Injured Naholo rested as Highlanders ring the changes
KICKING ability and experience were key factors in the Highlanders’ two main changes this week.
Fletcher Smith comes in at fullback to play the Bulls in Pretoria, as Ben Smith moves to the right wing and Waisake Naholo has the week off.
In the forwards, Shannon Frizell moves to the reserves and Elliot Dixon fills the No 6 jersey.
Fletcher Smith plays a lot of his rugby at first fiveeighth and his ability with the boot earned him the nod.
Naholo has been carrying a hamstring niggle and is being rested.
Matt Faddes may have seemed the obvious replacement.
However, Highlanders coach Aaron Mauger said it was a good chance for Smith to start alongside the experience of Ben Smith.
It would also help counter one of the Bulls’ main weapons.
‘‘If you look at the Bulls and how they play, they kick the ball a lot and territory’s going to be important,’’ Mauger said.
‘‘So having another kicking option in the back three is going to be important to how we kick and counterduel.’’
Dixon’s experience got him the nod.
A threetest All Black, Dixon has played mainly off the bench this season.
Frizell had a breakout performance against the Blues last week.
However, Mauger was expect ing a tighter battle this week and planned to inject Frizell later when the game loosened up.
‘‘Elliot’s had a lot of experience throughout his career and played at altitude before — played against the Bulls before and been in some big setpiece battles.
‘‘So his experience and knowhow in those situations will be important to us early on.
‘‘If we can get the first 40 or 50 minutes right, then our bench is going to have a big part to play at the end of the game.
‘‘As we’ve seen with Shannon Frizell over the last couple of weeks, he enjoys the game when it opens up a bit.
‘‘So I’m pretty sure he’ll come on and do a good job at the end of the game.’’
The other main change sees Tyrell Lomax come in for the injured Siate Tokolahi at tighthead prop.
The side has opted for a sixforward, twoback split on the bench.