Highlanders ring the changes for Reds clash

Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph has named a team with several changes to the one that lost to the Crusaders last week for this week’s Super Rugby match against the Reds in Dunedin.

Former Hurricanes prop Brendon Edmonds will make his debut for the Highlanders with Josh Hohneck moving to the bench

Liam Coltman and Joe Wheeler make way for Ash Dixon and Mark Reddish in the starting XV.

In the backs former Hurricane Marty Banks will make his playing debut coming in at first-five for Lima Sopoaga who is unavailable for this match due to family reasons.

Hayden Parker and Kurt Baker are also named in the starting 23 for the first time this season.

Highlanders

1. Brendon Edmonds , 2. Ash Dixon , 3. Ross Geldenhuys , 4. Tom Franklin , 5. Mark Reddish , 6. Elliot Dixon , 7. John Hardie , 8. Nasi Manu (co-Captain) , 9. Aaron Smith , 10. Marty Banks , 11. Patrick Osborne , 12. Jason Emery , 13. Malakai Fekitoa , 14. Waisake Naholo , 15. Ben Smith (co-Captain)

Replacements : 16. Liam Coltman , 17. Josh Hohneck , 18. Ma’afu Fia , 19. Joe Wheeler , 20. Dan Pryor , 21. Fumiaki Tanaka , 22. Hayden Parker , 23. Kurt Baker