Team News: The Highlanders are forced into changes ahead of Crusaders clash

July 02, 2020
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Ultimate Rugby

Aaron Mauger has named a fresh for the front row for the Highlanders clash with the Crusaders at Forsyth Barr Stadium on Saturday.

Injuries have had an impact on Maugers’ team ahead of the South Island clash with impressive rookie winger, Sam Gilbert, sustaining a season-ending knee injury in round three and has been replaced by Ngatungane Punivai on the right-wing with the experienced Michael Collins coming in at fullback.

Collins is the third player to start in the 15 jersey for the Highlanders in as many games with assistant coach, Tony Brown backing Collins to make an impact: “Michael is a great communicator, reads a game well and will organise the back three”

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In the pack, a strong Crusaders scrum will be met by a new starting front row of Daniel Lienert-Brown, Liam Coltman and Jeff Thwaites.

“We are fortunate to have some depth in our front row so we have the ability to make changes, this is a tough competition and as always the Crusaders will present a real challenge on Saturday night,” said forwards coach, Clarke Dermody.

Elsewhere, lock Jack Whetton will get an opportunity off the bench and the mercurial Vilimoni Koroi will cover the back three. The team will be co-captained by Aaron Smith and Ash Dixon.

Highlanders v Crusaders

1. Daniel Lienert-Brown

2. Liam Coltman

3. Jeff Thwaites

4. Paripari Parkinson

5. Josh Dickson

6. Shannon Frizell

7. Dillon Hunt

8. Marino Mikaele Tu’u

9. Aaron Smith (CC)

10. Mitch Hunt

11. Jona Nareki