Highlanders bring in Kuridrani for Crusaders
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Highlanders have retained most of last week’s team to play the Crusaders in Christchurch on Friday.
There are no changes to the forward pack that earned a last-minute victory against the Brumbies last week. However, a conventional five-three split on the bench means there is no room for Dillon Hunt this week.
In the backs, the reliable Michael Collins moves to fullback and Josh McKay to the bench. The suspended Patelesio Tomkinson is replaced by Kirisi Kuridrani for his debut performance.
The combination of Mitch Hunt and Josh Ioane will continue for another week and Rob Thompson returns from injury to play at centre.
Highlanders: 15 Michael Collins, 14 Kirisi Kuridrani, 13 Rob Thompson, 12 Josh Ioane, 11 Jona Nareki, 10 Mitch Hunt, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Marino Mikaele-Tu'u, 7 James Lentjes (captain), 6 Shannon Frizell, 5 Josh Dickson, 4 Jesse Parete, 3 Siate Tokolahi, 2 Liam Coltman, 1 Ayden Johnstone.
Replacements: 16 Ash Dixon, 17 Daniel Lienert-Brown, 18 Conan O'Donnell, 19 Jack Whetton, 20 Teariki Ben-Nicholas, 21 Kayne Hammington, 22 Teihorangi Walden, 23 Josh McKay.
Date: Friday, February 21
Venue: Christchurch Stadium, Christchurch
Kick-off: 19.05 (06.05 GMT)
Referee: Mike Fraser (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Brendon Pickerill (New Zealand), James Doleman (New Zealand)
TMO: Chris Hart (New Zealand)