Key duo back for Highlanders

Cape Town - Highlanders co-captain Nasi Manu and centre Malakai Fekitoa will return from injury for their Super Rugby playoff against the Chiefs in Dunedin on Saturday.

Manu has recovered from a shoulder complaint and returns at No 8, while Fekitoa slots back into the midfield after overcoming a groin niggle.

Mark Reddish also makes his comeback from injury and will pack down in the second row with Alex Ainley.

The versatile Dan Pryor, who has played in all three back row position this season, moves to openside flank, replacing the injured John Hardie.

In the front row, Daniel Lienert-Brown makes way for Brendon Edmonds.

Brendon Edwards completes the changes in the forward pack, replacing loosehead prop Daniel Lienert-Brown.

Saturday’s clash at Forsyth Barr Stadium kicks off at 09:35 (SA time).

Teams:

Highlanders:

15 Ben Smith (co-captain), 14 Waisake Naholo, 13 Malakai Fekitoa, 12 Richard Buckman, 11 Patrick Osborne, 10 Lima Sopoaga, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Nasi Manu (co-captain), 7 Dan Pryor, 6 Elliot Dixon, 5 Mark Reddish, 4 Alex Ainley, 3 Josh Hohneck, 2 Liam Coltman, 1 Brendon Edwards

Substitutes: 16 Ash Dixon, 17 Daniel Lienert-Brown, 18 Ross Geldenhuys, 19 Joe Latta, 20 Gareth Evans, 21 Fumiaki Tanaka, 22 Marty Banks, 23 Shaun Treeby

Chiefs:

15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Bryce Heem, 13 Tim Nanai-Williams, 12 Sonny Bill Williams, 11 James Lowe, 10 Andrew Horrell, 9 Brad Weber, 8 Liam Messam (captain), 7 Sam Cane, 6 Michael Fitzgerald, 5 Brodie Retallick, 4 Matt Symons, 3 Ben Tameifuna, 2 Hika Elliot, 1 Pauliasi Manu

Substitutes: 16 Quentin MacDonald, 17 Siate Tokolahi, 18 Jamie Mackintosh, 19 Mitchell Crosswell, 20 Michael Leitch, 21 Kayne Hammington, 22 Marty McKenzie, 23 Seta Tamanivalu