Rugby: Two changes to Highlanders XV

Dan Lienert-Brown, seen here celebrating a try against the Chiefs, will return to the starting...
Dan Lienert-Brown, seen here celebrating a try against the Chiefs, will return to the starting line-up for the Highlanders on Friday night. Photo: Getty Images

Tom Franklin and Dan Lienert-Brown are the two changes to the Highlanders' starting XV for Friday's match against the Hurricanes in Wellington.

Franklin replaces Joe Wheeler at lock, while Dan Lienert-Brown, who was ruled out prior to kick-off last week, returns at prop, with Josh Hohneck shifting back to the tighthead side.

Siosiua Halanukonuka drops to the bench, while Mark Reddish comes into the reserves to replace Wheeler altogether. They will be joined by Otago prop Aki Seiuli, who comes in for Craig Millar.

Meanwhile the Hurricanes have brought back their suspended players for the match against the Highlanders this Friday night in Wellington.

Five players: Victor Vito, Cory Jane, Ardia Savea, Julian Savea and Chris Eves were suspended for the last match after failing to come back to a hotel in South Africa before an agreed time.

Lock Michael Fatialofa and skipper Dane Coles have passed fitness tests and will start the match.

Highlanders: Ben Smith, Waisake Naholo, Matt Faddes, Malakai Fekitoa, Patrick Osborne, Lima Sopoaga, Aaron Smith, Luke Whitelock, Dan Pryor, Elliot Dixon, Tom Franklin, Alex Ainley, Josh Hohneck, Ash Dixon, Daniel Lienert-Brown.

Reserves: Greg Pleasants-Tate, Aki Seiuli, Siosiua Halanukonuka, Mark Reddish, Liam Squire, Fumiaki Tanaka, Marty Banks, Tei Walden.

Hurricanes: James Marshall, Cory Jane, Matt Proctor, Vince Aso, Julian Savea, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara, Victor Vito, Ardie Savea, Brad Shields, Michael Fatialofa, Blade Thomson, Jeff Toomaga-Allen, Dane Coles (captain), Reggie Goodes.

Reserves: Motu Matu'u, Chris Eves, Lonu Uhila, Vaea Fifita, Callum Gibbins, Jamison Gibson Park, Ngani Laumape, Jason Woodward.

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