Rugby: Stars return for Highlanders

Ben Smith on the run against the Lions. Photo: Getty Images
Ben Smith on the run against the Lions. Photo: Getty Images

The Highlanders' All Blacks are back in the starting XV to play the Jaguares in Buenos Aires on Sunday morning (NZT).

Lima Sopoaga and Rob Thompson are the only survivors from the backline which started last weekend against the Kings, as Aaron Smith, Malakai Fekitoa, Waisake Naholo and Ben Smith all return. Patrick Osborne, who came of the bench against the Kings, also returns to the starting XV.

In the forwards Josh Hohneck moves to loosehead prop, in place of the injured Dan Lienert-Brown, while Siosiua Halanukonuka comes in on the tighthead side.

Joe Wheeler partners Tom Franklin at lock, while Elliot Dixon retuns at blindside flanker and James Lentjes gets a run on the openside.

Mark Reddish, Te Aihe Toma and Matt Faddes all drop back to the reserves, while Ross Geldenhuys comes onto the bench.

Highlanders team to face the Kings:

Ben Smith (c), Waisake Naholo, Malakai Fekitoa, Rob Thompson, Patrick Osborne, Lima Sopoaga, Aaron Smith, Luke Whitelock, James Lentjes, Elliot Dixon, Joe Wheeler, Tom Franklin, Siosiua Halanukonuka, Ash Dixon, Josh Hohneck. Reserves: Greg Pleasants-Tate, Aki Seiuli, Ross Geldenhuys, Mark Reddish, Dan Pryor, Te Aihe Toma, Fletcher Smith, Matt Faddes.

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