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Naholo in line to make his return for the Highlanders in Johannesburg

Waisake Naholo. (Photo by Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images)

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: A trip to Johannesburg sees a raft of changes made to the Highlanders side that pipped the Jaguares last week. Most notably, a number of All Blacks will return to the fold after either sitting on the bench, being rested, or being out with injury for last weekend’s match.

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Shannon Frizell returns from his All Blacks’ break to take his place at number eight for the Highlanders against the Lions on Saturday (1.05am Sunday morning NZT). Elliot Dixon, whose form has skyrocketed in the last few weeks, gets a well-earned break and one-cap All Black Dillon Hunt completes a new look backrow with James Lentjes heading to the bench.

Josh Dickson and Tom Franklin will lock the scrum and Tyrel Lomax replaces Siate Tokolahi at tighthead.

New Zealand and Highlanders fans will be most excited about the returning name in the reserves. Waisake Naholo is on the comeback from a lengthy injury break and will ease into the action off the bench. In the midfield, Teihorangi Walden will partner with Rob Thompson and Patelesio Tomkinson will move to the wing to cover for the injured Tevita Li. Daniel Hollinshead will again cover the pivot position.

Highlanders: Matt Faddes, Jordan Hyland, Rob Thompson, Teihorangi Walden, Sio Tomkinson, Josh Ioane, Aaron Smith, Shannon Frizell, Luke Whitelock (c), Dillon Hunt, Tom Franklin, Josh Dickson, Tyrel Lomax, Liam Coltman, Ayden Johnstone.
Reserves: Ash Dixon, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Siate Tokolahi, Jack Whetton, James Lentjes, Kayne Hammington, Dan Hollinshead, Waisake Naholo

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Nickers 24 minutes ago
Scott Robertson responds to criticism over All Blacks' handling errors

I thought we made a lot of progress against that type of defence by the WC last year. Lots of direct running and punching holes rather than using width. Against that type of defence I think you have to be looking to kick on first phase when you have front foot ball which we did relatively successfully. We are playing a lot of rugby behind the gain line at the moment. They are looking for those little interchanges for soft shoulders and fast ball or off loads but it regularly turns into them battering away with slow ball and going backwards, then putting in a very rushed kick under huge pressure.


JB brought that dimension when he first moved into 12 a couple of years ago but he's definitely not been at his best this year. I don't know if it is because he is being asked to play a narrow role, or carrying a niggle or two, but he does not look confident to me. He had that clean break on the weekend and stood there like he was a prop who found himself in open space and didn't know what to do with the ball. He is still a good first phase ball carrier though, they use him a lot off the line out to set up fast clean ball, but I don't think anyone is particularly clear on what they are supposed to do at that point. He was used really successfully as a second playmaker last year but I don't think he's been at that role once this year. He is a triple threat player but playing a very 1 dimensional role at the moment. He and Reiko have been absolutely rock solid on defence which is why I don't think there will be too much experimentation or changes there.

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