Smith returns for Highlanders
Co-Captain, Ben Smith, returns to the team after suffering a concussion during the last home game against the Force but has been cleared to play after two weeks rest.
He takes his place at fullback with Matt Faddes moving to the right wing and Jack Wilson on the left wing.
At inside centre Rob Thompson makes way for Jason Emery who will make his seventh appearance for the season and first start for the season after impressing off the bench in Brisbane.
Several changes have been made to the forward pack as the Highlanders anticipate an upfront battle against the Sharks with Ash Dixon coming in at hooker and Josh Hohneck and Tom Franklin returning to the starting line-up.
Elliot Dixon has recovered from his head cut and will team up with in-form Liam Squire and Shane Christie in the loose forwards.
Alex Ainley and Craig Millar have been included in the reserves for this game after some impressive club form.
Highlanders: 15 Ben Smith (co-captain), 14 Matt Faddes, 13 Malakai Fekitoa, 12 Jason Emery, 11 Jack Wilson, 10 Lima Sopoaga, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Liam Squire, 7 Shane Christie (co-captain), 6 Elliot Dixon 5 Joe Wheeler, 4 Tom Franklin, 3 Josh Hohneck, 2 Ash Dixon, 1 Daniel Lienert-Brown.
Replacements: 16 Liam Coltman, 17 Craig Millar, 18 Ross Geldenhuys, 19 Alex Ainley, 20 Dan Pryor, 21 Fumiaki Tanaka, 22 Hayden Parker, 23 Patrick Osborne.
Date: Friday, April 22
Venue: Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
Kick-off: 19.35 (09.35 SA time, 07.35 GMT)
Referee: Ben O’Keefe (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Mike Fraser (New Zealand), Kane McBride (New Zealand)
TMO: Shane McDermott (New Zealand)
