Joseph keeps the faith in Highlanders for Crusaders

Highlanders head coach Jamie Joseph has kept the faith in the team that beat the Stormers for this week’s Super Rugby match against the Crusaders.

The Highlanders had a bye last week but before their bye they beat the Stormers 39-21 which is why Joseph has resisted change.

The starting team and the replacements bench are both as they were for the Stormers.

Shane Christie (hamstring), Richard Buckman (shoulder),Ross Geldenhuys (thumb) , John Hardie (ankle) Alex Ainley (jaw) were all unavailable for selection.

Highlanders

1. Brendon Edmonds , 2. Ash Dixon , 3. Josh Hohneck , 4. Tom Franklin , 5. Joe Wheeler , 6. Elliot Dixon , 7. James Lentjes , 8. Nasi Manu ( c ) , 9. Aaron Smith , 10. Lima Sopoaga , 11. Patrick Osborne , 12. Shaun Treeby , 13. Malakai Fekitoa , 14. Waisake Naholo , 15. Ben Smith ( c )

Replacements : 16. Liam Coltman , 17. Daniel Lienert-Brown , 18. Pingi Tala’apitaga , 19. Mark Reddish , 20. Dan Pryor , 21. Fumiaki Tanaka , 22. Marty Banks , 23. Jason Emery