RECAP: Highlanders v Rebels

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our coverage of the Super Rugby Round Five encounter between the Highlanders and Rebels in Dunedin.

The Highlanders, despite their one-point (23-22) squeaker over the Brumbies in Canberra, have not convinced the critics that they can be genuine play-off challengers this season.

MATCH REPORT: Highlanders v Rebels

However, assistant coach Tony Brown believes the Dunedin-based franchise is a lot closer to the pace than their lowly position suggests.

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Teams

Highlanders: 15 Michael Collins, 14 Josh McKay, 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 Teariki Ben-Nicholas, 5 Jack Whetton, 4 Jesse Parete, 3 Siate Tokolahi, 2 Ash Dixon, 1 Daniel Lienert-Brown.

Replacements: 16 Liam Coltman, 17 Ayden Johnstone, 18 Jeff Thwaites, 19 Manaaki Selby-Rickit, 20 Dillon Hunt, 21 Kayne Hammington, 22 Teihorangi Walden, 23 Scott Gregory

Rebels: 15 Dane Haylett-Petty (captain), 14 Andrew Kellaway, 13 Tom English, 12 Billy Meakes, 11 Marika Koroibete, 10 Matt Toomua, 9 Ryan Louwrens, 8 Isi Naisarani, 7 Richard Hardwick, 6 Angus Cottrell, 5 Matt Philip, 4 Gideon Koegelenberg, 3 Jermaine Ainsley, 2 Anaru Rangi, 1 Matt Gibbon.

Replacements: 16 Jordan Uelese, 17 Cameron Orr, 18 Cabous Eloff, 19 Ross Haylett-Petty, 20 Rob Leota, 21 Frank Lomani, 22 Michael Wells, 23 Andrew Deegan.

Referee: Paul Williams (New Zealand)

Assistant referees: James Doleman (New Zealand), James Munro (New Zealand)

TMO: Chris Hart (New Zealand)