Naholo's returns sets Highlanders back three alight
After a three-try performance in club rugby last weekend the explosive speedster has recovered from a broken leg to reunite the Highlanders' exciting back three.
His much-anticipated return and a concussion to Rob Thompson sees head coach Jamie Joseph reshuffle his backline.
Utility back, Matt Faddes, will get his first start at centre after previously playing on the wing and at fullback and Malakai Fekitoa moves to inside centre.
The timely return of Marty Banks from injury sees him take the place of an unlucky Hayden Parker who sustained a season-ending knee injury at training last week.
In the forwards, co-captain Shane Christie will be sidelined for a few weeks with a hamstring injury.
He is replaced at openside by Dan Pryor, while Luke Whitelock returns at No.8 with James Lentjes making his first appearance for the season on the bench.
The versatile Gareth Evans rounds out the loose forwards in the reserves while Otago loosehead prop Aki Seiuli gets an opportunity to make his Highlanders debut having come into the squad for the injured Brendon Edmonds.
Highlanders: 15 Ben Smith (captain), 14 Waisake Naholo, 13 Matt Faddes, 12 Malakai Fekitoa, 11 Patrick Osborne, 10 Lima Sopoaga, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Luke Whitelock, 7 Dan Pryor, 6 Elliot Dixon, 5 Tom Franklin, 4 Alex Ainley, 3 Josh Hohneck, 2 Ash Dixon, 1 Daniel Lienert-Brown.
Replacements: 16 Greg Pleasants-Tate,17 Aki Seiuli, 18 Siosiua Halanukonuka, 19 James Lentjes, 20 Gareth Evans, 21 Fumiaki Tanaka, 22 Marty Banks, 23 Teihorangi Walden.
Date: Saturday, May 7
Venue: Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
Kick-off: 19.35 (07.35 GMT)
Referee: Angus Garner
Assistant referees: Chris Pollock, Angus Mabey
TMO: Shane McDermott
