Lions Tour 2017: Highlanders name three All Blacks to face British and Irish Lions
HIGHLANDERS will have three capped New Zealand players in their starting line-up when they face the British and Irish Lions in Dunedin today (8.35am).
Liam Coltman and Waisake Naholo are both All Blacks who will face the Lions for the Highlanders
Seven of their usual starters will not be available having been called up by the All Blacks or Maori All Blacks, including captain and full-back Ben Smith.
But Waisake Naholo, 12 times a New Zealand international, will start on the wing opposite Tommy Seymour.
Hooker Liam Coltman and fly-half Lima Sopoaga have both also been capped in the last 12 months but missed out on selection for the New Zealand squad against the Lions, although Coltman has been named as injury cover with Dane Coles struggling for fitness.
However, Highlanders assistant coach Scott McLeod has backed all three to show All Blacks coach Steve Hansen exactly what he is missing out on.
For some of these guys this will be the biggest rugby day of their careers, and it is a special moment in any rugby player's life to play against the Lions," McLeod said.
"It's going to be a massive occasion for the club and our supporters."
Meanwhile, Lions coach Warren Gatland said: “At this stage of the tour, everyone has had a start and as coaches we are happy that all the players have had a chance to put their hand up and perform in the Lions jersey.
“Each game is a chance for individuals to shine, but more importantly it’s about a collective performance.
Lima Sopoaga will try to run the game against the Lions
"We are building some momentum and we have improved with every game.
“We were obviously pleased with the win against the Crusaders, especially our defence and game management, but we know the Highlanders will be another massive test for us as a squad.”
Highlanders team to face Lions
Richard Buckman; Waisake Naholo, Malakai Fekitoa, Teihorangi Walden, Tevita Li; Lima Sopoaga, Kayne Hammington; Daniel Lienert-Brown, Liam Coltman, Siate Tokolahi; Alex Ainley, Jackson Hemopo; Gareth Evans, Dillon Hunt, Luke Whitelock (C).
Replacements: Greg Pleasants-Tate, Aku Seiuli, Siosuia Halanukonuka, Josh Dickson, Jimmy Lentjes, Josh Renton, Marty Banks, Patrick Osborne.
Lions team to face Highlanders
Jared Payne; Jack Nowell, Jonathan Joseph, Robbie Henshaw, Tommy Seymour; Dan Biggar, Rhys Webb; Joe Marler, Rory Best, Kyle Sinckler; Courtney Lawes, Iain Henderson, James Haskell, Sam Warburton (C), CJ Stander.
Replacements: Ken Owens, Jack McGrath, Dan Cole, Alun Wyn Jones, Justin Tipuric, Greig Laidlaw, Owen Farrell, Elliot Daly.