The ''granddaddy'' of Super Rugby, Brad Thorn, is drawing inspiration from the 1999 Brisbane Broncos to lead a Highlanders revival and is confident his team can stun the ACT Brumbies on Friday night.
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The Highlanders are searching for their first win of the season, despite boasting All Blacks talent.
But almost two decades after starting his career in the NRL with the Broncos, Thorn knows how quickly a team's fortunes can change. The Broncos won just one of their first 10 games in 1999 but stormed home to make the finals with a young Thorn in the second row.
Now he says the Highlanders can go on a similar run.
''I've been in this spot a few times,'' Thorn said. ''With the Broncos it was with master coach Wayne Bennett as well, we had all the big names - Darren Lockyer, Gorden Tallis, Shane Webcke and Steve Renouf. It's a good test of character and usually there's growth from it and you realise what it takes to be a successful team.
''We know we have a lot of potential here but it's about translating that into a good package against the Brumbies.''
Thorn will face off against Brumbies lock Sam Carter in the lineout and, at 38, jokes he's old enough to be Carter's grandfather. Carter was five when Thorn made his debut for the Broncos in 1994.
Thorn has spent most of his Super Rugby career with the Crusaders but opted to join the Highlanders for his 19th professional football season.
He has no regrets and says there is no end in sight. ''I've just been lucky … some guys struggle to get out of bed after a game when they get older, I don't feel that,'' Thorn said.
Chris Dutton
