Hore back to lead Highlanders
Veteran All Black hooker Andrew Hore will make his return from a rib injury to captain the Highlanders against the reds in their Super Rugby clash in Dunedin on Friday.
Hore's inclusion is one of three changes to the Highlanders starting XV after their 7-19 defeat to defending champion the Chiefs in Hamilton last Friday.
Fellow All Black Tony Woodcock, a late withdrawal against the Chiefs because of a hamstring issue, is back at loosehead prop.
In the backs Buxton Popoalii comes in on the right wing for Kade Poki, who has a rib injury.
On the reserves bench, Coltman and Fia are joined by TJ Ioane and Fumiaki Tanaka – who both come back into the 22.
The Highlanders go into the match against the fourth-placed Reds seeking their first win of the season after four defeats.
Those still on the Highlanders' extended injury list include Tamati Ellison (shoulder – three to four month before his return), Nasi Manu (foot – three to four months), Kade Poki (rib – one to two weeks) and Shaun Treeby (hamstring – three to four weeks).
Highlanders: 15 Ben Smith, 14 Buxton Popoalii, 13 Jason Emery, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Hosea Gear, 10 Colin Slade, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Elliot Dixon, 7 John Hardie, 6 Jarrad Hoeata, 5 Josh Bekhuis, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Chris King, 2 Andrew Hore (captain), 1 Tony Woodcock.
Replacements: 16 Liam Coltman, 17 Ma'afu Fia, 18 TJ Ioane, 19 Tim Boys, 20 Fumiaki Tanaka, 21 Lima Sopoaga, 22 Phil Burleigh.
Date: Friday, March 29
Venue: Forsyth-Barr Stadium, Dunedin
Kick-off: 19.35 (06.35 GMT)
Referee: Jaco Peyper (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Mike Fraser (New Zealand), Sheldon Eden-Whaitiri (New Zealand)
TMO: Vinny Munro (New Zealand)
