Highlanders bring in big guns for Sydney showdown
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Highlanders head coach Aaron Mauger has named his strongest side to take on the Waratahs in a Super Rugby quarterfinal in Sydney on Saturday.
Returning to the team this week are All Blacks Ben Smith, Aaron Smith, Luke Whitelock, Elliot Dixon, co-captain Ash Dixon and centre Rob Thompson.
This is the fifth consecutive year the Highlanders have made the play-offs, finishing in sixth position at the end of the round robin stage.
They are in the not unfamiliar position of being on the road having played only two play-off games at home since the inception of Super Rugby (1999 and 2015).
“These are the opportunities the guys work hard all year for and there are no second chances. It’s simply about putting our best performance on the field on Saturday. The Waratahs are a quality side playing at home which presents an awesome challenge for our guys, but like I said, these are the games we love to play,” said Mauger.
Highlanders: 15 Ben Smith (co-captain), 14 Waisake Naholo, 13 Rob Thompson, 12 Teihorangi Walden, 11 Tevita Li, 10 Lima Sopoaga, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Luke Whitelock, 7 James Lentjes, 6 Liam Squire, 5 Tom Franklin, 4 Jackson Hemopo, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Liam Coltman, 1 Daniel Lienert-Brown.
Replacements: 16 Ash Dixon (co-captain), 17 Aki Seiuli, 18 Kalolo Tuiloma, 19 Shannon Frizell, 20 Elliot Dixon, 21 Kayne Hammington, 22 Josh Ioane, 23 Matt Faddes.
Date: Saturday, July 21
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Kick-off: 20.05 (22.05 NZ time; 10.05 GMT)
Referee: Angus Gardner (Australia)
Assistant referees: Nic Berry (Australia), Will Houston (Australia)
TMO: George Ayoub (Australia)
#YOURLanders Quarterfinal side to take on the NSW Waratahs at Allianz Stadium in Sydney this Saturday night, kickoff 10.05pm(NZT) 🔥🗡.
If you are in Sydney, we look forward to seeing you all there in your Highlanders colours!#HighlandersANDyou #YOURLanders #OURLanders pic.twitter.com/4L7sYqhpm4
ADVERTISEMENT— Pulse Energy Highlanders (@Highlanders) July 19, 2018
