Highlanders Super Rugby head coach Aaron Mauger has recalled All Black winger Waisake Naholo for this Saturday’s match against the Sharks in Durban.
The Highlanders will not want to leave it so late this week. Head Coach, Aaron Mauger has made only a couple of changes to his starting side with Aki Seiuli trading places with Daniel Lienert-Brown and Elliot Dixon making way for Shannon Frizell.
In the backs, Waisake Naholo, returns to the wing where he will partner with Ben Smith who returns to fullback and young utility back, Patelesio Tomkinson.
Josh Ioane makes the playing 23 for only the second time and there is a bracket with Matt Faddes suffering a training injury to his ankle and is in a race against time to be fit for the match. Josh McKay has flown in to replace the injured Tevita Li and will take Faddes place on the bench if he is ruled out.
“We know the Sharks recently had a good tour of Australia and New Zealand where they played some great rugby so they will present plenty of threats on Saturday. Our guys have really embraced the tour so far and we have enjoyed each other’s company and have worked hard at getting our game to the level it needs to be each week” said Mauger.
Thomas Umaga-Jensen (Shoulder), Richard Buckman (Neck), Liam Squire (Thumb) , Siate Tokolahi (Knee) and Tevita Li (Foot) were all unavailable for selection due to injury.
Highlanders
15 Ben Smith (co-captain), 14 Waisake Naholo, 13 Rob Thompson, 12 Teihorangi Walden, 11 Patelesio Tomkinson, 10 Lima Sopoaga, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Luke Whitelock, 7 Dillon Hunt, 6 Shannon Frizell, 5 Tom Franklin, 4 Alex Ainley, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Liam Coltman, 1 Aki Seiuli
Replacements : 16 Ash Dixon (co-captain), 17 Daniel Lienert-Brown, 18 Kalolo Tuiloma, 19 Jackson Hemopo, 20 Elliot Dixon, 21 Kayne Hammington, 22 Josh Ioane, 23 Matt Faddes/Josh McKay
