Whitelock to make Highlanders debut
No.8 Liam Squire, who made a big impression in the first half against the Blues, will make his impact from the bench this week with Luke Whitelock taking his place at the back of the scrum in his 51st Super Rugby game and debut for the Highlanders.
Brendon Edmonds who was the starting loosehead last season returns at the expense of Daniel Lienert-Brown who goes to the bench.
The withdrawal of Waisake Naholo due to injury provides local boy Matt Faddes with a real chance to stake a claim for the vacant wing berth. Faddes showed glimpses of his blistering pace late in the Blues match and will no doubt be looking forward to more opportunities in his starting debut.
Rounding out the 23, Tasman prop Siosiua Halanukonuka, gets his first opportunity with the Highlanders. Jason Emery covers the outside backs and will make his 28th appearance if he makes the field on Saturday.
Highlanders: 15 Ben Smith (co-captain), 14 Matt Faddes, 13 Malakai Fekitoa, 12 Teihorangi Walden, 11 Patrick Osborne, 10 Lima Sopoaga, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Luke Whitelock, 7 Shane Christie (co-captain), 6 Elliot Dixon, 5 Joe Wheeler, 4 Tom Franklin, 3 Josh Hohneck, 2 Liam Coltman, 1 Brendon Edmonds.
Replacements: 16 Ash Dixon, 17 Daniel Lienert-Brown, 18 Siosiua Halanukonuka, 19 Liam Squire, 20 Dan Pryor, 21 Josh Renton, 22 Hayden Parker, 23 Jason Emery.
Date: Saturday, March 5
Venue: Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
Kick-off: 19.35 (08.35 GMT)
Referee: Glen Jackson (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Jamie Nutbrown (New Zealand), Brendon Pickerill (New Zealand)
TMO: Chris Wratt (New Zealand)
