5 Players the Highlanders Need to Sign for 2014

The Highlanders have lost a huge number of players for the 2014 season, e.g. Tony Woodcock, Andrew Hore, Jamie Mackintosh and Colin Slade. Jamie Joseph has a big task ahead to strengthen the squad and improve on their disappointing 14th place finish last season.

They have re-signed the likes of Shane Christie, Hayden Parker, TJ Ioane and Brad Thorn - the last one a big boost for the Highlanders.

Here are 5 players the Highlanders need to sign for the 2014 season.

Ihaia West, Hawkes Bay - the young Maori redhead has been a sensation this season and was key in breaking Otago hearts as the Magpies ended their long shield drought. With the Highlanders losing Colin Slade to the Crusaders, here is a chance to develop a first five option for the long term.

Hugh Blake, Otago - one of the new rising stars of blue and gold rugby, Blake could fill the void left by Adam Thomson last year. Tall and athletic, Blake made the extended Highlanders squad last season and deserves a spot full time in the squad.

Sherwin Stowers, Counties Manukau - another player who has been forgotten a bit by Super Rugby teams, Stowers kept fit by featuring for Gordon Tietjens' New Zealand World Sevens team and brought that form into the Counties top. He had a sterling display against Hawkes Bay and helped Counties win the Shield for the first time. If the Chiefs or Blues don't snap him up, the Highlanders must sign Stowers.

Joe Moody, Canterbury - Moody's stocks experienced a big rise this season, named in the All Blacks training squad when injuries struck Wyatt Crockett and Owen Franks. With those two at the Crusaders, Moody may very struggle to develop further by being just a substitute. A move to the Highlanders to fill the void left by Mackintosh and Woodcock could boost Moody's chances of making the national squad with regular playing time.

Sam Aiono, Counties Manukau - A key player in Counties Ranfurly Shield efforts, with options a bit limited for established props, the Highlanders could take a punt on a promising prop for the future.