Whitelock out of Highlanders rugby side

May 11, 2017 - 5:50 AM Luke Whitelock has been forced out of the Highlanders' Super Rugby clash with the Bulls after picking up a training injury.

Fellow loose forward Liam Squire broke a thumb last weekend early in the team's dramatic 45-41 win over the Cheetahs.

In Whitelock's absence, the versatile Gareth Evans will wear the No.8 jersey on Sunday morning in Pretoria in one of six changes to the Highlanders' starting 15.

Squire's replacement is Elliot Dixon, promoted from the bench, while Alex Ainley earns a start at lock with Joe Wheeler going to the reserves.

Hooker Liam Coltman makes way for Ash Dixon, who also takes over the captaincy from Whitelock, while Aki Seiuli will start at loosehead prop, rotating with Dan Lienert-Brown.

The one other change is in the midfield backs, where Richard Buckman returns from injury to replace Rob Thompson.

After scoring three converted tries in the last five minutes in Bloemfontein to run down the Cheetahs, the Highlanders sit fourth in the highly competitive New Zealand conference with a 7-3 win-loss record.

The Bulls are second in their conference, but are coming off a 62-24 thrashing by unbeaten competition leaders the Crusaders to drop to 3-6.

HIGHLANDERS:

Matt Faddes, Waisake Naholo, Malakai Fekitoa, Richard Buckman, Patrick Osborne, Marty Banks, Aaron Smith, Gareth Evans, Dillon Hunt, Elliot Dixon, Tom Franklin, Alex Ainley, Siosuia Halanukonuka, Ash Dixon (capt), Aki Seiuli.

Res: Greg Pleasants-Tate, Dan Lienert-Brown, Siate Tokolahi, Joe Wheeler, Jackson Hemopo, Kayne Hammington, Fletcher Smith, Teihorangi Walden.

Source: AAP