7 All Blacks in Highlanders line-up

Highlanders centre Malakai Fekitoa will play his 50th match on Friday night. Photo:
Highlanders centre Malakai Fekitoa will play his 50th match on Friday night. Photo:
The Highlanders will start all but one of their All Blacks in the opening match of the season against the Chiefs at Forsyth Barr Stadium on Friday night.

Loose forward Elliot Dixon will come off the bench but the side's seven other All Blacks will start.

It will be All Black centre Malakai Fekitoa's 50th game for the franchise.

Highlanders: Ben Smith (captain), Waisake Naholo, Malakai Fekitoa, Rob Thompson, Tevita Li, Lima Sopoaga, Aaron Smith, Liam Squire, James Lentjes, Gareth Evans, Alex Ainley, Tom Franklin, Siate Tokolahi, Liam Coltman, Daniel Lienert-Brown.

Reserves:  Adrian Smith,  Craig Millar,   Guy Millar,  Jackson Hemopo,  Elliot Dixon,  Kayne Hammington,  Fletcher Smith,  Matt Faddes.

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