New halfbacks for Highlanders

 

Jimmy Cowan and Chris Noakes are in the starting XV in place of Aaron Smith and Mike Delany as two of the five changes made by head coach Jamie Joseph.

 

There are also two changes to the pack that defeated the Bulls last weekend, with Andrew Hore back in the No.2 jersey and Jason Rutledge warming the bench. There is an injury enforced switch at the back, where No.8 Nasi Manu is unavailable and Nick Crosswell moves from lock into his position. Hoani MacDonald takes over in the second row to partner Jarrad Hoeata.

 

Utility back Kurt Baker is also given a chance out wide on the right wing, while Siale Piutau drops out of the matchday squad with an injury.

 

On the bench Josh Bekhuis returns to offer cover at lock, and he could make a big difference later in the match.

 

Highlanders: 15 Ben Smith, 14 Kurt Baker, 13 Tamati Ellison, 12 Phil Burleigh, 11 Hosea Gear, 10 Chris Noakes, 9 Jimmy Cowan, 8 Nick Crosswell, 7 Tim Boys, 6 Adam Thomson, 5 Hoani MacDonald, 4 Jarrad Hoeata, 3 Ma'afu Fia, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 Jamie Mackintosh (captain).

Replacements: 16 Jason Rutledge, 17 Bronson Murray, 18 Josh Bekhuis, 19 Scott Fuglistaller, 20 Aaron Smith, 21 Mike Delany, 22 Kenny Lynn.

 

Date: Saturday, May 26

Venue: Eden Park, Auckland

Kick-off: 19.35 (07.35 GMT)

Referee: Glen Jackson (New Zealand)

Assistant referees: Nick Briant (New Zealand), Ben Skeen (New Zealand)

TMO: Bryce Lawrence (New Zealand)