Jona Nareki to start for Highlanders when they face Brumbies

Jona Nareki will start for the Highlanders when they face the Brumbies in the Super Rugby competition this weekend.

Nareki was also part of the team that suffered a heavy loss against the Sharks last week and he has also featured for the New Zealand 7s team.

The Highlanders have made three changes to their starting XV with Jesse Parete starting alongside Josh Dickson in the second row.

Promising lock Pari Pari Parkinson has been ruled out with an ankle injury.

Sio Tomkinson will start in the winger position replacing Tima Fainga'anuku who is paying the price for his uncertain debut last week.

Aaron Smith will start at halfback, Mitch Hunt at fly-half while regular No. 10 Josh Ioane will start at No. 12.

The Highlanders take on the Brumbies at 8.15pm Saturday.

Highlanders

1. Ayden Johnstone                                            

2. Liam Coltman

3. Siate Tokolahi

4. Jesse Parete

5. Josh Dickson

6. Shannon Frizell

7. James Lentjes (C)

8. Marino Mikaele Tu’u

9. Aaron Smith

10. Mitch Hunt

11. Jona Nareki

12. Josh Ioane

13. Rob Thompson

14. Patelesio Tomkinson

15. Josh McKay

Reserves

16. Ash Dixon

17. Daniel Lienert-Brown

18. Conan O’Donnell

19. Jack Whetton

20. Dillon Hunt

21. Kayne Hammington

22. Michael Collins

23. Teariki Ben-Nicholas

[Source:Stuff.co.nz]