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Highlanders to unleash Naholo against Reds

By Online Editors
Wednesday 20 Feb 2019

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Highlanders head coach Aaron Mauger has named his team to face the Reds in a Super Rugby Round Two match in Dunedin on Friday.

Jackson Hemopo will return to lock for the Highlanders clash on Friday against the Reds. Hemopo who was impressive in the first round win against the Chiefs makes way for Shannon Frizell on the blindside.

Dillon Hunt will replace James Lentjes at openside and Marino Mikaele Tu’u who can play all three loose forward positions is on the bench with Jack Whetton a hard-driving lock who will make his Super Rugby debut for the Highlanders.

In the backs Aaron Smith will start at scrumhalf and after a good first up performance Josh Ioane retains the No.10 jersey with the experienced Marty Banks as back up. Teihorangi Walden will resume his midfield partnership with Rob Thompson and there will be an opportunity for a Waisake Naholo crowd chant as he takes his familiar place on the right wing.

Mauger is expecting a tough encounter against a fresh Reds following their first-round bye.

"The Reds will bring a lot of energy and physicality to the encounter, history shows it’s always a tough game for us. The team is excited to be at home in front of our own fans for the first time this season, no doubt the players will draw some energy from their support."

Players unavailable due to injury: Tevita Nabura – knee (season) Liam Squire (hip)

Highlanders: 15 Ben Smith (co-captain), 14 Waisake Naholo, 13 Rob Thompson, 12 Teihorangi Walden, 11 Tevita Li, 10 Josh Ioane, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Luke Whitelock (co-captain), 7 Dillon Hunt, 6 Shannon Frizell, 5 Josh Dickson, 4 Jackson Hemopo, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Liam Coltman, 1 Ayden Johnstone.

Replacements: 16 Ash Dixon, 17 Daniel Lienert-Brown, 18 Siate Tokolahi, 19 Jack Whetton, 20 Marino Mikaele Tu’u, 21 Kayne Hammington, 22 Marty Banks, 23 Matt Faddes.

Date: Friday, February 22

Venue: Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin

Kick-off: 19.35 (16.35 AEST; 06.35 GMT)

Referee: Federico Anselmi (Argentina)

Assistant referees: Nick Briant (New Zealand), James Doleman (New Zealand)

TMO: Glenn Newman (New Zealand)

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