21 Jul 2017

Highlanders grounded in Dunedin

6:08 pm on 21 July 2017

The Highlanders Super Rugby team is having difficulty getting to Christchurch for their quarter-final match against the Crusaders on Saturday.

Highlanders halfback Aaron Smith.

Highlanders halfback Aaron Smith. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

The team's flight from Dunedin Airport on Friday night was cancelled and part of State Highway 1 between Dunedin and Christchurch is closed due to surface flooding.

Team manager Greg O'Brien said the Highlanders were talking to Air New Zealand.

"The problem in Dunedin was wind, rather than flooding, he said.

"We are hoping if the wind subsides we will get out," he said.

"We don't know yet," he said.

The Highlanders players seemed in good spirits despite the disruption, joking on Twitter about the delay.

"Chances on changing the game to Dunedin? we got plenty of Speights and it's warm under the roof," Highlanders first five-eighth, Lima Sopoaga, tweeted.