Squire handed Highlanders debut
Jamie Joseph has opted for an experienced line-up for the Auckland trip with Shane Christie and Ben Smith doing co-captain duty. Young loosehead prop Daniel Lienert-Brown earns a start after some impressive pre-season form.
Alex Ainley and Dan Pryor return from their off season injuries to take their places on the bench.
The exciting trio of Smith, Waisake Naholo and Patrick Osborne will combine at the back and All Black flyhalf Lima Sopoaga will direct the attack.
The game will be a big occasion for Teihorangi Walden, who has been handed his debut. New Zealand Sevens player, Matt Faddes could make his debut as well as he has been named on the bench.
Joseph was unable to call on Mark Reddish and Marty Banks, who are both unavailable due to pre-season injuries.
Highlanders: 15 Ben Smith (co-captain), 14 Waisake Naholo, 13 Malakai Fekitoa, 12 Teihorangi Walden, 11 Patrick Osborne, 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 Liam Coltman, 1 Daniel Lienert-Brown.
Replacements: 16 Ash Dixon, 17 Brendon Edmonds, 18 Ross Geldenhuys, 19 Alex Ainley, 20 Dan Pryor, 21 Fumiaki Tanaka, 22 Hayden Parker, 23 Matt Faddes.
Date: Friday, February 26
Venue: Eden Park, Auckland
Kick-off: 19.35 (06.35 GMT)
Referee: Glen Jackson (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Paul Williams (New Zealand), Brendon Pickerill (New Zealand)
TMO: Ben Skeen (New Zealand)
