Squire in fitness race ahead of Crusaders clash
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: All Black loose forward Liam Squire has been bracketed with Elliot Dixon for Friday’s big South Island derby clash with the Crusaders.
Liam Squire is working his way back from his shoulder injury he sustained in the recent All Blacks test match series. A final assessment of his fitness will be made closer to kick-off.
It could be a big day for young Tasman lock, Pari Pari Parkinson. If he is included in the starting 23, and takes the field, it will be his Super Rugby debut. In the loose forwards the competition for the No.7 jersey continues with James Lentjes replacing Dillon Hunt.
The versatile Richard Buckman comes in for Tevita Li on the left wing while the rest of the backline has a settled look to it.
Highlanders: 15 Ben Smith (co-captain), 14 Waisake Naholo, 13 Rob Thompson, 12 Tei Walden, 11 Richard Buckman, 10 Lima Sopoaga, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Luke Whitelock, 7 James Lentjes, 6 Elliot Dixon/Liam Squire, 5 Tom Franklin, 4 Jackson Hemopo, 3 Siate Tokolahi, 2 Liam Coltman, 1 Daniel Lienert-Brown.
Replacements: 16 Ash Dixon, 17 Aki Seiuli, 18 Tyrel Lomax, 19 Pari Pari Parkinson, 20 Shannon Frizell, 21 Kayne Hammington, 22 Josh Ioane, 23 Fletcher Smith.
Date: Friday, July 6
Venue: Wyatt Crockett Stadium, Christchurch
Kick-off: 19.35 (07.35 GMT)
Referee: Brendon Pickerill
Assistant referees: Mike Fraser, Jamie Nutbrown
TMO: Aaron Paterson
PLAY OF THE WEEK: 2018 Super Rugby Week 17#SuperRugby #PlayoftheWeek #JAGvSTO pic.twitter.com/piPmGLfPwT
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