Strong Highlanders lineup has two ABs on bench

THE Highlanders have named a strong side with two All Blacks on the bench for their round 17 match with the Chiefs in Fiji.

Rising star Shannon Frizell made his international debut in the third test against France in Dunedin last weekend.

But after starting for the All Blacks, the powerful loose forward will have to make an

impact from the pine in Suva.

He has been overlooked for Elliot Dixon, who gets the nod at blindside in an impressive back row featuring Luke Whitelock and the hardworking Dillon Hunt.

All Black replacement hooker Liam Coltman will also warm the bench, with cocaptain Ash Dixon preferred this week.

Siate Tokolahi returns at tighthead prop for his first match since injuring himself during the round nine clash against the Blues.

The Highlanders will be looking to press the Chiefs in the lineouts, with new All Black Jackson Hemopo partnering Tom Franklin in the middle row.

There is plenty of star power in the backline, with an exciting back three of Ben Smith, Tevita Li and Waisake Naholo.

They should get ample opportunity to shine with experienced heads Aaron Smith and Lima Sopoaga steering the side around the park from halfback and first fiveeighth respectively, while coach Aaron Mauger has stuck with the midfield pairing of Teihorangi Walden and Rob Thompson.

Richard Buckman has been named on the bench.

The match should be a memorable for Naholo.

It will be his 50th game for the franchise. To play it in front of family and friends in Suva will add to the occasion.

The dangerous winger cuts a popular figure at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin, so one can only imagine the type of reception he will get at ANZ Stadium in Suva.

Mauger is looking forward to the occasion, too.

‘‘We have known since the start of the year we were playing the Chiefs in Suva and to be a consistent team we have to be able to perform at any time, in any conditions, anywhere,’’ he said.

‘‘This is a great opportunity; the team is focused on deliver ing a good performance for our supporters and the rugby public of Fiji.’’

It is a crucial game for both sides with just three points separating them on the table.

The Highlanders are in fifth place with 40 points, while the Chiefs are in sixth with 37 points.

Saturday’s match starts at 7.35pm.