Good news for Highlanders

The Highlanders got a boost for their Super 14 match against the Waratahs on Saturday with news that lock Hoani MacDonald was available for selection for the first time this season.

The Highlanders got a boost for their Super 14 match against the Waratahs on Saturday with news that lock Hoani MacDonald was available for selection for the first time this season.

The New Zealand Maori and Junior All Black second rower is in contention having finally recovered from a finger injury sustained during pre-season training last month.

MacDonald, who can also slot in on the blindside flank, is underdone in match fitness though, having only played 25 minutes of a warm-up game against the Chiefs.

The Highlanders, seeking their first win after narrow bonus point losses to the Reds and Brumbies, are fortunate to have depth in the second row with Hayden Triggs, Issac Ross and Tom Donnelly already used in that position, though MacDonald's versatility may still see him starting off the bench.

Meanwhile, injured Highlanders captain Craig Newby is also close to returning to action after foot surgery.

The former All Blacks flanker may be available for the fourth round match against the Hurricanes, also at Carisbrook, on March 7.