All Blacks duo on Highlanders bench
All Blacks, Ben Smith, Luke Whitelock, Shannon Frizell and Liam Coltman are not included this week. However Waisake Naholo will start in his normal right-wing spot while Liam Squire returns from his round three injury to take his place on the bench.
Naholo will be accompanied by Aaron Smith and Richard Buckman, who will be making his first appearance of the season. Lock, Josh Dickson and hooker, Greg Pleasants-Tate also come into the matchday playing 23.
An elbow injury to Elliot Dixon, sustained in last week’s game against the Waratahs, means a new look back row. James Lentjes will play in the blindside flank position and Marino Mikaele Tu’u earns his first run on of the season.
Teihorangi Walden returns to his midfield partnership with Rob Thompson and it will be a Highlanders’ debut for young fullback Josh McKay.
Highlanders: 15 Josh McKay, 14 Waisake Naholo, 13 Rob Thompson, 12 Teihorangi Walden, 11 Tevita Li, 10 Lima Sopoaga, 9 Kayne Hammington, 8 Marino Mikaele-Tu'u, 7 Dillon Hunt, 6 James Lentjes, 5 Tom Franklin, 4 Jackson Hemopo, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Ash Dixon (captain), 1 Daniel Lienert-Brown.
Replacements: 16 Greg Pleasants-Tate, 17 Aki Seiuli, 18 Kalolo Tuiloma, 19 Josh Dickon, 20 Liam Squire, 21 Aaron Smith, 22 Josh Ioane, 23 Richard Buckman.
Date: Saturday, May 26
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Kick-off: 19.45 (21.45 NZ time; 09.45 GMT)
Referee: Rasta Rasivhenge (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Jordan Way (Australia), Graham Cooper (Australia)
TMO: Damien Mitchelmore (Australia)
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