Highlanders lock Jarrad Hoeata is relishing the prospect of the physical confrontation in the top-of-the table Super Rugby match against the Stormers in Dunedin on Saturday.
The Stormers are the only team with an unblemished record, five wins from five, while the Highlanders have won five of their six games.
Hoeata, who played three Tests for the All Blacks last year, recalled that the Highlanders were outmuscled by the Stormers in Cape Town last year, losing 18-6.
“They’ve been a good side for a while now. They’ve got a big pack and very good backs.
“The South Africans produce some massive units but I love playing against the big guys. I enjoy the physical side of it.”
That spilled over last year when Hoeata and giant Stormers lock Andries Bekker, the pack leader this season, were sin binned.
“We had a bit of a run-in,” Hoeata said. “I’m looking forward to mixing it up with him again.”
Hoeata played his first game since last year in the 43-12 win over the Melbourne Rebels last week after being sidelined by torn pectoral muscles.
“I was a little apprehensive but, once I got a couple of tackles in and carried the ball a few times, my confidence grew. It had been a long three or four months and it was great to be back.”
There is just one change in the Highlanders’ starting lineup that played the Rebels, All Black hooker Andrew Hore returning in place of Jason Rutledge.
In-form Aaron Smith has again been preferred at halfback and Jimmy Cowan, if he gets on the field, will play his 100th game off the bench. Rutledge is poised to play his 50th game.
Highlanders: Ben Smith, Kade Poki, Tamati Ellison, Shaun Treeby, Hosea Gear, Chris Noakes, Aaron Smith, Nasi Manu, Adam Thomson, James Haskell, Jarrad Hoeata, Josh Bekhuis, Chris King, Andrew Hore, Jamie Mackintosh (c). Reserves: Jason Rutledge, Ma’afu Fia, Culum Retallick, Doug Tietjens, Jimmy Cowan, Buxton Popoali’i, Phil Burleigh.