Highlanders head coach Jamie Joseph has named a 30 strong squad to play the Crusaders in a Super Rugby warm up match at Oamaru.
Joseph was unable to select nine players on international duty so the squad features a number of replacement provincial players.
At halfback, Te Aihe Toma (Bay of Plenty) and Jamie Booth (Manawatu) will make their debuts for the Highlanders as Joseph looks to build depth to replace Aaron Smith and Fumiaki Tanaka.
Hame Faiva (Waikato) is included for an injured Liam Coltman while Otago midfielders Michael Collins and Faasiu Fuatai provide cover in the midfield.
The game is an important part of the build up for the team as they look to get ready for their road trip to South Africa and Argentina.
A squad of 26 players will depart on Saturday morning to prepare to take on the Kings in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.
Highlanders
1. Aki Seiuli , 2. Greg Pleasants-Tate , 3. Josh Hohneck , 4. Mark Reddish , 5. Joe Wheeler , 6. Gareth Evans , 7. Shane Christie (C) , 8. Luke Whitelock , 9. Te Aihe Toma , 10. Marty Banks , 11. Ryan Tongia , 12. Rob Thompson , 13. Jason Emery , 14. Jack Wilson , 15. Matt Faddes
Replacements : Ash Dixon, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Ross Geldenhuys, James Lentjes, Dan Pryor, Jamie Booth, Fletcher Smith, Teihorangi Walden, Michael Collins, Faasiu Fuatai, Hame Faiva, Tom Franklin, Siosiua Halanukonuka, Jackson Hemopo, Craig Millar ,
Unavailable due to International Commitments: Ben Smith, Aaron Smith, Malakai Fekitoa, Waisake Naholo, Liam Squire, Elliot Dixon, Lima Sopoaga (All Blacks), Fumikai Tanaka (Japan). Patrick Osborne (Fiji)
Unavailable due to injury: Liam Coltman (foot), Alex Ainley (calf)
