Highlanders’ head coach Jamie Joseph has made two changes in his starting line-up for Saturday’s Super Rugby match against the Crusaders at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin.
Aaron Smith comes in at halfback for Jimmy Cowan, who moves to the reserves.
Lima Sopoaga makes his first start for the season, replacing Chris Noakes who injured his ankle in last week’s 23-19 win over the Chiefs in Hamilton.
All Black Colin Slade returns to the reserves bench, and Telusa Veainu comes in for Kurt Baker, who drops down to the Highlanders development team.
Highlanders: Ben Smith, Buxton Popoali’i, Tamati Ellison, Phil Burleigh, Hosea Gear, Lima Sopoaga, Aaron Smith, Nasi Manu, John Hardie, Adam Thomson, Nick Crosswell, Josh Bekhuis, Chris King, Andrew Hore, Jamie Mackintosh (capt). Res: Jason Rutledge, Bronson Murray, Culum Retallick, James Haskell, Jimmy Cowan, Colin Slade, Telusa Veainu.