Highlanders Super Rugby head coach Aaron Mauger has named a team with four changes for this Good Friday’s match against the Chiefs in Hamilton.
Co-captain Ash Dixon will take the place of hooker Liam Coltman who has been unwell this week; while tighthead prop Siate Tokolahi returns to the front row.
Josh Dickson will make his first appearance for the season in the middle row and Tom Franklin, who has started all four previous matches, moves to the bench. In the backs Matt Faddes will partner Rob Thompson in the midfield.
On the bench young Otago midfielder Patelsio Tomkinson makes the 23 for the first time and Greg Pleasants -Tate also makes his way into the reserves.
“The team changes are a reflection of the depth of talent we have in the squad, Josh has played extremely well for the Bravehearts team to earn a start and Matt has shown some nice touches when he has come on for us. As a group we are under no illusions as to the challenge this week, the Chiefs are an in form side playing in front of their home crowd so it ought to be another great tussle” said Mauger.
Thomas Umaga-Jensen (shoulder), James Lentjes (shoulder), Richard Buckman (neck), Dan Pryor (hamstring), Liam Squire (thumb) Liam Coltman (concussion) were all unavailable for selection.
Highlanders
1. Daniel Lienert-Brown,2. Ash Dixon (cc),3. Siate Tokolahi,4. Jackson Hemopo,5. Josh Dickson,6. Elliot Dixon,7. Dillon Hunt,8. Luke Whitelock,9. Aaron Smith,10. Lima Sopoaga,11. Tevita Li,12. Rob Thompson,13. Matt Faddes,14. Waisake Naholo,15. Ben Smith (cc)
Replacements : 16. Greg Pleasants-Tate, 17. Aki Seiuli, 18. Tyrel Lomax, 19. Tom Franklin, 20. Shannon Frizell, 21. Josh Renton, 22. Fletcher Smith, 23. Patelsio Tomkinson
