Few changes in Highlanders line-up for Lions clash

Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph has made a few changes to his starting line up to face the Lions in their Super Rugby semi‑final in Johannesburg on Sunday.

In the forwards, Joseph brings in James Lentjes for Shane Christie at openside flank and lock Alex Ainley replaces Luke Whitelock who moves to number eight.

The starting backline from the quarterfinal win against the Brumbies remains intact with the talented back three of Ben Smith, Waisake Naholo and Patrick Osborne likely to see a lot of ball during the match.

In the backs, the versatile Marty Banks makes his return from injury to take his place among the replacements.

The Highlanders will take on the Lions at 1am Sunday while the Hurricanes will host the Chiefs at 7.35pm tomorrow.

Highlanders: 15 Ben Smith (C), 14 Waisake Naholo, 13 Matt Faddes, 12 Malakai Fekitoa, 11 Patrick Osborne, 10 Lima Sopoaga, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Luke Whitelock, 7 James Lentjes, 6 Elliot Dixon, 5 Tom Franklin, 4 Alex Ainley, 3 Josh Hohneck, 2 Ash Dixon, 1 Daniel Lienert‑Brown

Replacements: 16 Greg Pleasants‑Tate, 17 Aki Seiuli, 18 Ross Geldenhuys, 19 Joe Wheeler, 20 Liam Squire, 21 Dan Pryor, 22 Te Aihe Toma, 23 Marty Banks.

Source: Planetrugby