Dixon steps up to captain Highlanders

Mar 1, 2017 - 11:31 PM All Blacks loose forward Elliott Dixon will captain the Highlanders for their Super Rugby southern derby against the Crusaders in Dunedin.

Dixon replaces Ben Smith, who was sidelined with concussion during last week's 24-15 opening loss to the Chiefs.

Coach Tony Brown expects Dixon, who has played 64 games for the Highlanders since his 2012 debut, to lead from the front on Saturday.

"Elliot is an experienced campaigner who always gives 100 per cent and will lead the team by example," he said.

"I know he's pretty excited about the opportunity to skipper the side."

Richard Buckman, recently returned from playing in Japan, will slot in at fullback in Smith's absence, while Joe Wheeler will make his first appearance of 2017 from the bench.

Siosiua Halanukonuka will start at tighthead, with Siate Tokolahi moving to the bench and Patrick Osborne taking Matt Faddes' place in the match-day 23.

Highlanders: Richard Buckman, Waisake Naholo, Malakai Fekitoa, Rob Thompson, Tevita Li, Lima Sopoaga, Aaron Smith, Liam Squire, James Lentjes, Elliot Dixon (capt), Tom Franklin, Alex Ainley, Siosiua Halanukonuka, Liam Coltman, Daniel Lienert-Brown. Reserves: Adrian Smith, Craig Millar, Siate Tokolahi, Joe Wheeler, Gareth Evans, Kayne Hammington, Fletcher Smith, Patrick Osborne.

Source: AAP