Highlanders make four changes for Crusaders

Highlanders head coach Tony Brown has made four changes for the clash against the Crusaders at AMI Stadium in Christchurch on Saturday.

Brown has reinstated Daniel Lienert-Brown to the front row and promoted Gareth Evans to the starting line-up after a number of good performances in recent weeks. James Lentjes comes back on the openside following an elbow injury that sidelined him for three months, taking the place of Dillon Hunt who gets a well-earned break.

The in-form Rob Thompson comes in at inside centre this week pushing utility back Richard Buckman to the left wing; otherwise the starting backline remains the same as the one that performed well against the Waratahs. Plenty of strike power on the bench with All Blacks Elliot Dixon and Lima Sopoaga while Matt Faddes returns as outside back cover.

Captain Ben Smith will play his 128th Super game for the Highlanders and become their most capped player ahead of Anton Oliver.

Highlanders: 15 Ben Smith (cc), 14 Waisake Naholo, 13 Malakai Fekitoa, 12 Rob Thompson, 11 Richard Buckman, 10 Marty Banks, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Luke Whitelock, 7 James Lentjes, 6 Gareth Evans, 5 Tom Franklin, 4 Alex Ainley, 3 Siate Tokolahi, 2 Liam Coltman, 1 Daniel Lienert-Brown
Replacements: 16 Ash Dixon (cc), 17 Aki Seiuli, 18 Siosuia Halanukonuka, 19 Joe Wheeler, 20 Elliot Dixon, 21 Kayne Hammington, 22 Lima Sopoaga, 23 Matt Faddes

Date: Saturday, June 3
Venue: AMI Stadium, Christchurch
Kick-Off: 14:45 local (03:35 GMT)
Referee: Glen Jackson
Assistant Referees: James Doleman Michael Winter
TMO: Glenn Newman