Dunedin - The Highlanders welcome back captain Jimmy Cowan from injury and star pairing Adam Thompson and Michael Hobbs from suspension ahead of their meeting with the Sharks in Dunedin on Saturday.

Kick-off is at 08:35 SA time.

Highlanders coach Glenn Moore has to cope with the loss of lock Tom Donnelly in the pack and also wait another week on injured No 8 Nasi Manu.

Robbie Robinson is rewarded for an impressive showing against the Bulls with a starting role at flyhalf with Hobbs slotting back into the side at inside centre.

James Paterson has been preferred at left wing ahead of Fetu’u Vainikolo.

The Highlanders lost their last match against the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld 50-35 and currently occupy 11th position in the Super 14 standings.

Teams:

Highlanders:
15. Israel Dagg, 14. Ben Smith, 13. Kenny Lynn, 12. Michael Hobbs, 11. James Paterson, 10. Robbie Robinson, 9. Jimmy Cowan, 8. Adam Thomson, 7. Alando Soakai, 6. John Hardie, 5. Hayden Triggs, 4. Josh Bekhuis, 3. Clint Newland, 2. Jason Rutledge, 1. Jamie Mackintosh

Substitutes: 16. Jason Macdonald, 17. Chris King, 18. Joe Tuineau, 19. Tim Boys/Steven Setephano, 20. Sean Romans, 21. Jayden Hayward, 22. Fetu’u Vainikolo

Sharks:
15. Patrick Lambie, 14. Stefan Terblanche, 13. Adrian Jacobs, 12. Riaan Swanepoel, 11. JP Pietersen, 10. Andy Goode, 9. Ruan Pienaar, 8. Ryan Kankowski, 7. Jean Deysel, 6. Keegan Daniel, 5. Johann Muller (captain), 4. Steven Sykes, 3. Jannie du Plessis, 2. Bismarck du Plessis, 1. Tendai Mtawarira

Substitutes: 16. Craig Burden, 17. John Smit, 18. Alistair Hargreaves, 19. Willem Alberts, 20. Jacques Botes, 21. Rory Kockott, 22. Waylon Murray