Mauger to name returning All Blacks stars on bench for their Super Rugby clash

Highlanders coach Aaron Mauger has adopted the Blues' tactics, opting to name returning All Blacks stars Luke Whitelock and Aaron Smith on the bench for their Super Rugby clash tonight at in Dunedin.

Mauger says Whitelock and Smith will be a big boost to their team as they look to snap a five‑game losing streak.

When the Highlanders took on the Blues last month they went down 33‑26.

The Blues' All Blacks players Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Karl Tu'inukuafe, Patrick Tuipulotu and Dalton Papali'i were instrumental for the Auckland franchise's win, playing big roles coming off the bench.

Mauger says his side have been guilty of failing to execute opportunities in their last five fixtures however he stressed that they are confident with the plans that they are putting in place for tonight’s game.

Tonight the Highlanders take on the Blues at 7.35pm, the Waratahs will meet the Rebels at 9.45pm while the Stormers meet the Brumbies at 1.05am tomorrow.

In matches played earlier, the Lions defeated the Chiefs 23‑17, the Hurricanes beat the Sunwolves 29-23 while the Reds defeated the Sharks 21-14.

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