Smith to wing, Naholo drops out

Ben Smith will equal Anton Oliver's record for most games played for the Highlanders. Photo:...
Ben Smith will start on the wing for the Highlanders. Photo: Getty Images
Ben Smith moves to the right wing and Waisake Naholo drops out of the Highlanders line-up to play the Bulls this weekend.

Naholo has been carrying a hamstring niggle and the team has decided to rest him this week.

Fletcher Smith will come in at fullback for the match at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, at 3.15am on Sunday morning.

The remainder of the starting backline is unchanged, although there have been several changes in the pack.

Elliot Dixon comes in on the blindside flank, while Shannon Frizell drops to the bench after starring against the Blues last week.

At tighthead prop Tyrel Lomax comes in for the injured Siate Tokolahi.

A six forward, two back split on the bench suggests the Highlanders are expecting a physical encounter.

Notable among those players is James Lentjes, while Sio Tomkinson also comes into the 23. 

Highlanders team to play the Bulls:

Fletcher Smith, Ben Smith, Rob Thompson, Teihorangi Walden, Tevita Li, Lima Sopoaga, Aaron Smith, Luke Whitelock, Dillon Hunt, Elliot Dixon, Tom Franklin, Jackson Hemopo, Tyrel Lomax, Liam Coltman, Daniel Lienert-Brown. Reserves:Ash Dixon (CC), Aki Seiuli, Kalolo Tuiloma, Alex Ainley, Shannon Frizell, James Lentjes, Kayne Hammington, Sio Tomkinson.

 

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