Nareki returns from injury for the Highlanders

Blockbusting wing, Jona Nareki has been named in the starting lineup for the Highlanders as they take on the Crusaders in the Super Rugby Aotearoa on Friday night.

Nareki returns from injury to the left wing.

A season ending injury to winger Freedom Vahaakolo has forced a reshuffle to the back three for the Highlanders. Vahaakolo, who sustained the injury at training, will be replaced by Scott Gregory playing his first game of the season.

Connor Garden-Bachop will get his second start at fullback.

Thomas Umaga-Jensen has earned a start and will partner the experienced Michael Collins in the midfield and Folau Fakatava rotates with Aaron Smith at halfback.

Caleb Makene provides cover in the reserves for first-five and fullback and will play his debut for the club should he take the field.

Following a cameo off the bench last week Japanese World Cup player, Kazuki Himeno, will start at number eight.

The Crusaders will take on the Highlanders at 6.05pm Friday in Christchurch.

1. Ethan De Groot  2. Ash Dixon (cc)  3. Siate Tokolahi

4. Bryn Evans  5. Paripari Parkinson  6. Shannon Frizell

7. Billy Harmon  8. Kazuki Himeno  9. Folau Fakatava

10. Mitch Hunt  11. Jona Nareki  12. Thomas Umaga-Jensen

13. Michael Collins 14. Scott Gregory 15. Connor Garden-Bachop

Reserves

16. Liam Coltman  17. Ayden Johnstone  18. Josh Hohneck  19. Josh Dickson 20. Hugh Renton 21. Aaron Smith (cc) 22. Caleb Makene (Debut) 23. James Lentjes