Highlanders Name Team For Southern Derby
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The Highlanders have named their team to take on the Crusaders on Friday night in the big South Island derby match.
With 24 players named Liam Squire is bracketed with Elliot Dixon as he works his way back from his shoulder injury he sustained in the recent All Blacks test match series. A final assessment of his fitness will be made closer to kick-off.
It could be a big night for young Tasman lock, Pari Pari Parkinson. If he is included in the starting 23, and takes the field, it will be his super rugby debut. In the loose forwards the competition for the number seven jersey continues with James Lentjes replacing Dillon Hunt.
The versatile Richard Buckman comes in for Tevita Li on the left wing while the rest of the backline has a settled look to it.
Highlanders v Crusaders, Friday 6 July 7.35pm, AMI Stadium, Christchurch
- Daniel Lienert-Brown
- Liam Coltman
- Siate Tokolahi
- Jackson Hemopo
- Tom Franklin
- Liam Squire/Elliot Dixon
- James Lentjes
- Luke Whitelock
- Aaron Smith
- Lima Sopoaga
- Richard Buckman
- Teihorangi Walden
- Rob Thompson
- Waisake Naholo
- Ben Smith (cc)
RESERVES
- Ash Dixon (CC)
- Aki Seiuli
- Tyrel Lomax
- Pari Pari Parkinson
- Shannon Frizell
- Kayne Hammington
- Josh Ioane
- Fletcher Smith
*one to be omitted once final fitness tests have been completed.
