a believer in having targets, short and longer term.

"I have long-term competition aims because you've got to have a dream, a goal. Something that motivates you along the way that you strive to achieve.

"But you've also got to work in the here and now. If you don't, what you're looking for down track won't arrive anyway."

The Highlanders have been preparing for tonight's match, in Newby's words, since the middle of November.

He can't wait to get started, acknowledging a team doesn't really get a gauge on how they are travelling until they have a handful of competitive games under their belt.

"Some teams, like the Waratahs, traditionally get off to a flier. That might be us this year, or we might be underdone.

"Last year the South Africans were well above where they have been previously.

"That's the great thing about the game - you win one week, then lose to a team you should beat the next."

He's right, even if his coach might not see that as the ideal Super 12 recipe.

VITAL STATS

Titles: 0

Finals: 1

Best finish: 2nd in 1999

Worst finish: 12th in 1997

Biggest win: 65-23 v Bulls, 1999

Biggest loss: 70-26 v Brumbies, 1996

Backs

Glen Horton (Otago)

Neil Brew (Otago)

Ben Blair (Canterbury)

Ryan Glover (Southland)

Hayden Pedersen (Otago)

Matt Saunders (Otago)

Seilala Mapusua (Otago)

Anthony Tuitavake (North Harbour)

Jason Shoemark (Otago)

Nick Evans (Otago)

Cameron McIntyre (Canterbury)

Jimmy Cowan (Southland)

Danny Lee (Otago)

Forwards

Paul Miller (Southland)

Grant Webb (Otago)

Colin Bourke (Bay of Plenty)

Josh Blackie (Otago)

Craig Newby (Otago)

Filipo Levi (Otago)

Tom Donnelly (Otago)

James Ryan (Otago)

Hoani Macdonald (Southland)

Clarke Dermody (Southland)

Carl Hoeft (Otago)

Carl Hayman (Otago)

Chris King (Canterbury)

Anton Oliver (capt, Otago)

Mahonri Schwalger (Wellington)