SA prop in Highlanders debut

There is a distinct pre-season look to the Highlanders side that will take on the Crusaders in their opening trial match in Timaru on Saturday.

However, for seasoned South African prop import Ross Geldenhuys it will be a joyous occasion, as he makes his debut for the Highlanders.

Geldenhuys moved to New Zealand last year, where he linked up with the Tasman Makos and played every game in his first NPC season - helping the Makos to the Final, where they lost 32-36 to Taranaki in a thrilling encounter.

Geldenhuys, 31, is a durable tighthead prop with 10-years of first class experience - which has seen him played for a host of teams since his debut for the Border Bulldogs in 2005. He has also turned out for Western Province , the Pumas, Lions (Super Rugby) and Golden Lions (Currie Cup), Boland Cavaliers, Free State Cheetahs, Griffons and Eastern Province Kings.

He was also named in an initial Southern Kings Super Rugby squad, but received no game time. Other squad he trained with, without getting game time included the Blue Bulls and Stormers.

The Highlanders have no touring All Blacks in their squads and with plenty of players carrying niggles, coach Jamie Joseph erring on the side of caution by not fielding any players with slight injury knocks.

Fullback Ben Smith is still on All Black leave and is only due to join the team next week.

Left wing Patrick Osborne is battling a calf complaint, while right wing Richard Buckman is struggling to shrug off a knee injury.

Buckman injured his knee in the NPC semifinal, damaging his medial ligament. He had been cautious with the injury and worked hard on the recovery.

Osborne picked up the calf injury during the NPC and continued to play. However, it was still troubling him. It is hoped it would clear up by the start of the Highlanders season, against the Crusaders in Dunedin on February 21.

Another new recruit, hooker Ash Dixon, who broke his arm in the New Zealand Maori tour of Japan last November, also does not feature in the matchday squad - as he continues his path to full fitness.

Loose forwards Dan Pryor and Gareth Evans are also struggling with niggles.

Kurt Baker gets a start at fullback, while Shaun Treeby and Jason Emery will play in the midfield.

Scott Eade starts at scrumhalf, with young Southlander Liam Howley backing him up.

Otago and Taieri flank James Lentjes starts on the blindside, partnering Southland duo John Hardie and Elliot Dixon, who will captain the team.

This is the Highlanders' first pre-season match of three in 2015. Next week the squad leaves for a two-match tour of Australia to play the Brumbies and the Rebels.

Highlanders: 15 Kurt Baker, 14 Ryan Tongia, 13 Jason Emery, 12 Shaun Treeby, 11 Waisake Naholo 10 Lima Sopoaga, 9 Scott Eade, 8 Elliot Dixon (captain), 7 John Hardie, 6 James Lentjes, 5 Mark Reddish, 4 Tom Franklin, 3 Ross Geldenhuys, 2 Liam Coltman, 1 Josh Hohneck.

Replacements - from: Kane Hames, Nasi Manu, Pingi  Ta'alapitaga, Joe Latta, Alex Ainley, Liam Howley, Hayden Parker, Tei Walden, Trent Renata, Sam Anderson Heather, Michael Collins.

Date: Saturday, January 24

Venue: Alpine Energy Stadium, Timaru

Kick-off: 14.30 (01.30 GMT)

Referees: Nick Briant, Jamie Nutbrown