Dermody scrums down with H'landers
The Highlanders have turned to retired All Black Clarke Dermody to improve their scrumming.
Dermody, who was forced to retire in 2012 as a result of a back injury, played for every New Zealand age-group team before going on to play three Tests for the All Blacks in 2006.
The former Southland captain, who played 90 games for the Stags, is back with the Highlanders – working as the scrum coach for the franchise.
The Otago Daily Times reports that Dermody, who played 44 games for the franchise from 2004 to 2007, takes over as scrum coach from fellow All Black Kees Meeuws, who resigned last year.
Dermody (33) is an experienced player who was part of a strong Highlanders scrum along with the likes of Carl Hayman and Anton Oliver in the mid 2000s and also had a stint in the Engolish Premiership before his retirement.
He had helped out with the Southland NPC side last year and Highlanders general manager Roger Clark said Dermody was keen to get involved and the franchise wanted to use his experience.
His part-time appointment was only temporary and would be reviewed in a month or two.
* Meanwhile Highlanders head coach Jamie Joseph named his starting team to play in the Crusaders in their second Super Rugby pre-season match.
The Highlanders beat the Brumbies 15-11 in Queenstown last week, while the Crusaders beat a development side 67-5 last Friday.
The Highlanders take on the Waratahs next Friday in Newcastle in what will be their final pre-season game.
The non-travelling squad members are Nasi Manu, Shane Christie, Liam Coltman, Tom Franklin, Craig Millar, Aaron Smith, Ben Smith, Buxton Popoalii.
Highlanders: 15 Kurt Baker, 14 Patrick Osborne, 13 Jason Emery, 12 Phil Burleigh, 11 Malakai Fekitoa, 10 Willie Ripia, 9 Frae Wilson, 8 Elliot Dixon, 7 John Hardie, 6 Gareth Evans, 5 Josh Bekhuis, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Ma'afu Fia, 2 Braydon Mitchell, 1 Chris King.
Replacements: TBC
Date: Friday, February 7
Venue: Motueka Sports Ground, Motueka
Kick-off: 17.30 (04.30 GMT)
Referee: Garratt Williamson
