The Highlanders have made several changes for their crucial game against the Hurricanes in Dunedin on Friday, shifting Josh Ioane to fullback and reinstating Mitch Hunt at No 10.
Coach Tony Brown has also added some much-needed power to his pack, recalling lock Pari Pari Parkinson and loosehead prop Ayden Johnstone.
There will also be debuts for Japanese test star Kazuki Himeno and wing Freedom Vahaakolo with Jona Nareki retaining the No 11 jersey despite picking up a painful hip injury against the Blues.
The game will be Aaron Smith’s 154th appearance for the Highlanders, meaning he will overtake Ben Smith to become the most-capped Highlander of all time.
The Hurricanes will face the Highlanders at 6.05pm Friday while the Blues will take on the Chiefs at 6.05pm Saturday.
Highlanders: Josh Ioane, Freedom Vahaakolo, Michael Collins, Sio Tomkinson, Jona Nareki, Mitch Hunt, Aaron Smith (cc), Marino Mikaele-Tu’u, Billy Harmon, Shannon Frizell, Pari Pari Parkinson, Bryn Evans, Siate Tokolahi, Ash Dixon (cc), Ethan de Groot.
Reserves: Liam Coltman, Ayden Johnstone, Josh Hohneck, Josh Dickson, Kazuki Himeno, Folau Fakatava, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Connor Garden-Bachop.
[Source: Stuff.co.nz]
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