Super Rugby
Christie eyeing return against Waratahs
ESPN Staff
June 24, 2015
Shane Christie has missed the whole of the 2015 season and hopes to make his return against the Waratahs © Getty Images
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Flanker Shane Christie is in contention for his first Highlanders appearance of the season in their Super Rugby semi-final against the Waratahs. Maori All Blacks openside Christie hasn't played a single minute this season because of ongoing hamstring problems, but could earn a promotion to square off against Wallabies No.7 Michael Hooper in Sydney on Saturday.

The Highlanders' need a solution for the position after Dan Pryor suffered a season-ending dislocated elbow in their 24-14 win over the Chiefs in the qualifying final against the Chiefs. John Hardie, who has made nine appearances, remains out with rib cartilage damage.

Another option for coach Jamie Joseph is rookie James Lentjes, who hasn't played since April, but trained alongside Christie on Tuesday. Tasman workhorse Christie was poised to play when the Highlanders met the Waratahs in Dunedin in round five but twinged his hamstring in the warm-ups. The 29-year-old has played club rugby over the past two weeks and Joseph must decide if he is ready for the giant step-up.

Another who could return after missing the last eight games with a knee injury is lock Joe Wheeler. He also trained and could come into contention if the impressive veteran Alex Ainley is sidelined by a knee niggle that has dogged him in recent weeks. Mark Reddish and Joe Latta are other lock options.

The Highlanders team will be named on Thursday and they will spend that night in Auckland before leaving for Sydney a day later.

© AAP

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