Highlanders named to play Hurricanes at home

The Pulse Energy Highlanders have named ten current or past All Blacks in their line up for their big match against the Hurricanes on Friday night.

In what promises to be a blockbuster of an occasion, the NZ conference clash will give both teams the opportunity to throw everything at it in the last round robin game before the June break.

After a series of good performances off the bench, front row strong man Kalolo Tuiloma earns his first start of the season, while Liam Squire’s barnstorming effort against the Reds ensures a start on the blindside for the big All Black back rower. Luke Whitelock returns at eight with livewire halfback Aaron Smith partnering Lima Sopoaga in the halves and talisman co-captain Ben Smith back calling the shots from fullback after a week away.

Fresh from his selection in the All Blacks, versatile loosie Shannon Frizell will have some very experienced company on the bench in the form of Liam Coltman, Elliot Dixon and Richard Buckman who have collectively tasted the half time oranges in super rugby 216 times.

Interim Head Coach Mark Hammett is glad to be back at home, “we have had four of our last five weeks on the road so the guys are excited about playing at home. We want to give a huge push towards making the playoffs this week before we hit the June break. The players are really looking forward to being back under the roof in front of a vocal home crowd.”

Please note the Highlanders will wear black arm bands to acknowledge the passing of Head Coach Aaron Mauger’s mother, Christine Wilson.

Pulse Energy Highlanders v Hurricanes – Friday 1^st June 7.35pm, Forsyth Barr Stadium

1. Daniel Lienert-Brown
2. Ash Dixon (cc)
3. Kalolo Tuiloma
4. Jackson Hemopo
5. Tom Franklin
6. Liam Squire
7. Dillon Hunt
8. Luke Whitelock
9. Aaron Smith
10. Lima Sopoaga
11. Tevita Li
12. Teihorangi Walden
13. Rob Thompson
14. Waisake Naholo
15. Ben Smith (cc)

RESERVES

16. Liam Coltman
17. Aki Seiuli
18. Tyrel Lomax
19. Shannon Frizell
20. Elliot Dixon
21. Josh Renton
22. Josh Ioane
23. Richard Buckman

This week marks the “Say My Name” round where rugby celebrates our cultural diversity by highlighting the correct pronounciation of names.

 2018 PULSE ENERGY HIGHLANDERS SQUAD PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION