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Naholo in line to make his return for the Highlanders in Johannesburg
By Online Editors
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: A trip to Johannesburg sees a raft of changes made to the Highlanders side that pipped the Jaguares last week. Most notably, a number of All Blacks will return to the fold after either sitting on the bench, being rested, or being out with injury for last weekend's match.
Shannon Frizell returns from his All Blacks’ break to take his place at number eight for the Highlanders against the Lions on Saturday (1.05am Sunday morning NZT). Elliot Dixon, whose form has skyrocketed in the last few weeks, gets a well-earned break and one-cap All Black Dillon Hunt completes a new look backrow with James Lentjes heading to the bench.
Josh Dickson and Tom Franklin will lock the scrum and Tyrel Lomax replaces Siate Tokolahi at tighthead.
New Zealand and Highlanders fans will be most excited about the returning name in the reserves. Waisake Naholo is on the comeback from a lengthy injury break and will ease into the action off the bench. In the midfield, Teihorangi Walden will partner with Rob Thompson and Patelesio Tomkinson will move to the wing to cover for the injured Tevita Li. Daniel Hollinshead will again cover the pivot position.
Highlanders: Matt Faddes, Jordan Hyland, Rob Thompson, Teihorangi Walden, Sio Tomkinson, Josh Ioane, Aaron Smith, Shannon Frizell, Luke Whitelock (c), Dillon Hunt, Tom Franklin, Josh Dickson, Tyrel Lomax, Liam Coltman, Ayden Johnstone.
Reserves: Ash Dixon, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Siate Tokolahi, Jack Whetton, James Lentjes, Kayne Hammington, Dan Hollinshead, Waisake Naholo
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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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