SKIP TO MAIN CONTENT

All Blacks flood back in for Highlanders

Five of the Highlanders nine starting changes to face the Jaguares involve the return of rested All Blacks for the Super Rugby clash.

2 min read

Published

Source: AAP


Skip to article content

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.

News that makes sense

Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

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.


Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Stream now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world