The Highlanders have named ten current or past All Blacks in their line up when they host the Hurricanes on Friday night.
Highlanders captain Ben Smith Photo: Photosport Ltd 2017 www.photosport.nz
In what promises to be a blockbuster of an occasion, the New Zealand conference clash will give both teams the opportunity to throw everything at it in the last round robin game before the June break.
After a series of good performances off the bench, front row strong man Kalolo Tuiloma earns his first start of the season, while Liam Squire's barnstorming effort against the Reds ensures a start on the blindside for the big All Black back rower.
Luke Whitelock returns at eight with livewire halfback Aaron Smith partnering Lima Sopoaga in the halves and talisman co-captain Ben Smith back calling the shots from fullback after a week away.
Fresh from his selection in the All Blacks, versatile loosie Shannon Frizell will have some very experienced company on the bench in the form of Liam Coltman, Elliot Dixon and Richard Buckman who have collectively tasted the half time oranges in super rugby 216 times.
Interim Head Coach Mark Hammett is glad to be back at home,
"We have had four of our last five weeks on the road so the guys are excited about playing at home." says Hammett
"We want to give a huge push towards making the playoffs this week before we hit the June break. The players are really looking forward to being back under the roof in front of a vocal home crowd."
Highlanders: 1. Daniel Lienert-Brown, 2. Ash Dixon (cc), 3. Kalolo Tuiloma, 4. Jackson Hemopo, 5. Tom Franklin, 6. Liam Squire, 7. Dillon Hunt, 8. Luke Whitelock, 9. Aaron Smith, 10. Lima Sopoaga, 11. Tevita Li, 12. Teihorangi Walden, 13. Rob Thompson, 14. Waisake Naholo, 15. Ben Smith (c), 16. Liam Coltman, 17. Aki Seiuli, 18. Tyrel Loamx, 19. Shannon Frizell, 20. Elliot Dixon, 21. Josh Dixon, 22. Josh Ioane, 23. Richard Buckman
