Highlanders rest three ABs

Ben Smith, Aaron Smith and Luke Whitelock are out but the Highlanders’ expectations haven’t dropped a bit.

Coach Aaron Mauger omitted his co-captains and star halfback for the trip to face the Rebels tomorrow as part of a workload pact with the All Blacks but was quick to state his much-changed side could get the win in Melbourne.

‘‘It’s a team had planned for at the start of the year,’’ Mauger said yesterday of a starting XV that includes Bryn Gatland at No 10 and Josh Ioane at No 15.

‘‘We wanted to give the majority of the squad a run in these first three weeks, obviously having to manage All Black loads as well.

‘‘We’ve got trust in all our guys and I know we’ve prepared really well. We’re ready to go and attack this game and I trust the guys to do the job.’’

Ben Smith and Whitelock have played 80 minutes in the Highlanders’ first two games, while Aaron Smith clocked up almost 70 minutes against the Reds after 34 minutes against the Chiefs in week one.

All Blacks are on a limited diet of rugby over the first three rounds of Super Rugby – ideally no more than

180 minutes.

The Highlanders’ selections showed they would keep their side of the bargain with Steve Hansen and co but also reflected a desire to keep players fresh for a three-week block of Kiwi derbies after the Rebels clash.

To that end Mauger said that Liam Coltman and Tevita Li had always been pencilled in for rests in week three.

Ash Dixon will captain the side after coming in for Coltman in the No

2 jersey, while young flier Josh McKay gets a chance on the left wing in place of Li.

With Rob Thompson out for threeto-four weeks with the ankle injury he picked up against the Reds, the Highlanders’ backline has a green tinge to it.

As a result, Mauger said some heat had gone on All Black Waisake Naholo to show some leadership.

‘‘Waisake Naholo has had to step up in the back three division, being a more experience member,’’ Mauger said.

‘‘He’s been really excited by that challenge and it was great to hear him on the training field this week holding his team-mates accountable for the things we wanted to grow through the week.’’

At a glance

Highlanders side to face Rebels: Josh Ioane, Waisake Naholo, Thomas UmagaJensen, Teihorangi Walden, Josh McKay, Bryn Gatland, Kayne Hammington, Elliot Dixon, James Lentjes, Shannon Frizell, Pari Pari Parkinson, Jackson Hemopo, Siate Tokolahi, Ash Dixon (c), Daniel LienertBrown. Replacements: Ricky Jackson, Ayden Johnstone, Josh Iosefa-Scott, Tom Franklin, Marino Mikaele Tu’u, Folau Fakatava, Patelesio Tomkinson, Marty Banks