Half century up for Aaron Smith
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Arron Smith will make his 50th apperance for the Highlanders this weekend against the Melbourne Rebels after being named in the starting lineup.
With a comprehensive loss against the resurgent Blues in Auckland at the weekend, Jamie Josephs' men will be looking for a strong showing.
The Highlanders are facing a tough battle against the buoyant Rebels who are coming of an unexpected victory against 2013 semifinalists, the Brumbies.
The Highlanders will be looking to capitalise on the home ground advantage in what has become 'a must win game'
A shuffle in the front row, due to in-form prop Kane Hames’ one week suspension for a dangerous charge, sees Chris King move into loosehead and Ma’afu Fia get his second start of the 2014 season in the tighthead position.
Gareth Evans rounds out the loose forward trio for this round eight match up while Shane Christie and Nasi Manu will be looking for another solid performance after proving to be a dynamic defensive duo on the field.
The backline sees Shaun Treeby and Kurt Baker back in the starting lineup while Trent Renata has been brought into the matchday 23.
Highlanders: 15 Ben Smith (co-captain), 14 Richard Buckman, 13 Malakai Fekitoa, 12 Shaun Treeby, 11 Kurt Baker, 10 Lima Sopoaga, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Nasi Manu (co-captain), 7 Shane Christie, 6 Gareth Evans, 5 Joe Wheeler, 4 Jarrad Hoeata, 3 Ma’afu Fia, 2 Liam Coltman, 1 Chris King.
Reserves: 16 Ged Robinson, 17 Craig Millar, 18 Matias Diaz, 19 Josh Bekhuis, 20 Elliot Dixon, 21 Fumiaki Tanaka, 22 Trent Renata 23 TJ Ioane.
Date: Friday, April 4
Venue: Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
Kick-off: 19.35 (06.35 GMT; 17.35 AEST)
Referee: Chris Pollock (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Garratt Williamson (New Zealand), Mike Lash (New Zealand)
TMO: Ben Skeen (New Zealand)
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