Murray Kinsella reports from Dunedin
THE HIGHLANDERS HAVE included three members of Steve Hansen’s All Blacks squad in their team to face the Lions in Dunedin on Tuesday [KO 8.35am Irish time, Sky Sports].
Out-half Lima Sopoaga, hooker Liam Coltman and wing Waisake Naholo are included, as is outside centre Malakai Fekitoa – who missed out on making the 33-man All Blacks squad to face the Lions.
Sopoaga will steer an exciting backline against the Lions at Forsyth Barr Stadium on Tuesday, even if Ben Smith and Aaron Smith have not been released by the All Blacks.
In all, the Highlanders are missing nine frontline players through injury or international call-ups, but they should still pose a ferocious challenge for the Lions on home soil.
Powerful 22-year-old wing Tevita Li is one to watch with ball in hand, while industrious and intelligent fullback Richard ‘Barracuda’ Buckman and the inexperienced inside centre Teihorangi Walden will be excited about their opportunities.
Number eight Luke Whitelock captains the Highlanders, with Alex Ainley sure to be a leader in the second row.
Liam Squire and Matt Faddes miss out through injury, while Elliot Dixon, Ash Dixon, Joe Wheeler, Rob Thompson and Tom Franklin are all on Māori All Blacks duty ahead of the clash with the Lions in Rotorua on Saturday.
Highlanders (v Lions):
15. Richard Buckman
14. Waisake Naholo
13. Malakai Fekitoa
12. Teihorangi Walden
11. Tevita Li
10. Lima Sopoaga
9. Kane Hammington
1. Dan Lienert-Brown
2. Liam Coltman
3. Siate Tokolahi
4. Alex Ainley
5. Jackson Hemopo
6. Gareth Evans
7. Dillon Hunt
8. Luke Whitelock (captain)
Replacements:
16. Greg Pleasants-Tate
17. Aki Seiuli
18. Siosuia Halanukonuka
19. Josh Dickson
20. Jimmy Lentjes
21. Josh Renton
22. Marty Banks
23. Patrick Osborne
The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!
