Highlanders reshuffle loose forward trio ahead of Bulls clash
A training injury to Luke Whitelock has forced another reshuffle to the Highlanders loose forward trio for the clash against the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday.
And having lost Liam Squire last week, head coach Tony Brown has named versatile loose forward Gareth Evans at No 8.
In other changes, Aki Seiuli earns a start alongside Ash Dixon and Alex Ainley while Dixon will captain the side in his first start of the season.
Liam Coltman takes a well-earned break and Greg Pleasants-Tate and Jackson Hemopo will be looking to get their first run-on of the three-week tour.
Richard Buckman returns from injury to take his place in the midfield, while utility back Teihorangi Walden will make his impact off the bench.
Highlanders team: 15 Matt Faddes, 14 Waisake Naholo, 13 Malakai Fekitoa, 12 Richard Buckman, 11 Patrick Osborne, 10 Marty Banks, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Gareth Evans, 7 Dillon Hunt, 6 Elliot Dixon, 5 Tom Franklin, 5 Alex Ainley, 4 Siosuia Halanukonuka, 2 Ash Dixon (captain), 1 Aki Seiuli. Replacements: 16 Greg Pleasants-Tate, 17 Daniel Lienert-Brown, 18 Siate Tokolahi, 19 Joe Wheeler, 20 Jackson Hemopo, 21 Kayne Hammington, 22 Fletcher Smith, 23 Teihorangi Walden