All Blacks back for Highlanders
All three of head coach Jamie Joseph's All Blacks have been thrown straight back into the starting line-up to face the Chiefs in Dunedin.
Patrick Osborne, who joined the national squad as injury cover, has also returned along side Argentinean international Matias Diaz who is on the bench.
Both Brayden Mitchell and Tom Franklin have played their way into the starting team after stellar performances against the New Zealand Barbarians.
Lee Allen comes onto the bench to cover for TJ Ioane who picked up an ankle injury during training this week.
A win is imperative for the Highlanders over the eighth placed Chiefs to enhance their play-off prospects.
Highlanders: 15 Ben Smith (co-captain), 14 Richard Buckman , 13 Malakai Fekitoa, 12 Shaun Treeby, 11 Patrick Osborne, 10 Lima Sopoaga, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Nasi Manu (co-captain), 7 Shane Christie, 6 Elliot Dixon, 5 Joe Wheeler, 4 Tom Franklin, 3 Ma’afu Fia, 2 Brayden Mitchell, 1 Kane Hames.
Replacements: 16 Ged Robinson, 17 Matias Diaz, 18 Chris King, 19 Josh Bekhuis, 20 Lee Allan, 21 Fumiaki Tanaka, 22 Hayden Parker, 23 Phil Burleigh.
Date: Friday, June 27
Venue: Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
Kick-off: 19.35 (07.35 GMT)
Referee: Garratt Williamson (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Kane McBride (New Zealand), Mike Lash (New Zealand)
TMO: Chris Wratt (New Zealand)
ADVERTISEMENT