Sopoaga returns for Highlanders
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Influential flyhalf Lima Sopoaga returns to the Highlanders starting lineup after a lengthy recovery from an ankle injury
After another hard-fought victory over the Hurricanes in Wellington last weekend the team is preparing to face off against a Crusaders team hurting from a loss at home against the Sharks.
The game will involve no fewer than fifteen players who attended this week’s All Black training camp.
The South Island derby will see the return of Patrick Osborne on the wing as well as Malakai Fekitoa who has been cleared to play after spending the week and All Black training camp in a moon boot.
Liam Coltman is sidelined with a calf injury and expected to be available for selection next week when the Highlanders take on the Reds in Brisbane.
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 Elliot Dixon, 5 Joe Wheeler, 4 Jarrad Hoeata, 3 Chris King, 2 Ged Robinson, 1 Kane Hames.
Replacements: 16 Sam Anderson-Heather, 17 Matias Diaz, 18 Ma’afu Fia, 19 Tom Franklin, 20 Gareth Evans, 21 Fumiaki Tanaka, 22 Hayden Parker, 23 Phil Burleigh.
Date: Saturday, May 24
Venue: Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
Kick-off: 17.35 (05.35 GMT)
Referee: Glen Jackson (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Garratt Williamson (New Zealand), Ben O'Keeffe (New Zealand)
TMO: Vinny Munro (New Zealand)
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