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'Happy' Highlanders rest All Blacks

By Online Editors
Wednesday 27 Feb 2019

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Highlanders will take on an exciting Rebels outfit without a number of key All Blacks in Melbourne on Friday.

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The All Blacks’ Super Rugby resting policy as part of their World Cup plans means Ben Smith, Aaron Smith, Luke Whitelock, Liam Coltman, Dillon Hunt and Tyrel Lomax will all sit out for the Highlanders, while 23-test loose forward Liam Squire is still yet to return from an ongoing hip injury.

Halfback Folau Fakatava, hooker Ricky Jackson and prop Josh Iosefa-Scott are all set to make their Super Rugby debuts from the bench. Bryn Gatland gets his first start as pivot while Josh Ioane shows his versatility by covering fullback. Josh McKay gets his season underway on the left wing and Thomas Umaga-Jensen returns in the midfield after a week off.

In the forwards, Elliot Dixon will start at No.8 (replacing Luke Whitelock), while Pari Pari Parkinson will start in the middle row with the experienced Jackson Hemopo. Ash Dixon will captain the team with both Luke Whitelock and Ben Smith being rested.

Highlanders head coach Aaron Mauger revealed this is an excellent opportunity for some players who have worked hard for their chance to showcase their abilities. “I am happy with the depth within our squad and the competition for positions is helping drive our preparation and performances each week”.

Highlanders: 15 Josh Ioane, 14 Waisake Naholo, 13 Thomas Umaga-Jensen, 12 Teihorangi Walden, 11 Josh McKay, 10 Bryn Gatland, 9 Kayne Hammington, 8 Elliot Dixon, 7 James Lentjes, 6 Shannon Frizell, 5 Pari Pari Parkinson, 4 Jackson Hemopo, 3 Siate Tokolahi, 2 Ash Dixon (Captain), 1 Daniel Lienert-Brown.
Replacements: 16 Ricky Jackson, 17 Ayden Johnstone, 18 Josh Iosefa-Scott, 19 Tom Franklin, 20 Marino Mikaele-Tu’u, 21 Folau Fakatava, 22 Patelesio Tomkinson, 23 Marty Banks

Date: Friday, March 1
Venue: AAMI Stadium, Melbourne
Kick-off: 19.35 (08.45 GMT, 21.45 New Zealand time)
Referee: AJ Jacobs
Assistant referee: Marius van der Westhuizen, Damon Murphy
TMO: Ian Smith

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