No Delany for Highlanders

MIKE DELANY will not play for the Highlanders against the Stormers tomorrow night in Dunedin.

Coach Jamie Joseph has made one change to his side for the match against the unbeaten South Africans at Forsyth Barr Stadium, with All Black Andrew Hore replacing Jason Rutledge at hooker.

It was thought Delany, who joined the Dunedin-based franchise from Japan this week, would take his place on the bench, but he is not ready to play yet.

It is hoped the one-test All Black will be fit for the clash against the Blues on April 20 following the Highlanders’ bye week.

Jimmy Cowan will make his 100th appearance for the franchise and Rutledge his 50th if both take to the field against the Stormers.

Highlanders: Ben Smith, Kade Poki, Tamati Ellison, Shaun Treeby, Hosea Gear, Chris Noakes, Aaron Smith, Nasi Manu, James Haskell, Adam Thomson, Jarrad Hoeata, Josh Bekhuis, Chris King, Andrew Hore, Jamie Mackintosh (c)
Reserves: Jason Rutledge, Ma’afu Fia, Culum Retallick, Doug Tietjens, Jimmy Cowan, Buxton Popoali’i, Phil Burleigh