Dunedin’s Super rugby teams the Highlanders have named a strong team to play the Blues in Auckland at Eden Park on Friday.
The forwards will have the experience of Liam Coltman, Tom Franklin and Luke Whitelock combined with exciting young players, Pari Pari Parkinson and Shannon Frizell.
Hooker, Ray Niuia, will get his first start from the bench with Josh Dickson and Jackson Hemopo adding plenty of size to the game day 23.
In the backs, Thomas Umaga-Jensen will again partner Patelesio Tomkinson in the midfield, while the experienced Marty Banks gets his first start at first-five.
Young pivots, Folau Fakatava and Josh Ioane, will provide cover for the inside pairing and the versatile Richard Buckman rounds out the back reserves.
Tevita Nabura – knee (season) Liam Squire (knee ) Rob Thompson (ankle) were all unavailable for selection due to injury.
Highlanders
1. Ayden Johnstone,2. Liam Coltman,3. Tyrel Lomax,4. Pari Pari Parkinson,5. Tom Franklin,6. Shannon Frizell,7. Dillon Hunt,8. Luke Whitelock (cc),9. Aaron Smith,10. Marty Banks,11. Tevita Li,12. Thomas Umaga-Jensen,13. Patelesio Tomkinson,14. Waisake Naholo,15. Ben Smith (cc)
Replacements : 16. Ray Niuia ,17. Daniel Lienert-Brown,18. Siate Tokolahi,19. Josh Dickson,20. Jackson Hemopo,21. Folau Fakatava,22. Josh Ioane,23. Richard Buckman
