Six new Highlanders for opener
Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph named six players to make their debut in the team's first Super Rugby match of the season, against the Blues in Dunedin on Saturday.
This is the opening game of the season for both New Zealand franchises.
The six players that will make their first run-on start for the Highlanders are Kane Hames, Gareth Evans, Shane Christie, Patrick Osborne, Malakai Fekitoa and Richard Buckman.
It will also be Super Rugby debuts for Hames, Evans and Fekitoa.
Among the replacements Ged Robinson, Matias Diaz and Craig Millar will all make their debut if they are required on the paddock.
For Diaz and Millar this will also be Super Rugby debuts should they play.
The experience in the pack comes in the form of 39-year-old Brad Thorn, fellow second row forward Jarrad Hoeata, prop Chris King, and co-captain Nasi Manu.
Manu and All Black Ben Smith, playing at fullback, will share the leadership duties.
Elliot Dixon (hamstring, one week away from a return) and Joe Wheeler (finger dislocation, two weeks) are unavailable as a result of injuries.
Highlanders: 15 Ben Smith (co-captain), 14 Richard Buckman, 13 Malakai Fekitoa, 12 Shaun Treeby, 11 Patrick Osborne, 10 Lima Sopoaga, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Nasi Manu (co-captain), 7 Shane Christie, 6 Gareth Evans, 5 Jarrad Hoeata, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Chris King, 2 Liam Coltman, 1 Kane Hames,
Replacements: 16 Ged Robinson, 17 Matias Diaz, 18 Craig Millar, 19 Josh Bekhuis, 20 TJ Ioane, 21 Fumiaki Tanaka, 22 Hayden Parker, 23 Phil Burleigh.
Date: Saturday, February 22
Venue: Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
Kick-off: 19.35 (06.35 GMT)
Referee: Garratt Williamson (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Mike Fraser (New Zealand), Kane McBride (New Zealand)
TMO: Vinny Munro (New Zealand)
