Highlanders 'rotate' for Force showdown
They will field a fresh locking combination and there is also rotation in the loose forwards – the two most significant changes to the starting team.
Having just returned from a successful mini-tour to Australia the Highlanders will line up at Forsyth Barr Stadium with a pack that has five changes from the team that beat the Melbourne Rebels.
Alex Ainley and Tom Franklin will start in the middle row of the scrum for the second time this season, with regular lock Joe Wheeler moving to the bench.
Elliot Dixon, who was outstanding against the Waratahs, replaces Luke Whitelock at blindside flank, while co-captain Shane Christie moves to the bench to make way for Dan Pryor on the openside flank.
Liam Coltman and Ash Dixon continue their competition for the starting hooker role with Coltman in the No.2 shirt this week and prop Daniel Lienert-Brown returns to the matchday 23 after a week playing club rugby.
In the backs Matt Faddes returns from injury for Jack Wilson, and livewire scrumhalf Fumiaki Tanaka has recovered from his calf strain to take the place of Josh Renton among the replacements.
Waisake Naholo remains unavailable due to a leg injury.
Highlanders: 15 Ben Smith (captain), 14 Matt Faddes, 13 Malakai Fekitoa, 12 Rob Thompson, 11 Pat Osborne, 10 Lima Sopoaga, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Liam Squire, 7 Dan Pryor, 6 Elliot Dixon, 5 Tom Franklin, 4 Alex Ainley, 3 Siosiua Halanukonuka, 2 Liam Coltman, 1 Brendon Edmonds.
Replacements: 16 Ash Dixon, 17 Daniel Lienert-Brown, 18 Josh Hohneck, 19 Joe Wheeler, 20 Shane Christie, 21 Fumiaki Tanaka, 22 Hayden Parker, 23 Jason Emery.
Date: Friday, April 1
Venue: Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
Kick-off: 19.35 (14.35 AWST; 17.35 AEDT; 06.35 GMT)
Referee: Brendon Pickerill (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Nick Briant (New Zealand), Paul Williams (New Zealand)
TMO: Chris Wratt (New Zealand)
