Highlanders first five-eighth Lima Sopoaga. The imminent loss of playmaker Lima Sopoaga – after one final campaign this year – is, perhaps, a bigger blow for the Highlanders than it will be the All Blacks. Outside Aaron Smith and, prior to this season under Tony Brown's guidance, Sopoaga played a major role in the Highlanders' evolution to consistent Super Rugby contenders. Sopoaga told the Highlanders two weeks ago he was considering his options. Other than Sopoaga, the 16-test All Black, the Highlanders have 22-year-old first-fives Fletcher Smith and Josh Ioane on their books.

Source: Otago Daily Times January 11, 2018 19:07 UTC