Fabian Holland named for Otago return ahead of All Blacks squad naming

Reigning World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year Fabian Holland is in line for his first minutes since February 6, just three days out from Dave Rennie’s All Blacks squad naming for the coming Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Tour.

The lock has been named to start for Otago in Friday’s hit-out against Mid Canterbury in what will be a Ranfurly Shield defence ahead of the NPC season beginning next week.

Holland dislocated his shoulder just minutes into his first preseason run for the Highlanders, and has spent the last five months rehabbing the injury.

The 23-year-old was last seen in an official game 63 minutes into New Zealand’s 52-26 win over Wales at Principality Stadium last November. In a clip posted to the Highlanders’ social media channels in May, he shared a promising update that signalled he was finding the positives in his rehab journey.

“Obviously, as a rugby player, you don’t often get the chance to work six months on your body and get stronger in certain parts that you normally don’t have the time for. It’s been quite exciting and quite good to have quality time to put into your body,” Holland said.

All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie revealed earlier last week that Holland was in line for some preseason minutes with Otago, adding that his staff have kept a close eye on his rehab.

“Fabian’s a chance, so he’ll have hit out for Otago early before we name the team,” the coach revealed.

“Look, Fabian’s rehab’s been excellent. He’s in good nick. We’re keeping a good eye on stuff. We’ve got video footage of what he’s been doing.

“It will just be nice for him to get some game time in for Otago, and then hopefully be available.”

Rennie also confirmed that former All Blacks captain Scott Barrett will not feature in the coming tour against the Springboks.

Holland isn’t the only player named for Otago who will be aiming for a Test call-up next week, with loose forward duo Lucas Casey and Christian Lio-Willie set to line up at openside flanker and No.8, respectively, and Jona Nareki on the left wing. A familiar name also appears on the bench, with 36-year-old 8-cap All Black Liam Coltman back in blue and gold, 16 years after his debut.

Otago team to play Mid Canterbury

1. Benjamin Lopas
2. Henry Bell
3. Rohan Wingham
4. Harry Irving
5. Fabian Holland
6. Oliver Haig
7. Lucas Casey
8. Christian Lio-Willie
9. Kieran McClea
10. Cam Millar
11. Jona Nareki
12. Jake Te Hiwi
13. Josh Timu
14. Jae Broomfield
15. Finn Hurley

Reserves

16. Liam Coltman
17. Marley Pearce
18. Moana Takataka
19. Joe Tamani
20. Slade McDowall
21. Mackenzie Palmer
22. Josh Whaanga
23. Sam Nemec-Vial