Koroi set for Super Rugby debut
Dunedin: Vilimoni Koroi is going to make his Super Rugby Aotearoa debut against the Chiefs tomorrow night.
The crafty Fijian utility back was named as a reserve for the Highlanders after he joined the squad last week and is going to team-up with winger Jona Nareki. Fringe
All Black Josh Ioane will resume first-five duties.
Before the Super Rugby season was suspended in March, Ioane shifted between second-five and fullback, with former Crusader Mitch Hunt assuming playmaking duties. But coach Aaron Mauger has opted to move Ioane back to his natural position, where his form in the No.10 jersey saw him make his All Blacks debut against Tonga before last year’s World Cup.
Two players will make their Super Rugby debuts for the Highlanders, with Sam Gilbert named on the right wing and NZ Sevens star Koroi on the bench. Mauger will hope Gilbert can hold the fort on the wing, as he’ll be the fifth player to fill that role this season.
In the midfield, Patelesio Tomkinson will partner Rob Thompson, with the experienced Teihorangi Walden to make his impact from the bench. Former All Blacks wing Nehe Milner-Skudder, who signed with the team during the coronavirus lockdown, is unavailable with an ongoing shoulder injury.
Highlanders: 1-Ayden Johnstone, 2-Ash Dixon (c), 3-Siate Tokolahi, 4-Pari Pari Parkinson, 5-Josh Dickson, 6-Shannon Frizell, 7-Dillon Hunt, 8-Marino Mikaele Tu’u, 9-Aaron Smith, 10-Josh Ioane, 11-Jona Nareki, 12-Patelesio Tomkinson, 13-Rob Thompson, 14-Sam Gilbert, 15-Mitch Hunt.
Reserves: 16-Liam Coltman, 17-Daniel Lienert-Brown, 18-Jeff Thwaites, 19-Manaaki Selby-Rickit, 20-Teariki Ben-Nicholas, 21-Kayne Hammington, 22-Teihorangi Walden, 23-Vilimoni Koroi. - Rugby
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