Mauger reveals Highlanders team for 'Canes clash
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Highlanders head coach Aaron Mauger has named his team to face the Hurricanes in a Super Rugby Round Eight clash in Dunedin on Friday.
It is an experienced side with 74-game veteran lock, Tom Franklin, gaining his second run on start for the season,
In the backline, Marty Banks again will steer the ship at 10, while an injury to Waisake Naholo gives speedster and local crowd favourite Matt Faddes an opportunity to display his skills.
A strong bench, including All Blacks Elliot Dixon and Jackson Hemopo, features the exciting, young halfback Folau Fakatava and midfielder Rob Thompson, who is back after a six-week injury lay-off.
Highlanders: 15 Ben Smith (co-captain), 14 Matt Faddes, 13 Richard Buckman, 12 Teihorangi Walden, 11 Tevita Li, 10 Marty Banks, 9 Kayne Hammington, 8 Luke Whitelock (co-captain), 7 James Lentjes, 6 Shannon Frizell, 5 Tom Franklin, 4 Josh Dickson, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Liam Coltman, 1 Ayden Johnstone.
Replacements: 16 Ash Dixon, 17 Daniel Lienert-Brown, 18 Siate Tokolahi, 19 Jackson Hemopo, 20 Elliot Dixon, 21 Folau Fakatava, 22 Josh Ioane, 23 Rob Thompson.
Date: Friday, April 5
Venue: Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
Kick-off: 19.35 (06.35 GMT)
Referee: Glen Jackson
Assistant referees: Nick Briant, Paul Williams
TMO: Ben Skeen
