Naholo returns for Highlanders

Cape Town - Highlanders head coach Tony Brown has named a strong side to take on the Sunwolves in Invercargill on Saturday.

Kick-off is at 09:35 (SA time).

Joe Wheeler and Liam Squire earn starts while the versatile Elliot Dixon moves to the openside flank position to give the loose trio a very strong look.

In the backs Malakai Fekitoa moves to inside centre to make room for the speedy Matt Faddes at No 13 and Tevita Li comes in on the left wing.

After a five-week break due to injury All Black wing Waisake Naholo returns on the right wing.

The young Otago trio, Josh Renton, Teihorangi Walden and Sio Tomkinson round out the backline reserves.

“The Sunwolves had a good win over the Bulls recently and will be a dangerous team if we allow them to play at speed, we will need a strong defensive effort this weekend,” Tony Brown told the Highlanders' official website.

Teams:

Highlanders

15 Ben Smith (captain), 14 Waisake Naholo, 13 Matt Faddes, 12 Malakai Fekitoa, 11 Tevita Li, 10 Marty Banks, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Luke Whitelock, 7 Elliot Dixon, 6 Liam Squire, 5 Joe Wheeler, 4 Alex Ainley, 3 Siate Tokolahi, 2 Liam Coltman, 1 Daniel Lienert-Brown

Sunwolves

TBA