Pulse Energy Highlanders to play the Crusaders
Head Coach, Jamie Joseph, has been able to select a largely unchanged line-up for the battle of the mainland after coming through last week’s win against the Chiefs with no new injuries. There is just one change to the starting team that took the field in Hamilton last Saturday night, Joe Wheeler will start at lock in his 50th match for the club after debuting in 2013 against the Chiefs. Tom Franklin moves to the bench and the hard running, Liam Squire, comes into the reserves after recovering from his hip injury received against the Brumbies. Loosehead prop, Craig Millar, comes back into the playing 23 for his Otago teammate, Aki Seiuli.
Continuity in the backs with the midfield pairing of Malakai Fekitoa and Matt Faddes starting for the second week running and the exciting back three of Ben Smith, Pat Osborne and Waisake Naholo. The game will be played in front of a near capacity crowd of 23,000 is expected to be the match to watch this round and if history is any indication we can expect another epic encounter. The game will be preceded by the annual halls of residence match Knox College vs Selwyn College at 5pm, this match is expected to played in front of a few thousand parochial student supporters in the zoo.
Pulse Energy Highlanders v Crusaders – Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin, Friday 13th May 7.35pm
1. Daniel Lienert-Brown
2. Ash Dixon
3. Josh Hohneck
4. Alex Ainley
5. Joe Wheeler
6. Elliot Dixon
7. Dan Pryor
8. Luke Whitelock
9. Aaron Smith
10. Lima Sopoaga
11. Patrick Osborne
12. Malakai Fekitoa
13. Matt Faddes
14. Waisake Naholo
15. Ben Smith (c)
Reserves
16. Greg Pleasants-Tate
17. Craig Millar
18. Siosiua Halanukonuka
19. Tom Franklin
20. Liam Squire
21. Fumiaki Tanaka
22. Marty Banks
23. Teihorangi Walden
Unavailable due to injury: Liam Coltman (foot), Josh Renton (knee) Shane Christie (hamstring)
Head Coach: Jamie Joseph Assistant Coaches: Tony Brown, Scott McLeod Manager: Paul McLaughlan
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