Super Rugby: Waisake Naholo returns for Highlanders

Winger Waisake Naholo.
Winger Waisake Naholo. Photo credit: Photosport

Winger Waisake Naholo has been named on the right wing for the Highlanders' southern derby against the Crusaders on Saturday.

After missing last week's 25-22 defeat against the Hurricanes, Naholo slots straight into the starting side, coming in for Tevita Li, with Richard Buckman moving to the left wing.

The change is one of four made to the starting line-up, with second-five Teihorangi Walden coming in for Thomas Umaga-Jensen, while Shannon Frizell will don the six-jersey in place of All Blacks teammate Jackson Hemopo.

The other change will see lock Jack Whetton - son of former All Blacks captain Gary - make his franchise debut, replacing Pari Pari Parkinson.

There has also been one change on the bench, with Tongan halfback Folau Fakatava getting the nod over Kayne Hammington.

The Highlanders bench will have six forwards and two backs.

Aaron Mauger's side was the last team to beat the Crusaders, when they claimed a 25-17 win at Forsyth Barr Stadium in March last year.

The Crusaders name their team later on Thursday.

Highlanders: 1-Ayden Johnstone, 2-Liam Coltman, 3-Tyrel Lomax, 4-Josh Dickson, 5-Jack Whetton, 6-Shannon Frizell, 7-James Lentjes, 8-Luke Whitelock, 9-Aaron Smith, 10-Josh Ioane, 11-Richard Buckman, 12-Teihorangi Walden, 13-Patelesio Tomkinson, 14-Waisake Naholo, 15-Ben Smith (cc)

Reserves: 16-Ash Dixon, 17-Daniel Lienert-Brown, 18-Siate Tokolahi, 19-Tom Franklin, 20-Elliot Dixon, 21-Dillon Hunt, 22-Folau Fakatava, 23-Marty Banks

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