Highlanders named, Thomson and Hobbs stood down

The Highlanders have suspended All Blacks loose forward Adam Thomson and Michael Hobbs for breaching the Rebel Sport Super 14 rugby team rules.

Neither were considered for selection against the Bulls at Pretoria on Sunday morning (NZT) as punishment for breaking a team curfew last weekend following the 0-33 loss to the Stormers.

The one-match suspensions imposed on Thomson and first five-eighth Hobbs follows their failure to return to their team hotel on time in Cape Town last weekend.

Highlanders head coach Glenn Moore today said the were not involved in any other incidents.

Moore said that while suspending the players was a critical decision that impacted on the whole team, it was a straight forward decision to make.

"Each week you have to earn the right to play for this team. This slip up, albeit out of character for these two guys, means they don't get the opportunity to play this week."

Moore said Hobbs and Thomson would stay with the team in Pretoria to help them prepare for the match against the Bulls.

Mat Berquist has been named to start at No 10 against the Bulls, while Steven Setephano takes over at No 8 in Thomson's absence.

Highlanders team named today for a Super 14 rugby match against the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Sunday morning (NZT):-

Israel Dagg, Ben Smith, Kenny Lynn, Jason Shoemark, Fetu'u Vainikolo, Mat Berquist, Sean Romans, Steven Setephano, Alando Soakai, Tim Boys, Tom Donnelly, Josh Bekhuis, Chris King, Jason Macdonald, Jamie Mackintosh (captain).

Reserves: Jason Rutledge, Bronson Murray, Hayden Triggs, Josh Hardie, Scott Cowan, Robbie Robinson.