Fiji born All Blacks winger Waisake Naholo will once again be an instrumental part of a full strength Highlanders backline ahead of their season‑opening Super Rugby match against the Chiefs.
Former New Zealand star Tevita Li is among five players poised to make their Highlanders debut and will feature with four other All Blacks including captain Ben Smith, centre Malakai Fekitoa and halves Lima Sopoaga and Aaron Smith.
It will be a 50th Highlanders appearance for Fekitoa, who also hails originally from the Blues.
The other starting debutant is prop Siate Tokolahi, who was recruited from the Chiefs.
Three new faces on the bench are halfback Kayne Hammington, prop Guy Millar and hooker Adrian Smith.
The 2015 champions Highlanders will take on the Chiefs this Friday at 6:35pm.
Meanwhile the Rebels will host the Blues at 8.45pm tomorrow.
Source: TVNZ
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