Pulse Energy Highlanders named to play quarterfinal in Christchurch

It’s Quarter-Finals time and the Pulse Energy Highlanders will play the Crusaders in a Southern Derby match that will determine the season for both teams.

The winner can look forward to playing a semi-final game against the Chiefs or Stormers while the losers will be spectators for the rest of the competition.

Head Coach Tony Brown has a near full roster to choose from and his gone with a tried and true combination that has performed well in the back half of the competition. Ben Smith and Aaron Smith return to the backline that features Richard Buckman on the left wing and the hard running Rob Thompson in the midfield. Brown has also elected to go with a six: two forward/back split on the reserves bench, perhaps anticipating an intense forward battle.

“It’s going to be an epic encounter, playing the NZ conference winners at home, obviously an extremely tough assignment against an experienced and well performed team, however our guys are very excited by the challenge they face” said Brown.

The team will once again be co-captained by Ben Smith and Ash Dixon.

Pulse Energy Highlanders v Crusaders - 7.35pm, Saturday 22nd July, AMI Stadium, Christchurch

1. Daniel Lienert-Brown

2. Liam Coltman

3. Siate Tokolahi

4. Jackson Hemopo

5. Tom Franklin

6. Liam Squire

7. James Lentjes

8. Luke Whitelock

9. Aaron Smith

10. Lima Sopoaga

11. Richard Buckman

12. Rob Thompson

13. Malakai Fekitoa

14. Waisake Naholo

15. Ben Smith (cc)

Reserves

16. Ash Dixon (cc)

17. Aki Seiuli

18. Siosuia Halanukonuka

19. Alex Ainley

20. Gareth Evans

21. Elliot Dixon

22. Kayne Hammington

23. Marty Banks

END