HIGLANDERS NAME TEAM TO TAKE ON THE ‘TAHS

Jun 25 • General News, Super Rugby • 2347 Views • Comments Off on HIGLANDERS NAME TEAM TO TAKE ON THE ‘TAHS

Saturday’s Semi-Final will see the Highlanders’ field an almost identical starting fifteen to the side that beat the Chiefs last Saturday in an encounter of epic proportions.

The only change – openside flanker James Lentjes replaces the injured Dan Pryor. Lentjes was called up for injuries earlier in the season and has showed a lot of promise in his four games to date.

The team also welcomes back experienced lock Joe Wheeler from a lengthy injury break to take his place on the bench alongside Trent Renata.

Renata replaces the versatile Marty Banks who took a head knock during the week and while working through the concussion protocols is unavailable for action this week.

The team will again be captained by the experienced duo of Ben Smith and Nasi Manu who will be playing their 104th and 80th game respectively.

Highlanders XV

1. Brendon Edmonds
2. Liam Coltman
3. Josh Hohneck
4. Alex Ainley
5. Mark Reddish
6. Elliot Dixon
7. James Lentjes
8. Nasi Manu
9. Aaron Smith
10. Lima Sopoaga
11. Patrick Osborne
12. Richard Buckman
13. Malakai Fekitoa
14. Waisake Naholo
15. Ben Smith

Replacements

16. Ash Dixon
17. Daniel Lienert-Brown
18. Ross Geldenhuys
19. Joe Wheeler
20. Gareth Evans
21. Fumiaki Tanaka
22. Trent Renata
23. Shaun Treeby

Unavailable: Dan Pryor (elbow), Kane Hames (knee) John Hardie (rib) Marty Banks (concussion)