Highlanders head coach Aaron Mauger has rested scrum-half Aaron Smith for Saturday’s clash with the Lions at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin.
Smith’s place will be taken by Kayne Hammington.
James Lentjes will play at seven with Dillon Hunt earning a break and Tevita Nabura will make his second appearance of the season on the left wing while Josh Dickson and Marino Mikaele Tu’u will provide fresh legs off the bench.
Mauger is glad to be back at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
“We are all looking forward to the opportunity to be back at home to meet the significant challenge the Lions will provide,” he said.
Highlanders: 15 Ben Smith (c), 14 Waisake Naholo, 13 Rob Thompson, 12 Teihorangi Walden, 11 Tevita Nabura, 10 Lima Sopoaga, 9 Kayne Hammington, 8 Luke Whitelock, 7 James Lentjes, 6 Elliot Dixon, 5 Tom Franklin, 4 Alex Ainley, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Liam Coltman, 1 Daniel Lienert-Brown
Replacements: 16 Ash Dixon, 17 Aki Seuili, 18 Kalolo Tuiloma, 19 Josh Dickson, 20 Marino Mikaele-Tu’u, 21 Josh Renton, 22 Patelesio Tomkinson
Date: Saturday, May 12
Kick-off: 19:35 local (07:35 GMT)
Venue: Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
Referee: Angus Gardner (Australia)
Assistant referees: Brendon Pickerill (New Zealand), James Doleman (New Zealand)
TMO: Glenn Newman (New Zealand)
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