Aaron Smith will make his first start for the Highlanders
this year against the Crudsaders in Oamaru tomorrow
afternoon.
Highlanders head coach Jamie Joseph has named his
starting XV to play the Crusaders in Oamaru tomorrow afternoon.
In the second pre-season game for both franchises, Joseph has
made a number of changes from the team that played the Chiefs
in Taupo last weekend.
In the forwards, Brayden Mitchell will start at hooker and
Jarrad Hoeata moves to lock alongside Brad Thorn, while Joe
Wheeler switches from lock to blindside flanker. John Hardie
also makes a return to rugby after a long injury break.
In the backs Aaron Smith, Ma'a Nonu & Kade Poki will all
make a start for the Highlanders for first time in 2013.
Highlanders to play Crusaders, Whitestone Contracting
Stadium, Oamaru, 4.30pm tomorrow.
Tony Woodcock, Brayden Mitchell, Ma'afu Fia, Brad Thorn,
Jarrad Hoeata, Joe Wheeler, John Hardie, Elliot Dixon, Aaron
Smith, Lima Sopoaga, Hosea Gear (c), Ma'a Nonu, Phil
Burleigh, Kade Poki, Buxton Popoalii.
Reserves - Backs: Jason Emery, Hayden Parker, Fumiaki Tanaka,
Shaun Treeby, Frae Wilson. Forwards: Hugh Blake, Liam
Coltman, Tom Franklin, Paul Grant, Jamie Mackintosh &
Bronson Murray.
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