Highlanders to give Emery a chance in Super Rugby

Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph has revealed that he will give up-and-coming centre Jason Emery a chance to make a name for himself at Super Rugby level this weekend.

The Highlanders will host the Hurricanes this weekend in their third match of the season in which they have yet to register a victory.

The Highlanders have already fielded a number of midfielders this season already, including Phil Burleigh, Tamati Ellison and Ma’a Nonu.

Nonu could make his return to the team and form a new partnership with Emery as the Highlanders look for answers to the mystery of what they have been missing.

“There are concerns but that gives our young centre a real opportunity,” Joseph told Sportal.

Emery was a star for the New Zealand Under 20 side last year and went on to be named junior player of the year in 2012 which is why Joseph has no problem with throwing the youngster in.

“He’s certainly got the pedigree to be a good rugby player… he’s fit in quite well.”

The Highlanders are hurting after suffering their first ever loss to the Cheetahs and Joseph admitted that training this week as a result of the 19-36 loss to the Cheetahs was very different.

“It was a tough couple of days. Bad loss for the team we’ve looked at that – Monday was not a normal Monday.”

If Emery impresses against the Hurricanes he could get an extended period in the Highlanders backline as Tamati Ellison is likely to be out injured for a further six weeks.