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Highlander's Hooker Jason Rutledge - Source: Photosport -
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Jason Rutledge says the introduction of a neutral Highlanders colour should have happened 17 years ago for the Super Rugby franchise, and admits for him the new playing strip would be a welcome relief.
Highlanders officials have caused a stir, with many fans, especially those in Dunedin, outraged by the decision to move away from the traditional colours of blue and gold with a splash of maroon, and head in a new direction from Friday night.
The Highlanders will run on to Carisbrook in Dunedin in a new playing strip believed to be predominantly green, with dark blue and white also included.
Rutledge told The Southland Times that he had become increasingly frustrated listening to radio stations in Dunedin yesterday where people were rubbishing the decision to go for a new look.
He believed it was long overdue because they needed to show that it was not an Otago, Southland or North Otago team, they were the Highlanders, a completely separate identity, he said.
"I think to be brutally honest it should have been done in 1996, when the Highlanders started. Every year we wait to see the jersey to see how much maroon would be in it and then get a bit pissed off with how much there is, but it's not about Otago or Southland."
Rutledge said during his time playing for the Highlanders he had felt uncomfortable wearing the blue and gold Otago colours, given that he had grown up with the provincial neighbours being the fiercest rivals of Southland, for whom he has played more than 100 games.
"I never felt that comfortable running out and seeing the blue and gold flags waving about and hearing people chanting `go Otago'. I always find it awkward. I can see that the Otago guys probably like the blue and gold jersey but this is not an Otago, Southland or North Otago team."
"We're completely different. A lot of the guys aren't even from Otago or Southland," he said.
While all the focus this week in the lead-up to Friday night's game has been about what the Highlanders will wear, the enormity of the game goes has taken a back seat.
The disappointing loss to the Lions on Saturday night has put them on the back foot as they chase a spot in the top six for a playoff berth.
Rutledge said the Highlanders had gone away from their attacking nature that had found them success previously, and played the ball too close to the ruck against the Lions.
Against the Force he expected the Highlanders would need to play with a bit more width to not only grab a win, but to push for a four-try bonus point as well.
Rutledge has started from the bench in the Highlanders' previous two outings, and it is understood Jamie Joseph prefers Mo Schwalger as a ball runner over Rutledge.
The veteran Southland hooker has re-signed with the Highlanders for another year, saying he never looked seriously at any other options.
"At one stage I thought I would never play professional rugby so to be doing it when I'm 34, in my 35th year, is going to be great," Rutledge said.
