Squire gets starting role against Bulls
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Highlanders head coach Aaron Mauger has revealed his team for their crucial Super Rugby Round 17 clash against the Bulls in Dunedin on Friday.
Mauger has selected an experienced pack and will welcome the return of Liam Squire for his first match of the season. Also back from injury are Jackson Hemopo and Tevita Li.
Josh McKay will get his first start of the year at fullback and Sef Fa’agase comes onto the bench for an injured Daniel Lienert-Brown.
It will big occasion for Luke Whitelock who will captain the side in his 100th Super Rugby game and will also bring up 50 games for the Highlanders.
Whitelock will be presented with a mere by NZ Rugby post-match to acknowledge this milestone. It may also be an emotional evening for a number of long-serving Highlanders who will in all likelihood be making their last home appearance at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
Fan favourite, Waisake Naholo, will finish his time in Dunedin to the sound of his name ringing around the ground.
Additionally, at the end of the game there will be a special presentation to Highlanders legend Ben Smith to commemorate his stellar career with the team.
Luke Whitelock will lead the team in his 100th Super Rugby game! Stick around at the end of the game as we’ve got a preso for Luke AND a special preso for Ben Smith! Fans with be able to come onto the field too!
FULL RELEASE: https://t.co/cgO3A5hX6k#HighlandersANDyou #HIGvBUL pic.twitter.com/E15GC01dHX
ADVERTISEMENT— Pulse Energy Highlanders (@Highlanders) June 5, 2019
Highlanders: 15 Josh McKay, 14 Waisake Naholo, 13 Rob Thompson, 12 Sio Tomkinson, 11 Tevita Li, 10 Josh Ioane, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Luke Whitelock (captain), 7 James Lentjes, 6 Liam Squire, 5 Tom Franklin, 4 Jackson Hemopo, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Liam Coltman, 1 Ayden Johnstone.
Replacements: 16 Ash Dixon, 17 Sef Fa’agase, 18 Siate Tokolahi, 19 Joshua Dickson, 20 Shannon Frizell, 21 Kayne Hammington, 22 Marty Banks, 23 Thomas Umaga-Jensen.
Date: Friday, June 7
Venue: Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
Kick-off: 19.35 (09.35 SA time; 07.35 GMT)
Referee: Angus Gardner (Australia)
Assistant referees: Paul Williams (New Zealand), James Munro (New Zealand)
TMO: Ben Skeen (New Zealand)
