Highlanders beef up for Cheetahs

 

The Highlanders ran out of steam against the Lions last weekend, resulting in a late surge from Johan Ackerman's team to steal the win.

 

This has resulted in Highlanders head coach Jamie Joseph naming six forwards on his bench, ensuring he has plenty of firepower to see through the full 80.

 

There are two players making their Super Rugby in the team named to face the Cheetahs.

 

The debutants are Tasman lock Alex Ainley, who comes into the side for Tom Franklin, and Hawke's Bay wing Ryan Tongia who replaces the injured Waisake Naholo. 

 

Ainley, a seasoned NPC campaigner, returns from a fractured jaw sustained playing a club game two months ago, while Rugby League convert Ryan Tongia makes the team after less than a year inRugby Union.

 

The only other change is at open-side where John Hardie replaces Dan Pryor.

 

Highlanders: 15 Ben Smith 14 Ryan Tongia, 13 Malakai Fekitoa, 12 Richard Buckman, 11 Patrick Osborne, 10 Lima Sopoaga, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Nasi Manu (captain), 7 John Hardie, 6 Gareth Evans, 5 Mark Reddish, 4 Alex Ainley, 3 Josh Hohneck, 2 Liam Coltman, 1 Brendon Edmonds.

Replacements: 16 Ash Dixon, 17 Daniel Lienert-Brown, 18 Ross Geldenhuys, 19 Tom Franklin, 20 Elliot Dixon, 21 Dan Pryor, 22 Fumiaki Tanaka, 23 Marty Banks.

 

Date: Saturday, May 16

Venue: Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein

Kick-off: 19.10 (17.10 GMT; 05.10, Sunday, May 17 NZ time)

Referee: Stuart Berry

Assistant referees: Jaco van Heerden, Lesego Legoete

TMO:  Shaun Veldsman