Rugby: Highlanders team to play Waratahs named

Flanker Shane Christie will make his season debut for the Highlanders when the side takes on the Waratahs in Dunedin on Saturday night.

Christie has recovered from a hamstring strain and comes straight into the team. Elliot Dixon move to the blindside flank.

Tom Franklin and Ross Geldenhuys return to the starting side.

The side is: Ben Smith (co-captain), Waisake Naholo, Malakai Fekitoa, Shaun Treeby, Patrick Osborne, Lima Sopoaga, Aaron Smith, Nasi Manu, Shane Christie (co-captain), Elliot Dixon, Joe Wheeler, Tom Franklin, Ross Geldenhuys, Liam Coltman, Josh Hohneck. Reserves: Ash Dixon, Brendon Edmonds, Pingi Tala'apitag, Mark Reddish, John Hardie, Fumiaki Tanaka, Marty Banks, Jason Emery