Yeah it is strange for us to have inexperienced loosies (I too remember 90's with the likes of Pene, Joseph, Kronfeld, Randell etc..).  Eben Joubert is a good player, but has had really bad luck with injuries over the last two years - if he can have a strong season for Otago I could see him forcing his way into the Highlanders squad next year (as there is room for another 7 with Soakai gone).  Gareth Evans is certainly the one to watch though.  He's been the standout loose-forward in club rugby; he runs strongly, is great at the breakdown, and also a good lineout option.  There was a lot of disappointment down here that he didn't make the NZ Under 20's team this year.  It's great to see the coach has shown faith in him and picked him over the more experienced Paul Grant at Number 8 for this opening game.