Naholo returns for Sharks test

Highlanders head coach Aaron Mauger has made several changes to his starting side with Waisake Naholo returning to the XV.

Naholo plays on the wing where he will partner Ben Smith, who returns to fullback and youngster Patelesio Tomkinson in the back three.

Josh Ioane makes the playing 23 for only the second time and there is a bracket with Matt Faddes suffering a training injury to his ankle and is in a race against time to be fit for the match. Josh McKay has flown in to replace the injured Tevita Li and will take Faddes’ place on the bench if he is ruled out.

Up front, Aki Seiuli trades places with Daniel Lienert-Brown and Elliot Dixon makes way for Shannon Frizell.

“We know the Sharks recently had a good tour of Australia and New Zealand where they played some great rugby so they will present plenty of threats on Saturday,” Mauger said.

“Our guys have really embraced the tour so far and we have enjoyed each other’s company and have worked hard at getting our game to the level it needs to be each week.” 15 Ben Smith (cc), 14 Waisake Naholo, 13 Rob Thompson, 12 Teihorangi Walden, 11 Patelesio Tomkinson, 10 Lima Sopoaga, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Luke Whitelock, 7 Dillon Hunt, 6 Shannon Frizell, 5 Tom Franklin, 4 Alex Ainley, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Liam Coltman, 1 Aki Seiuli

16 Ash Dixon (cc), 17 Daniel Lienert-Brown, 18 Kalolo Tuiloma, 19 Jackon Hemopo, 20 Elliot Dixon, 21 Kayne Hammington, 22 Josh Ioane, 23 Matt Faddes/Josh McKay.Planet Rugby coming in for Chilliboy Ralepelle at hooker, while Stephan Lewies makes way for Tyler Paul in a rotational change at lock.

The rest of the pack, as well as the entire backline, remain unchanged from the side that defeated the Stormers two weeks ago.

The Highlanders’ last gasp victory over the Bulls at Loftus last weekend will have given the Southern-most New Zealand team plenty of confidence going into this fixture. However, the Sharks will look to punish any overconfidence they might arrive in Durban with.