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All Blacks stars return to starting line up for Highlanders
By Online Editors
The Highlanders will welcome back two of their All Blacks into the starting lineup for their clash against the Sunwolves in Tokyo on Friday.
Aaron Smith and Luke Whitelock have been named to start in the Japanese capital after coming off the bench in last week's 24-12 win over the Blues in Dunedin.
It will be Smith's first Super Rugby start since succumbing to an ankle injury against the Blues in Auckland last month, while it will be Whitelock's first run-on appearance since damaging his calf against the Hurricanes at Forsyth Barr Stadium three weeks ago.
Their returns to the starting side will offset the dropping of in-form All Blacks flanker Shannon Frizell, who has been relegated to the bench in place of Whitelock for the first time since the Highlanders' season-opening win against the Chiefs in February.
Joining him on the pine is one-test openside flanker Dillon Hunt, who is in line to make his first Super Rugby appearance in five weeks.
Hunt appears to have fallen out of favour with Highlanders head coach Aaron Mauger in recent weeks, who has preferred James Lentjes in the No. 7 jersey, but this weekend's clash will provide Hunt with an opportunity to state his case for a starting role as the backend of the season nears.
Experienced midfielder Rob Thompson also returns to the starting side to form a reliable midfield combination with Tei Walden, which pushes young Sio Tomkinson out to the wing, as Matt Faddes shifts to fullback in place of the rested Ben Smith.
There are minimal changes elsewhere, although former Reds prop Sef Fa'agase could make his long-awaited debut from the bench after replacing rookie Ayden Johnstone from last week's side.
The match kicks off at Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium at 7pm local time.
Highlanders: 1. Daniel Lienert-Brown, 2. Liam Coltman, 3. Tyrel Lomax, 4. Jackson Hemopo, 5. Tom Franklin, 6. Luke Whitelock (c), 7. James Lentjes, 8. Elliot Dixon, 9. Aaron Smith, 10. Josh Ioane, 11. Tevita Li, 12. Tei Walden, 13. Rob Thompson, 14. Sio Tomkinson, 15. Matt Faddes
Reserves: 16. Ash Dixon, 17. Sef Fa'agase, 18. Siate Tokolahi, 19. Josh Dickson, 20. Shannon Frizell, 21. Kayne Hammington, 22. Bryn Gatland, 23. Dillon Hunt
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Latest Comments
The New Zealand performance in the return fixture in 2016 was filthy. A lot of Irish supporters were pretty shocked by it, viewed it as de facto cheating just to avoid another defeat.
Also shocked by the abuse to Ireland, captain, vice-captain and spectators after the full time whistle in Paris defeat, last match.
Sledging is sledging, but that happens during the game and targetting spectators should be completely out of bounds.
The Irish public used to enjoy these matches, even in defeat. Now they are necessary but unpleasant, because NZ apparently cannot accept or respect successful challengers.
Go to commentsThanks for the analysis Nick, thought provoking as usual. Couple of queries though, in the pic where you've circled Williams bind , I'm pretty sure it shows Stuart's knee on the ground, surely that's a NZ penalty? Also having had the chance to watch it again the All Black scrum seeems to improve after halftime, but before either England or the All Blacks replace their props. Not sure if that was the result of Tuipolutu coming on or some halftime tips. Either way this is only Williams second international season, so he'll be better for the experience.
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