Highlanders coach Aaron Mauger has given a trio of All Blacks the week off for Saturday's Super Rugby match against the Rebels in Dunedin
Highlanders coach Aaron Mauger has given a trio of All Blacks the week off for Saturday's Super Rugby match against the Rebels in Dunedin
12 July 2018
Loose forward Luke Whitelock, captain Ben Smith and halfback Aaron Smith will all sit out the game, though wing Waisake Naholo has still been named despite having only sat out one of his All Blacks rest weeks.
Liam Squire replaces Whitelock at number eight as part of a loose forward reshuffle, while Josh Ioane is in for Ben Smith at fullback.
Kayne Hammington has been given the nod to start at halfback, while Thomas Umaga-Jensen is in for Rob Thompson who's also being rested.
In other changes from the side that lost to the Crusaders, Aki Seiuli replaces Daniel Lienert-Brown at loosehead prop, while Tom Franklin is relegated to the bench for Alex Ainley.
Tevita Li is in at left wing for the injured Richard Buckman.
James Lentjes will captain the side.
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