Super Rugby
Highlanders Buckman to miss opening matches
ESPN Staff
February 14, 2015
Buckman is set to miss the Highlanders opening matches © Getty Images
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Highlanders wing Richard Buckman has been ruled out of the Highlanders season opening matches with a knee injury. A revelation for the Highlanders in 2014, Buckman injured the medial ligaments of his knee during the ITM Cup last year and aggravated the injury again during Highlanders pre-season training.

The 25-year-old moved into the Highlanders side last season after Buxton Popoali'i was forced to retire due to a heart ailment and stated his case to represent the side in 17 matches, however, he is now set to miss the opening three matches of the Highlanders season.

"He never had any injuries for us last year but he's having a bad run," Highlanders head coach Jamie Joseph told Yahoo Sport.

The Highlanders open their season against the Crusaders in Dunedin in round two with the side given an opening round bye. Despite the loss of Buckman, the Highlanders are likely to be invigorated with the availability of All Blacks Aaron and Ben Smith and centre Malakai Fekitoa, who are all set to play against the Crusaders.

"Their fitness levels are good, their strength is good and their professionalism is great," added Joseph. "They're all keen to get back on the field."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd

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