Naholo returns for Highlanders

Highlanders head coach Tony Brown has named a strong side to take on the Sunwolves in Invercargill on Saturday night.

Joe Wheeler and Liam Squire earn starts while the versatile Elliot Dixon moves to open side to give the loose trio a very strong look.

In the backs Malakai Fekitoa moves to the midfield to make room for the speedy Matt Faddes at centre and Tevita Li comes in on the left wing.

After a five-week break due to injury All Black winger Waisake Naholo returns on the right wing. The young Otago trio, Josh Renton, Teihorangi Walden and Sio Tomkinson round out the back reserves.

“The Sunwolves had a good win over the Bulls recently and will be a dangerous team if we allow them to play at speed, we will need a strong defensive effort this weekend,” Tony Brown told the Highlanders' official website.

Highlanders: 15 Ben Smith (c), 14 Waisake Naholo, 13 Matt Faddes, 12 Malakai Fekitoa, 11 Tevita Li, 10 Marty Banks, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Luke Whitelock, 7 Elliot Dixon, 6 Liam Squire, 5 Joe Wheeler, 4 Alex Ainley, 3 Siate Tokolahi, 2 Liam Coltman, 1 Daniel Lienert-Brown
Replacements: 16, Greg Pleasants-Tate 17, Aki Seiuli 18, Siosuia Halanukonuka 19, Tom Franklin 20, Gareth Evans 21, Josh Renton 22, Teihorangi Walden 23, Sio Tomkinson

Date: Saturday, April 22
Venue: Rugby Park Stadium, Invercargill
Kick-Off: 17:15 local (08:35 GMT)
Referee: Jamie Nutbrown
Assistant Referees: Mike Fraser, Cam Stone
TMO: Glenn Newman