Super Rugby

Injuries force Highlanders into change

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The Highlanders have named their Super Rugby team to play the Reds at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on Saturday

Loosehead prop Brendan Edmonds’ season ending knee injury means that Daniel Lienert-Brown comes off the bench and will start in his 18th game for the club.

The injury means Tasman prop Ross Geldenhuys returns to the 23 and together with Josh Hohneck provides a lot of experience from the reserves bench.

A head laceration sustained in the game against the Force will sideline Elliot Dixon for the week, bringing Luke Whitelock back to the starting 15 while Dan Pryor rotates to the bench for Co-Captain Shane Christie.

After a week off to refresh Mark Reddish will start ahead of Tom Franklin at lock.

A concussion from last Fridays game means Co-Captain Ben Smith will miss his first game of the season with Matt Faddes moving from wing to fullback.

Jack Wilson who had an impressive debut against the Melbourne Rebels will start on the right wing in just his second outing for the club.

Lima Sopoaga returns from injury to again partner with Aaron Smith. Hayden Parker will make his impact from the bench this week.

Waisake Naholo (leg),Brendon Edmonds (knee),Ben Smith (concussion),Elliot Dixon (head cut), Marty Banks (ribs) were all unavailable for selection due to injury.

Highlanders

1. Daniel Lienert-Brown , 2. Liam Coltman , 3. Siosiua Halanukonuka , 4. Mark Reddish , 5. Joe Wheeler , 6. Luke Whitelock , 7. Shane Christie ( c ) , 8. Liam Squire , 9. Aaron Smith , 10. Lima Sopoaga , 11. Pat Osborne , 12. Rob Thompson , 13. Malakai Fekitoa , 14. Jack Wilson , 15. Matt Faddes

Replacements: 16. Ash Dixon , 17. Ross Geldenhuys , 18. Josh Hohneck , 19. Tom Franklin , 20. Dan Pryor , 21. Fumiaki Tanaka , 22. Hayden Parker , 23. Jason Emery

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