Pulse Energy Highlanders to play the Brumbies
A toe injury to Liam Coltman and the suspension of Jason Emery has forced changes to the Pulse Energy Highlanders team to take on the Brumbies in Invercargill on Saturday night. Coltman looks set to be sidelined for several weeks and Emery will sit out the next four weeks. Ash Dixon comes in for Coltman and the strong running Rob Thompson returns to the midfield. Alex Ainley is the only other change to the forward pack with Joe Wheeler rotating to the bench.
Patrick Osborne returns at left wing and Jack Wilson shifts on to the right wing while Matt Faddes will make his impact from the bench. Hooker, Greg Pleasants-Tate, who has played one game for the Blues will make his debut for the Highlanders if he takes the field on Saturday night. Pleasants-Tate has been playing development and club rugby in Dunedin and will relish the opportunity to get more super rugby game time. Siosiua Halanukonuka returns to the bench after a week off.
1. Daniel Lienert-Brown
2. Ash Dixon
3. Josh Hohneck
4. Alex Ainley
5. Tom Franklin
6. Elliot Dixon
7. Shane Christie (CC)
8. Liam Squire
9. Aaron Smith
10. Lima Sopoaga
11. Patrick Osborne
12. Rob Thompson
13. Malakai Fekitoa
14. Jack Wilson
15. Ben Smith (CC)
Reserves
16. Greg Pleasants-Tate
17. Craig Millar
18. Siosiua Halanukonuka
19. Joe Wheeler
20. Dan Pryor
21. Fumiaki Tanaka
22. Hayden Parker
23. Matt Faddes
Unavailable due to injury: Marty Banks (ribs), Liam Coltman (foot)
Head Coach: Jamie Joseph Assistant Coaches: Tony Brown , Scott McLeod Manager: Paul McLaughlan
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