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Sopoaga cleared for Brumbies clash

Lima Sopoaga notably retains the No.10 jersey, after he hobbled off with what looked like a serious non-contact injury during his side's week seven loss to the Chiefs.

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Teihorangi Walden and Rob Thompson will line up outside Sopoaga, pushing Matt Faddes back to the bench.

Hooker Liam Coltman makes his return from injury, and 36-year-old Alex Ainley joins the 23 for the first time this season.

Industrious loose forward Shannon Frizell earns his first start at blindside flanker.

Highlanders: 15 Ben Smith (co-captain), 14 Waisake Naholo, 13 Rob Thompson, 12 Tei Walden, 11 Tevita Li, 10 Lima Sopoaga, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Luke Whitelock, 7 Dillon Hunt, 6 Shannon Frizell, 5 Tom Franklin, 4 Jackson Hemopo, 3 Siate Tokolahi, 2 Liam Coltman, 1 Daniel Lienert-Brown. 

Replacements: 16 Ash Dixon (co-captain), 17 Aki Seiuli, 18 Kalolo Tuiloma, 19 Alex Ainley, 20 Elliot Dixon, 21 Kayne Hammington, 22 Fletcher Smith, 23 Matt Faddes. 

Date; Saturday, April 14

Venue: Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin

Kick-off: 19.35 (17.35 AEST; 07.35 GMT)

Referee: Mike Fraser (New Zealand)

Assistant referees: Ben O'Keeffe (New Zealand), James Doleman (New Zealand)

TMO: Glenn Newman (New Zealand)

@RugbyPass

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