Key Highlanders Jona Nareki and Pari Pari Parkinson have question marks besides their names for the Super Rugby Trans Tasman final against the Blues at Eden Park on Saturday.
Nareki and Parkinson both left the field troubled with shoulder issues during the 33-12 win against the Brumbies on Friday, and Highlanders assistant coach Riki Flutey said on Tuesday it was uncertain if they would be available for the final.
“I hope so, I hope they are,” Flutey said. “I’m not too sure what that looks like. We just need another report from the doc.”
Nareki hurt his shoulder against the Waratahs in Dunedin in Round 4 of the Super Rugby Trans Tasman, but his importance to the team is such that he started against the Brumbies.
Parkinson is the leading Kiwi lineout forward in Super Rugby Trans Tasman. The big Māori All Blacks lock has grabbed 26 throws, six more than Chiefs flanker Luke Jacobson.
Consequently, both would be serious losses for a Highlanders side that is already missing 13 players.
