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One-test All Black returns to Highlanders as one of two new signings
A one-test All Black and 2015 Super Rugby title-winner has returned to the Highlanders as one of two new signings ahead of next year’s campaign.
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The Highlanders confirmed on Monday that loose forward Gareth Evans will relocate back to Dunedin for a second stint with the side after he left for the Hurricanes in 2018.
Prior to his shift to Wellington, Evans had played 44 times for the Highlanders between 2014 and 2017, and featured prominently in 2015 as the franchise brought home its first, and only, Super Rugby title to date.
After his first season with the Hurricanes, the 30-year-old went on to make his test debut for the All Blacks against Japan in Tokyo, but has since struggled for game time due to injury and the form of other loose forwards such as Ardie Savea and Du’Plessis Kirifi.
That has instigated a move back south for Evans, who said he is excited by the prospect of playing alongside his brother and former two-test All Blacks lock Bryn, who was a standout for the Highlanders this year following a nine-year spell in European club rugby.
“To go back to the place where it all started for me, with Dunedin RFC at club level, Otago at provincial level and Super Rugby with the Highlanders, as well as the opportunity to play with my brother, made it an easy decision to return,” Evans said.
“I missed parts of the 2021 season so I’m eager to start contributing and achieving some personal milestones. It looks like an exciting group of players down there that are heading in the right direction under Brownie [head coach Tony Brown] and Derms [assistant coach Clarke Dermody].”
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Capable of covering all three loose forward roles, Evans joins youngster Sean Withy in replacing departed Japanese international Kazuki Himeno and retired ex-All Blacks star Liam Squire in the Highlanders’ back row next year.
That versatility could also prove to be crucial given openside flanker Billy Harmon is expected to miss the opening half of the season through injury.
The Highlanders have also announced the acquisition of giant hooker Andrew Makalio from the Crusaders for next year’s campaign.
Standing at 1.82m and 111kg, Makalio is a compactly-built player who has made a name for himself as a powerful ball-carrier during his time in Super Rugby and the NPC.
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By joining the Highlanders, the 29-year-old joins a growing list of former Crusaders players who have jumped ship to join their South Island rivals, including Harmon, Mitch Hunt, Fetuli Paea and Ngane Punivai.
“There are few teams in world rugby that could face off with another tier-one side, end the match with a completely different backline to the one that started game, and set a record-winning margin in the process.” #AllBlacks #WALvNZL
?? @TomVinicombehttps://t.co/dF372lDKX6
— The XV Rugby (@TheXV) October 31, 2021
It was with the Crusaders where Makalio won five Super Rugby and Super Rugby Aotearoa titles since 2017, while he has also played a key role in winning back-to-back NPC titles for Tasman between 2019 and 2020.
Makalio was also selected in the South Island squad for last year’s North vs South clash, but missed all of this year’s Super Rugby season through a neck injury.
Nevertheless, Makalio is excited about joining the Highlanders, where he will compete for a starting role with nine-test All Blacks rake Liam Coltman, after a lengthy spell without action at Super Rugby level.
“I am looking forward to heading to the deep south and joining the Landers. The new challenges ahead are motivating me and I’m ready to rip into the 2022 season,” he said.
Having worked with Makalio during his time as Tasman coach, Dermody is well aware of the threat the barnstorming hooker poses as he prepares to fill the void left by Japan-bound co-captain Ash Dixon.
Likewise, he has also spent extensive time with Evans, who he coached throughout his entire first stint at the Highlanders, and is hopeful the experience and attributes of both players will pay dividends next year.
“We know we are getting proven performers in Gareth and Andrew, they are guys who have been there and done that,” Dermody said.
“Super Rugby is a tough competition that requires a lot of resilience and experience to get the job done. What these guys can bring in terms of their professionalism and game understanding will be very important to us throughout the season.”
Highlanders 2021-22 transfers
In: Marty Banks (Southland), Gareth Evans (Hurricanes), Andrew Makalio (Crusaders), Sean Withy (Otago), Saula Ma’u (Otago)
Out: Josh Ioane (Chiefs), Ash Dixon (Green Rockets Tokatsu), Kazuki Himeno (Toyota Verblitz), Siate Tokolahi (Pau), Michael Collins (Ospreys), Jack Regan (Ospreys), Teariki Ben-Nicholas (Castres), Tim O’Malley (Zebre)
Comments on RugbyPass
Obscene that SA haven’t been knocking
1 Go to commentsChances of Blackadder being injured seem too high to give him serious consideration. ABs loosie combination finally looked good with 2 committed to tackling and clearing rucks in the centre and Ardie roaming. Hoskins/Ardie together would force one of them into where they don’t excel and don’t get to use their talent, or require a change in tactics. If we continue to evolve last years systems I would take Papali’i and Finau at 6 and 7 (conceding that Blackadder will be injured) and Ardie at 8.
15 Go to commentsArdie’s preferred position 7? Where do they get these writers from? I've no idea where he's playing in Japan, but the previous two seasons he wore the 7 jersey exactly twice.
17 Go to commentsNot good to hear Ulster described as “financially troubled”. Did not think it was getting to that level. I would hope the Irish system of spreading players of talent away from Leinster would kick in now. Better to have a Leinster fringe player with Ulster or Connacht, then getting only a few games a season in Dublin. 10, for example, would seem to be a case for spreading the talent. I would not be at all adverse to a SA man coming in as head coach/DR. Ludeke is worth trying. Certainly got a long and impressive coaching career at this level…..149 games in SR, then Japan, 30 years experience. And Ulster’s ledger of successful SA coaches and players is on the positive side. Is talk of Ruan Pienaar interested in coming back as a coach…..could be a good combination with Ludeke. And Pienaar and family would have no settling in to do, one would judge. He loved life in Ulster when there, by all reports.
1 Go to commentsSome thoughts to consider here, Sam. Thanks
2 Go to commentsI think he is right, SBW is respected in RSA. The guy who never stood up is a worm. Sseems lots of NZ SBW hate, you do the crime do the time.
11 Go to commentsAfter missing the curfew, the player was simply too “Shagged” to stand up.
11 Go to commentsVernier is probably the best 12 in the world though she has some English competition these days . I am nervous for England because it is unpredictable France and who knows which team will turn up, but they have not yet shown anything that should worry England, Saturday could be a different day. I would be more confident against the BFs.
1 Go to commentsWhat a difference Rodda and Carter made. Rodda has been out for ages but he is really the only world class lock in Australian rugby. Him, Carter and Beale made a huge difference on the weekend. If only they had a few decent props they’d be a much more dangerous team. Hamish Stewart was excellent last week as well. His carrying has improved significantly and has to be next in line after Paisami at 12 for the Wallabies. He’ll benefit hugely with Beale at fullback, there’s just no better communicator in Australian rugby than him and his experience will make a huge difference for the Force. No one sees space like Beale and he’s still sharp. I can see Force making a late charge into the top 8 if they can get some consistency.
2 Go to commentsRodda will be a walk up starter at lock. Frost if you analyse his dominance has little impact and he’s a long way from being physical enough, especially when you compare to Rodda and the work he does. He was quite poor at the World Cup in his lack of physicality. Between Rodda and Skelton we would have locks who can dominate the breakdown and in contact. Frost is maybe next but Schmidt might go for a more physical lock who does their core work better like Ryan or LSL. Swain is no chance unless there’s a load of injuries. Pollard hasn’t got the scrum ability yet to be considered. Nasser dominated him when they went toe to toe and really showed him up. Picking Skelton effects who can play 6 and 8. Ideally Valetini would play 6 as that’s his best position and Wilson at 8 but that’s not ideal for lineout success. Cale isn’t physical enough yet in contact and defence but is the best backrow lineout jumper followed by Wright, Hanigan and Swinton so unfortunately Valetini probably will start at 8 with Wright or Hanigan at 6. Wilson on the bench, he’s got too much quality not to be in the squad. Paisami is leading the way at 12 but Hamish Stewart is playing extremely well also and his ball carrying has improved significantly. Beale is also another option based on the weekend. Beale is class but he’s also the best communicator of any Australian backline player and that can’t be underestimated, he’ll be in the mix.
8 Go to commentsWhy do people keep on picking Ardie at 7 when he's a ball in hand 8? A modern 7 is the lead tackler and ruck clearer which isn't his strength.
15 Go to commentsSly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
11 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
2 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
2 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
8 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
8 Go to commentsYeah but who was it?
11 Go to commentsThink you might have written this just before the Brumbies got thrashed last weekend
8 Go to commentsI really do believe that Billy Proctor should be selected at least in the larger squad but also it would be my choice at 13, much more a center than Ioane who can still play at wing. Roigard if fit should play, otherwise it should be Perenara or Christie. Also, Iose could deserve a spot at blindside. Of course, being a Canes supporter I’m biased but I really believe that at least Billy P is deserving a chance and being Holland one of the Selectors, I’m having a little hope he could grab it.
15 Go to comments