Highlanders coach Aaron Mauger has named a new-look Highlanders side, sprinkled with All Blacks World Cup talent for 2020.
Fifteen fresh faces feature in a side that have lost the likes of Liam Squire (Japan) and Ben Smith (France), as the franchise looks to capture its second Super Rugby title.
New Zealand internationals Aaron Smith, Liam Coltman, Shannon Frizell and Josh Ioane are tasked with leading a side high on talent, but low on experience.
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"We were very clear on our selection criteria and we believe we have assembled an exciting squad that includes some very talented new players that all have the ability to contribute to our game," said Mauger.
Mauger has added to his forward stocks, recruiting promising Taranaki flanker Jesse Parete and former Chiefs prop Jeff Thwaites.
Tongan international Zane Kapeli has also been named - the hard-hitting flanker had a very good World Cup for the Pacific Islanders, including a tackle of the tournament candidate on English loosie Billy Vunipola.
In the backline, Mauger can call on promising All Blacks Ioane in the No.10 jersey, with capable backup in the form of Bryn Gatland and Mitch Hunt. Otago Mitre 10 Cup star winger Jona Nareki has earned his first Super Rugby contract.
The Highlanders have also recruited former Blues fullback Michael Collins as a potential replacement for Ben Smith.
Highlanders squad: Liam Coltman, Ash Dixon, Ricky Jackson, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Josh Iosefa-Scott, Ayden Johnstone, Siate Tokolahi, Jeff Thwaites, Ethan De Groot, Pari Pari Parkinson, Josh Dickson, Jack Whetton, Manaaki Selby-Rickit, James Lentjes, Dillon Hunt, Marino Mikaele Tu'u, Shannon Frizell, Sione Misiloi, Zane Kapeli, Teariki Ben-Nicholas, Jesse Parete, Aaron Smith, Kayne Hammington, Folau Fakatava, Bryn Gatland, Josh Ioane, Mitch Hunt, Rob Thompson, Patelesio Tomkinson, Teihorangi Walden, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Scott Gregory, Ngane Punivai, Jona Nareki, Tevita Nabura, Josh McKay, Michael Collins, Chris Kuridrani, Connor Garden-Bachop.
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