'Landers without mentor for 'Canes clash
Assistant coach Mark Hammett told Stuff the former All Blacks centre has been in Christchurch with his mother, who passed away during the Highlanders’ 18-15 win against the Reds on Saturday.
Hammett confirmed that Mauger wouldn’t take part in preparations as his side get ready to host the Hurricanes on Friday, but was hopeful he would be at the match.
"We imagine that the funeral will be Wednesday or Thursday. He would like to be back with us for the game, but we’re putting no pressure on him. It’s just about him doing what he needs to do and being with family,"
Hammett has been acting as head coach in the interim, overseeing the Highlanders for their win against the Reds – their first at Suncorp Stadium and their first in Brisbane since 2005.
The Highlanders will be without seven of their All Blacks when they take on Hammett’s former team in a New Zealand conference clash. Hammett coached the Hurricanes from 2011 to 2014.
Ben Smith, Aaron Smith, Shannon Frizell, Liam Squire, Luke Whitelock, Waisake Naholo and Liam Coltman will all be attending a three-day All Blacks camp in Christchurch as preparations for next month’s three-test series against France continue.
Hammett labelled last week "hugely disruptive" following the All Blacks camp in Auckland, mandated All Black rest periods and the absence of Mauger.
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