Highlanders utility Scott Gregory has been named at fullback for their Super Rugby Aotearoa clash against the Blues at Auckland's Eden Park on Saturday
Coach Aaron Mauger has resisted making too many changes to his side, with Gregory replacing Vilimoni Koroi in the only change to the starting side that beat the Chiefs 28-27 in Dunedin a fortnight ago.
Gregory, who is part of the All Blacks Sevens squad, made his Super Rugby debut earlier this year, when he came off the bench and scored a try during a 28-22 loss to the Melbourne Rebels.
"It seems like a long time since my first game against the Rebels earlier in the year and I am really looking forward to getting out there," he says.
"With the talent we have in our backs, you have to take your opportunities when you can."
Gregory will form a very inexperienced outside backs pairing with Sam Gilbert and Jona Nareki, both of whom made their Super Rugby debuts earlier this year.
The bench also features one change, with Ngane Punivai named to provide cover for the backs. Experienced duo Nehe Milner-Skudder and Josh Ioane are both unavailable, due to injury.
The Highlanders have won 11 of their last 15 matches against the Blues.
Both sides are unbeaten since the coronvairus lockdown ended, with the Blues sitting atop the Super Rugby Aotearoa standings with wins over the Hurricanes and Chiefs.
Highlanders: 1-Ayden Johnstone, 2-Ash Dixon (c), 3-Siate Tokolahi, 4-Pari Pari Parkinson, 5-Josh Dickson, 6-Shannon Frizell, 7-Dillon Hunt, 8-Marino Mikaele Tu'u, 9-Aaron Smith, 10-Mitch Hunt, 11-Jona Nareki, 12-Patelesio Tomkinson, 13-Rob Thompson, 14-Sam Gilbert, 15-Scott Gregory
Reserves: 16-Liam Coltman, 17-Daniel Lienert-Brown, 18-Jeff Thwaites, 19-Manaaki Selby-Rickit, 20-Teariki Ben-Nicholas, 21-Kayne Hammington, 22-Bryn Gatland, 23-Ngane Punivai
Join us for live updates of Blues v Highlanders from 7pm Saturday
