Highlanders head coach Aaron Mauger has made a few positional changes for the first leg of a two-game South African tour, at the Bulls.
Co-captain, Ben Smith, moves to the right wing in place of Waisake Naholo and utility back, Fletcher Smith, takes the number 15 jersey.
Tyrel Lomax will start at tighthead with regular number three, Siate Tokolahi, having been ruled out for six weeks with a knee injury. There will also be a six forward, two back split with loose forward James Lentjes returning for the first time this season and midfield back Patelesio Tomkinson making his way on to the bench.
Mauger is comfortable with the team’s work this week, saying: "The guys have travelled well and we have had a good training week in preparation to face the challenges the Bulls will present on Saturday, both teams will be looking to keep the momentum of their season going."
Highlanders: 15 Fletcher Smith, 14 Ben Smith (cc), 13 Rob Thompson, 12 Teihorangi Walden, 11 Tevita Li, 10 Lima Sopoaga, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Luke Whitelock, 7 Dillon Hunt, 6 Elliot Dixon, 5 Tom Franklin, 4 Jackson Hemopo, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Liam Coltman, 1 Daniel Lienert-Brown
Replacements: 16 Ash Dixon (cc), 17 Aki Seiuli, 18 Kalolo Tuiloma, 19 Alex Ainley, 20 Shannon Frizell, 21 Kayne Hammington, 22 Kayne Hammington, 23 Sio Tomkinson
Date: Saturday, April 28
Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
Kick-off: 17:15 local (15:15 GMT)
Referee: Glen Jackson (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Ben O’Keeffe (New Zealand), AJ Jacobs (South Africa)
Television match official: Willie Vos (South Africa)
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