Highlanders coach Aaron Mauger has made a lot of changes for his side for their final regular season match against the Rebels this Saturday.
All Blacks Ben Smith, Aaron Smith and Luke Whitelock are all sitting the match out, as per the agreement between the All Blacks and the Super Rugby franchises, while centre Rob Thompson is also missing from the team list.
Loose forward Elliot Dixon and hooker Ash Dixon are also taking the week off, leaving openside flanker James Lentjes to captain the team.
Liam Squire will move from the blindside flank to start at No 8, making room for All Blacks Shannon Frizell to make his fourth Super Rugby start this year.
Josh Ioane the team's second‑choice first‑five behind Lima Sopoaga, will start at fullback.
The Highlanders head into the final week of the regular season in sixth place, and only a win against the Rebels and an equally huge win by the Hurricanes over the Chiefs, would see them finish fifth.
Regardless, the Highlanders will be on the road next weekend, most likely in Johannesburg, Buenos Aires, or Sydney.
The Rebels take on the Highlanders at 5.15pm on Saturday.
Highlanders: Josh Ioane, Waisake Naholo, Thomas Umaga‑Jensen, Tei Walden, Tevita Li, Lima Sopoaga, Kayne Hammington, Liam Squire, James Lentjes (captain), Shannon Frizell, Jackson Hemopo, Alex Ainley, Tyrel Lomax, Liam Coltman, Aki Seuili. Reserves: Greg Pleasants‑Tate, Daniel Lienert‑Brown, Kalolo Tuiloma, Tom Franklin, Dillon Hunt, Josh Renton, Matt Faddes, Josh McKay.
[Source:Stuff.co.nz]
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