Pulse Energy Highlanders to play the Blues
Head Coach of the Pulse Energy Highlanders Jamie Joseph has named an experienced line-up for the opening match of the 2016 Investec Super Rugby competition against the Blues on Friday night. Joseph was able to call on all but two of his squad with only Mark Reddish and Marty Banks unavailable due to injuries sustained in the preseason.
The forwards feature former Chiefs player, Liam Squire, at number eight in his debut Investec Super Rugby competition match for the Highlanders. Shane Christie will co-captain the team from the openside and young loosehead prop Daniel Lienert-Brown earns a start after some impressive preseason form. Alex Ainley and Dan Pryor return from their off season injuries to take their places on the bench.
The exciting trio of Ben Smith, Waisake Naholo and Patrick Osborne will combine at the back and All Black first-five Lima Sopoaga will direct the attack. The game will be a big occasion for two young Otago backs Teihorangi Walden at second-five and outside back Matt Faddes as both will be making their debuts. Walden a former NZU20 representative will start the match, while Faddes a NZ Sevens player is in the reserves.
Pulse Energy Highlanders v Blues, Eden Park, Fri Feb 26th 7.35pm
1. Daniel Lienert-Brown
2. Liam Coltman
3. Josh Hohneck
4. Tom Franklin
5. Joe Wheeler
6. Elliot Dixon
7. Shane Christie ( cc)
8. Liam Squire
9. Aaron Smith
10. Lima Sopoaga
11. Patrick Osborne
12. Teihorangi Walden
13. Malakai Fekitoa
14. Waisake Naholo
15. Ben Smith ( cc )
Reserves
16. Ash Dixon
17. Brendon Edmonds
18. Ross Geldenhuys
19. Alex Ainley
20. Dan Pryor
21. Fumiaki Tanaka
22. Hayden Parker
23. Matt Faddes
Unavailable due to injury: Mark Reddish (shoulder), Marty Banks (hamstring)
Head Coach: Jamie Joseph Assistant Coaches: Tony Brown ,Scott McLeod Manager: Paul McLaughlan
Courtesy of the Highlanders
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