Robbie Fleck mixes it up for Highlanders clash

The Highlanders and Stormers have named their sides ahead of their week four clash at Forsyth Barr Stadium on Friday.

Robbie Fleck has made several changes to his side that went down to the Crusaders last week.

There are five changes to the starting lineup and four changes in the reserves.

The only change to the backline sees Dillyn Leyds move back to the wing after a short shift in the No 10 jersey. He makes way for the returning Damian Willemse.

Sevens flyer Seabelo Senatla has been ruled out due to a groin strain and JJ Engelbrecht provides cover from the bench.

In the pack, Cobus Wiese (shoulder) misses his second game of the season, with Kobus van Dyk again filling in at openside flanker.

There is an all-new lock pairing in Jan de Klerk and Chris van Zyl. Regular starter Pieter-Steph du Toit is on the bench along with 20-year-old debutante Salmaan Moerat. Du Toit’s regular second row partner JD Schickerling was sent home with injury earlier in the week.

In the front row, Stephen Kitshoff is back in the starting XV and JC Janse van Rensburg takes a spot on the bench.

After a week off, the Highlanders have kept their side consistent and will be well rested as they look to get their season off to a 2-0 start.

Aaron Mauger has made three changes to his side that beat the Blues in week two. Loose forward Shannon Frizell has been named on the bench and Tevita Nabura named on the left wing. Frizell and Nabura are both poised to make their Super Rugby debuts. Greg Pleasants-Tate is named on the bench following an injury to co-captain Ash Dixon.

Mauger is expecting a tough game from the Cape Town side.

“The Stormers are a big side so we expect a physical encounter, they are also a dangerous team with ball in hand in open spaces, so we are well aware of those threats and have prepared to meet those challenges,” Mauger said.

“Of course for our team it’s another opportunity to put a good performance together at home for our people; we will certainly be working hard to do just that.”

STORMERS

1. Stephen Kitshoff, 2. Ramone Samuels, 3. Wilco Louw, 4. Jan de Klerk, 5. Chris van Zyl, 6. Siya Kolisi (C), 7. Kobus van Dyk, 8. Nizaam Carr, 9. Dewaldt Duvenage, 10. Damian Willemse, 11. Raymond Rhule, 12. Damian de Allende, 13. EW Viljoen, 14. Dillyn Leyds, 15. SP Marais.
Reserves: 16. Dean Muir, 17. JC Janse van Rensburg, 18. Carlu Sadie, 19. Salmaan Moerat, 20. Pieter-Steph du Toit/George Whitehead, 21. Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 22. Justin Phillips, 23. JJ Engelbrecht.

HIGHLANDERS

1. Dan Lienert-Brown, 2. Liam Coltman, 3. Siate Tokolahi, 4. Jackson Hemopo, 5. Tom Franklin, 6. Liam Squire, 7. Dillon Hunt, 8. Luke Whitelock, 9. Aaron Smith, 10. Lima Sopoaga, 11. Tevita Nabura, 12. Teihorangi Walden, 13. Rob Thompson, 14. Waisake Naholo, 15. Ben Smith (C).
Reserves: 16. Greg Pleasants-Tate, 17. Aki Seuli, 18. Tyrel Lomax, 19. Shannon Frizell, 20. Elliot Dixon, 21. Josh Renton, 22. Fletcher Smith, 23. Matt Faddes.