Rugby: Seven changes for clash with Sharks

The Highlanders welcome back Ben Smith and Elliot Dixon to their side after a week off to take on the Sharks in Dunedin tomorrow night.

The side will be keen to get back to winning form after a disappointing performance against the Reds in its last match.

It has had just under two weeks to brood over the effort against the Reds, where it lost 28-27, and will want to play a fast-paced game to run the big Sharks pack around.

The Highlanders have made seven changes in all to the starting side that lost to the Reds.

Smith returns to lead the side from fullback, as he is over a concussion, and he will be joined on the wings by Jack Wilson and Matt Faddes, making for an Otago back three.

Not many would have bet on those two starting on the wings for the Highlanders at the start of the season but injuries and the ability to take chances have helped the duo get a start.

Patrick Osborne, who had a mixed game against the Reds, moves to the reserves, and is bound to get a run at some time.

Waisake Naholo is still injured and when he will return from his leg injury is still unclear.

Jason Emery gets his first start for the season after coming off the bench in past weeks.

He comes into the side at second five-eighth, replacing Rob Thompson, who had a disappointing effort against the Reds.

Emery is a good stepper and will look to be busy on defence.

In the forward pack, Dixon comes in on the blindside flank while Shane Christie and Liam Squire continue in the other loose forward positions.

Tom Franklin replaces Mark Reddish in the locking department. In the front row, Josh Hohneck replaces Siosiua Halanukonuka on the tighthead side, while Ash Dixon makes his second start of the year in the hooking role. Liam Coltman is switched to the bench.

Daniel Lienert-Brown continues on the loosehead side of the front row and Craig Millar comes into the reserves.

Hayden Parker continues in the reserves and is the backup goalkicker behind Lima Sopoaga. Marty Banks is not having a good year with injury, first a hamstring strain and now sore ribs, hampering his availability.

The side had a comfortable win over the Sharks last year, scoring seven tries to two.

The match against the Sharks starts a run of five games for the Highlanders before the June international break that will more or less decide the Highlanders' season.

After the Sharks, they will take on the Brumbies in Invercargill, the Chiefs in Hamilton and the Crusaders at Forsyth Barr Stadium.

The side then has a bye before travelling to Wellington to take on the Hurricanes on May 27.