Highlanders announce team to play Blues in Carisbrook
Highlanders
Injuries have forced the Highlanders to make 2 forced changes to the starting line-up for Friday’s derby clash against the Blues at Carisbrook.
Number eight Nasi Manu has been ruled out of the Super 14 for four weeks with a knee injury, while fly-half Matt Berquist is out for a week with a hamstring strain.
Stephen Setephano replaces Manu and the other change has Michael Hobbs taking over the number 10 jersey from Berquist.
With Hobbs in the starting XV, Southland star Robbie Robinson will get his initiation to the world of Super Rugby as he joins the team for the first time on the bench.
All Blacks lock Tom Donnelly will once again partner Josh Bekhuis in the second row and brings up his 50th game for the Highlanders this weekend.
Highlanders Team
15 Israel Dagg, 14 Ben Smith, 13 Jason Shoemark, 12 Jayden Hayward, 11 James Paterson, 10 Michael Hobbs, 9 Jimmy Cowan (c), 8 Steven Setephano, 7 Alando Soakai, 6 Adam Thomson, 5 Tom Donnelly, 4 Josh Bekhuis, 3 Clint Newland, 2 Jason Rutledge, 1 Jamie Mackintosh.
Replacements: 16 Jason Macdonald, 17 Chris King, 18 Hayden Triggs, 19 John Hardie, 20 Sean Romans, 21 Robbie Robinson, 22 Fetu’u Vainikolo.
Match Schedule
Date: Friday, February 19
Venue: Carisbrook, Dunedin
Kick-off: 19:35 (06:35 GMT)
Referee: Bryce Lawrence (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Garratt Williamson (New Zealand), Josh Noonan (New Zealand)
TMO: Kane McBride (New Zealand)
[Info from Planet Rugby]
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