Highlanders make two changes

The Highlanders have made just two changes to their starting line-up for the Gordon Hunter Memorial Trophy match against the Blues in Dunedin on Saturday.

All Black Jackson Hemopo returns at lock to partner Tom Franklin and Patelesio Tomkinson takes the place of Rob Thompson, who is unavailable for family reasons this week.

However, the return of Aaron Smith and Luke Whitelock gives the reserves a very strong look. Smith, who injured his ankle in the Round Six game, ironically against the Blues, was originally scheduled to be out for four to six weeks but has missed just two games during his speedy recovery.

“Nuggy and Luke have both worked incredibly hard to make themselves available and their return this week provides the team with a bit of a boost. We are aware of the challenges the Blues will bring on Saturday, all the NZ conference games bring a high degree of intensity” said Highlanders head coach Aaron Mauger.

The Highlanders have retained the Gordon Hunter Memorial Trophy since 2012, the trophy is only contestable when the game is being played at the home ground of the previous year’s winner.

Highlanders: 15 Ben Smith (cc), 14 Matt Faddes, 13 Patelesio Tomkinson, 12 Teihorangi Walden, 11 Tevita Li, 10 Josh Ioane, 9 Kayne Hammington, 8 Elliot Dixon, 7 James Lentjes, 6 Shannon Frizell, 5 Tom Franklin, 4 Jackson Hemopo, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Liam Coltman, 1 Daniel Lienert-Brown
Replacements: 16 Ash Dixon, 17 Ayden Johnstone, 18 Siate Tokolahi, 19 Josh Dickson, 20 Luke Whitelock (cc), 21 Aaron Smith, 22 Bryn Gatland, 23 Thomas Umaga-Jensen

Date: Saturday, April 20
Venue: Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
Kick-off: 19:35 local (08:35 BST, 07:35 GMT)
Referee: Paul Williams (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Mike Fraser (New Zealand), James Doleman (New Zealand)
TMO: Shane McDermott (New Zealand)