The Highlanders have named Marty Banks to start at No 10 against the Blues in Auckland on Friday.
Banks gets his first start of the campaign ahead of Josh Ioane, who takes his place on a strong‑looking bench.
Pari Pari Parkinson and Thomas Umaga‑Jensen have both recovered from the head knocks they picked up against the Hurricanes to return to the starting 15, while experienced lock Tom Franklin has included to the run‑on side
The Highlanders are still without the services of Liam Squire and Rob Thompson but are otherwise in good shape as they head to Auckland in search of a win before their first bye of the season.
After the Highlanders and Crusaders were handed two competition each points following the cancellation of the South Island derby last weekend, the Highlanders sit third in the New Zealand conference on 12 points.
The Highlanders have a strong recent record against the Blues, winning the past four encounters and six out of the last seven.
The Highlanders will face the Blues at 6.35 this Friday.
Highlanders team to face Blues: Ben Smith (cc), Waisake Naholo, Sio Tomkinson, Thomas Umaga‑Jensen, Tevita Li, Marty Banks, Aaron Smith, Luke Whitelock (cc), Dillon Hunt, Shannon Frizell, Tom Franklin, Pari Pari Parkinson, Tyrel Lomax, Liam Coltman, Ayden Johnstone.
Replacements: Ray Niuia, Daniel Lienert‑Brown, Siate Tokolahi, Josh Dickson, Jackson Hemopo, Folau Fakatava, Josh Ioane, Richard Buckman.
[Source: Stuff.co.nz]
Here #YourLanders to take on the @bluesrugbyteam in Auckland in Friday. We would love to see you all at Eden Park supporting the lads! #HighlandersANDyou pic.twitter.com/ozCSKaCKpD
— Pulse Energy Highlanders (@Highlanders) March 19, 2019
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