Highlanders make three changes for Brumbies

Highlanders coach Aaron Mauger has made three changes to his starting XV to face the Brumbies at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin on Saturday.

Liam Coltman returns from injury and Tom Franklin is reinstated to the second row allowing Alex Ainley into the matchday 23 for the first time this season.

Shannon Frizell is rewarded with his first start in the number six jersey after a number of eye-catching performances off the bench.

In the backs, Teihorangi Walden returns to the midfield to partner with Rob Thompson and Matt Faddes returns to the bench.

“Fair to say we have a good perspective of where we are at the moment as a team and over the last few weeks, we have taken some good learnings from our matches,” said Mauger.

“The guys have come back fresh from the break and have trained well. Our training focus this week has been on using those recent learnings to solve a few issues that will allow us to perform come the weekend.”

Highlanders: 15 Ben Smith (cc), 14 Waisake Naholo, 13 Rob Thompson, 12 Teihorangi Walden, 11 Tevita Li, 10 Lima Sopoaga, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Luke Whitelock, 7 Dillon Hunt, 6 Shannon Frizell, 5 Tom Franklin, 4 Jackson Hemopo 3 Siate Tokolahi, 2 Liam Coltman, 1 Daniel Lienert-Brown
Replacements: 16 Ash Dixon (cc), 17 Aki Seiuli, 18 Kalolo Tuiloma, 19 Alex Ainley, 20 Elliot Dixon, 21 Kayne Hammington, 22 Fletcher Smith, 23 Matt Faddes

Date: Saturday, April 14
Venue: Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
Kick-off: 19:35 local (07:35 GMT)
Referee: Mike Fraser (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Ben O’Keeffe (New Zealand), James Doleman (New Zealand)
Television match official: Glenn Newman (New Zealand