Haskell back for the Highlanders to face the Crusaders
James Haskell returns to the Highlanders starting line-up after service a 6 week suspension for throwing punches against the Toyota Cheetahs. Photo by Teaukura Moetaua /Getty Images AsiaPac.
Highlanders’ Head Coach, Jamie Joseph, has named his team to play the Crusaders at AMI Stadium in Christchurch tomorrow evening 7.35pm (9:35am CAT). He has made five changes to the run-on team that played the Blues at Eden Park last Saturday night.
Four changes have been made to the Highlanders forward pack with Chris King returning to the front row replacing Ma’afu Fia, who drops out of the 22. Josh Bekhuis and James Haskell also return to the starting eight replacing Hoani MacDonald and Tim Boys respectively. Nasi Manu also comes back into the starting XV at number eight, and Nick Crosswell moves to the reserves bench.
In the backs only one change has been made with Aaron Smith returning to the starting halfback spot ahead of Jimmy Cowan.
On the reserves bench Scott Fuglistaller drops out of the 22 for Tim Boys, and Kade Poki comes back into the squad replacing Kenny Lynn.
Highlanders v Crusaders, AMI Stadium, Christchurch – Friday 1 June, 9:35am CAT:
1. Jamie Mackintosh (c) 2. Andrew Hore, 3. Chris King, 4. Jarrad Hoeata, 5. Josh Bekhuis, 6. Adam Thomson, 7. James Haskell, 8. Nasi Manu, 9. Aaron Smith, 10. Chris Noakes, 11. Hosea Gear, 12. Phil Burleigh, 13. Tamati Ellison, 14. Kurt Baker, 15. Ben Smith.
Reserves:
16. Jason Rutledge, 17. Bronson Murray, 18. Nick Crosswell, 19. Tim Boys, 20. Jimmy Cowan, 21. Mike Delany, 22. Kade Poki.
Head Coach – Jamie Joseph, Assistant Coach – Simon Culhane, Manager – Leicester Rutledge
Injured Update: Siale Piutau (thigh), Doug Tietjens (Knee), Elliot Dixon (shoulder), Shaun Treeby (cheek) & John Hardie (foot).
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