All Blacks flood back in for Highlanders
Jul 7, 2016 - 10:22 PM The Highlanders have restored their All Blacks en masse in a vastly changed team to face the Jaguares in Buenos Aires.Six All Blacks are in their starting XV for Saturday's match, including five who were rested from last week's 48-18 win over the Southern Kings in Port Elizabeth.
Coach Jamie Joseph has made nine starting changes in total, with injuries forcing the early return home of loose forwards Liam Squire and Shane Christie, prop Daniel Lienert-Brown and five-eighth Marty Banks.
Playmaker Lima Sopoaga was the only All Black to start against the Kings and is one of just two backs to retain their place this week against the 14th-placed Jaguares.
Captain Ben Smith returns at fullback while winger Waisake Naholo, centre Malakai Fekitoa and halfback Aaron Smith are all back after avoiding the journey to South Africa.
One-Test flanker Elliot Dixon is also restored while Joseph has made three changes to a forward pack he expects to be fully tested by the Pumas-laden hosts.
"The Jaguares forwards were very good against the Bulls in wet conditions last week so we are anticipating a big game up front," Joseph said.
Source: AAP
No one has shouted yet.
Be the first!
Be the first!
Related News
- Mauger to coach Super Rugby's Highlanders Jul 31
- Crusaders in Super semis, roll Highlanders Jul 22
- Super Highlanders arrive in Christchurch Jul 21
- Highlanders grounded ahead of Super clash Jul 21
- Smith focused on Super Rugby play-offs Jul 20
- Highlanders pick experienced line-up Jul 19
- Highlanders rest their Smiths against Reds Jul 11
- All Blacks trio named for Highlanders Jun 11
- Highlanders ready for toughest Super clash Jun 1
- All Blacks always the priority, Smith says May 26
- Ben Smith back from injury for Highlanders May 24
- Sopoaga back for Highlanders against Force May 17