The Highlanders are preparing for a forward onslaught against the Toyota Cheetahs as they name a 6 – 2 split on the bench for the clash in Bloemfontein.
The Highlanders ran out of steam against the Lions last weekend, resulting in a late surge from Johan Ackerman’s team to steal the win. This has resulted in Highlanders head coach Jamie Joseph naming 6 forwards on his bench, ensuring he has plenty of firepower to see through the full 80 minutes.
There are 2 players making their Super Rugby debut in the team named to face the Cheetahs. The debutants are Tasman lock Alex Ainley who comes into the side for Tom Franklin, and Hawkes Bay wing Ryan Tongia who replaces the injured Waisake Naholo.
Ainley, a seasoned NPC campaigner, returns from a fractured jaw sustained playing club rugby 2 months ago, while league convert Ryan Tongia makes the team after less than a year in the game.
The only other change is at openside flank where John Hardie replaces Dan Pryor.
Highlanders: 15 Ben Smith 14 Ryan Tongia, 13 Malakai Fekitoa, 12 Richard Buckman, 11 Patrick Osborne, 10 Lima Sopoaga, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Nasi Manu (Captain), 7 John Hardie, 6 Gareth Evans, 5 Mark Reddish, 4 Alex Ainley, 3 Josh Hohneck, 2 Liam Coltman, 1 Brendon Edmonds
Replacements: 16 Ash Dixon, 17 Daniel Lienert-Brown, 18 Ross Geldenhuys, 19 Tom Franklin, 20 Elliot Dixon, 21 Dan Pryor, 22 Fumiaki Tanaka, 23 Marty Banks.
Date: Saturday 16 May
Venue: Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein
Kick-Off: 19:10 SA Time (17:10 GMT, Sunday 05:10 NZ Time, Sunday 03:10 AEST)
Referee: Stuart Berry
Assistant Referees: Jaco van Heerden, Lesego Legoete
TMO: Shaun Veldsman