Highlanders' three changes in Super Rugby

Jul 14, 2016 - 3:28 AM In-form back Matt Faddes returns in one of three changes to the Highlanders' starting 15 to face the Chiefs in a Super Rugby clash that could determine who will finish top of the New Zealand conference.

Faddes comes in at centre, with All Black Malakai Fekitoa moving to inside centre and Rob Thompson dropping out of the 23-strong squad for Saturday night's match in Dunedin.

In the forwards, lock Alex Ainley and prop Dan Lienert-Brown have recovered from injuries to be included in place of Joe Wheeler and Josh Hohneck.

Hohneck goes onto a bench that has a six-two split between forwards and backs, and features the addition of first-choice hooker Liam Coltman after a lengthy spell out with a foot problem.

Going into the final round of the regular season, the Chiefs sit top of the NZ conference, three points ahead of the defending champion Highlanders in third place.

While the southerners have home advantage, they are backing up from a taxing travel schedule after being in Port Elizabeth and then Buenos Aires over the past two weekends.

Highlanders: Ben Smith (capt), Waisake Naholo, Matt Faddes, Malakai Fekitoa, Patrick Osborne, Lima Sopoaga, Aaron Smith, Luke Whitelock, James Lentjes, Elliot Dixon, Alex Ainley, Tom Franklin, Siosuia Halanukonuka, Ash Dixon, Dan Lienert-Brown. Res: Liam Coltman, Aki Seiuli, Josh Hohneck, Mark Reddish, Liam Squire, Dan Pryor, Te Aihe Toma, Fletcher Smith.

Source: AAP