Adam Thompson recovers from rib injury; Returns to Highlanders squad – Rugby news
Highlanders’ line-up has been strengthened with the return of their international flanker, Adam Thomson, ahead of their 2011 super rugby round 16 clashes with the Western Force on Friday June 3.
After his injury, Thomson did not participate in any Super Rugby games for the Highlanders since their round 12 match with the Chiefs at Waikato Stadium. Nick Crosswell substituted for Thomson during the half-time after he sustained an injury to his ribs.
Earlier, Thomson was expected to recover in time for Highlanders’ Carisbrook encounter against the Lions on Saturday May 28. However, the All Blacks international withdrew just before the start of the game. Highlanders eventually went on to lose the match 26 – 22 and now have slipped to the eighth spot in the combined table super xv table.
Highlanders have so far won eight of the 13 games played in the season and have three more games to play in this year’s Super Rugby competition. Highlanders will expect to put a strong display on the field to return to their winning momentum that will enable them to secure a place in the super xv play-offs.
Christchurch born Thomson made his professional senior rugby debut for the Otago against their rivals Waikato during the 2004 season. He has made 50 appearances for the provincial side and has scored an impressive 55 points as he battled his way through to become a regular member of the team.
The 29-year-old Thomson made his Super Rugby debut for Highlanders against the Sharks during the 2006 super rugby season. He has made 49 Super Rugby appearances and scored 45 points for the New Zealand franchise.
Thomson’s exceptional performance during the 2008 Super Rugby season earned him selection in the All Blacks squad. He made his international debut against the touring Ireland squad at Wellington in June 2008.
Thomson has made 17 international appearances for All Blacks and is expected to be named in All Blacks 2011 Rugby World Cup squad. Friday June 3 game will be the Thomson’s 50th appearance for the Highlanders in different competitions.
Additionally, Highlanders have moved Alando Soakai on to the bench making way for the flanker John Hardie in the starting lineup. Lock Tom Donnelly has also recovered from his back injury and will start the match from the bench.
The Highlanders match 22 for their friday encounter includes-
Starting XV: 15 Ben Smith, 14 Kade Poki, 13 Kendrick Lynn, 12 Shaun Treeby, 11 Siale Piutau, 10 Lima Sopoaga, 9 Jimmy Cowan, 8 Nasi Manu, 7 John Hardie, 6 Adam Thomson, 5 Josh Bekhuis, 4 Jarrad Hoeata, 3 Chris King, 2 Mo Schwwalger, 1 Jamie Mackintosh (c).
Replacements:16 Jason Rutledge, 17 Bronson Murray, 18 Tom Donnelly, 19 Nick Crosswell, 20 Aaron Smith, 21 Robbie Robinson, 22 Alando Soakai.
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