Highlanders name strong team to take on physical Brumbies

A VETERAN and a big, bashing newcomer are back in the Highlanders to meet what is expected to be a physical challenge from the Brumbies.

The side will also line up with Lima Sopoaga at first fiveeighth, the goal kicker having made a quick recovery from what looked like a serious injury the last time the side took the field.

Tasman forward Shannon Frizell will make his starting debut for the side, while his provincial team mate, experienced lock Alex Ainley, is sighted for the first time this season.

Highlanders coach Aaron Mauger said Frizell was impressive when he had come off the bench while Elliot Dixon was more suited to starting the game on the sideline.

‘‘Shannon has performed very well and he has taken his chances off the bench when they have came. He is very physical, as well, and the Brumbies are a physical side.We want to get his presence out there nice and early,’’ Mauger said.

‘‘We just feel Elliot offers a lot in the back end of the game with us. There is no better reflection in the Crusaders match where he came off the bench and was man of the match. He also can cover 6, 7 and 8 and we feel coming off the bench is where he has played his best rugby.’’

Ainley, who is just nine months younger than his head coach, has experienced a slow start to the season after being felled by a blood clot in his calf.

That forced him on to blood thinners and he could not play for a few games, Mauger said.

‘‘He made his first appearance for Dunedin last week and played really well and we feel he is ready to go. It will be good to have him back in. That is maybe a reflection of the Brumbies. They’re a big forward pack and we might have to match fire with fire.’’

Tei Walden returns to the Highlanders midfield and Rob Thompson moves out to centre.

Sopoaga had jammed a couple of bones in his foot which had forced him off the field against the Chiefs two weeks ago but he had worked

hard on his recovery in the first few days and had trained well this week. Hooker Liam Coltman comes into the team after missing the last game with concussion. Big prop Kalolo Tuiloma comes into the reserves.

The side was looking to atone for the past couple of games where it had lost to the Hurricanes and Chiefs. The side failed to get enough territory and possession in either game to be competitive.

‘‘I think a lot of the things we did, we actually executed really well. Potentially, we could have made some better decisions within our strategy and made better impact. If you look at the second half against the Chiefs when we got that right we put ourselves in the position we could have won the game.’’

The Brumbies have named a strong side, looking to finally record a win over a New Zealand team.

Tevita Kuridrani and Christian Lealifano form a solid midfield while the second row of Rory Arnold and Blake Arnold will provide plenty of vigour.

Wallabies loose forward David Pocock will line up on the openside flank, his third start of the season.