Buckman back for Landers
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Richard Buckman returns to the midfield for the Highlanders in what is going to be a crucial match against the Chiefs leading into the final rounds competition.
Buckman replaces Shaun Treeby in the starting line-up, while Jason Emery completes the back reserves on the bench for this match.
Lock Mark Reddish suffered a hand injury during the 23-3 win over the Force in Perth and is replaced in the team by Tom Franklin, Joe Latta joins the reserves as lock cover.
Co-Captain, Nasi Manu, sustained a shoulder injury in the lead up to last weekends game and is awaiting scan results.
This will be the final home game for the Highlanders in 2015. Ben Smiths 100th Super Rugby match, played last weekend, will be recognised by local New Zealand Rugby board member Graham Cooney who will present a pounamu mere post-match.
Highlanders: 15 Ben Smith (captain), 14 Waisake Naholo, 13 Malakai Fekitoa, 12 Richard Buckman, 11 Patrick Osborne, 10 Lima Sopoaga, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Dan Pryor, 7 John Hardie, 6 Elliot Dixon, 5 Tom Franklin, 4 Alex Ainley, 3 Josh Hohneck, 2 Liam Coltman, 1 Brendon Edmonds.
Replacements: 16 Ash Dixon, 17 Daniel Lienert-Brown, 18 Ross Geldenhuys, 19 Joe Latta, 20 Gareth Evans, 21 Fumiaki Tanaka, 22 Marty Banks, 23 Jason Emery.
Date: Saturday, May 30
Venue: Rugby Park Stadium, Invercargill
Kick-off: 19.35 (07.35 GMT)
Referee: Nick Briant
Assistant referees: Mike Lash, Mike Lash
TMO: Glenn Newman
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