HIGHLANDERS vs FORCE in Dunedin, Saturday 5.05pm kickoff AEST
The Highlanders merry go round in the No.10 jersey continues with Wales international Rhys Patchell recalled this week following the shutout loss to the Reds.
The Force have welcomed back captain Jeremy Williams who is named on the bench while Nic White continues to lead the run on side.
Former Wallabies lock Izack Rodda will make his first start of the season, replacing Tom Franklin (head injury protocols).
“It’s great, we’re starting to get some depth back now,” Rodda said.
“Myself back from injury, everyone is back. It’s creating competition for positions and in any team, that’s what you need. It’s crucial to having a high performing tight five, especially in the second row.
“We love it, it’s great to have all these guys back, especially Carts (Sam Carter) playing well.”
HIGHLANDERS (1-15): Ethan de Groot, Henry Bell, Saula Ma’u, Mitch Dunshea, Fabian Holland, Oliver Haig, Sean Withy, Billy Harmon (c), Folau Fakatava, Rhys Patchell, Connor Garden-Bachop, Jake Te Hiwi, Tanielu Tele’a, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens
Reserves: Jack Taylor, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Jermaine Ainsley, Will Tucker, Hugh Renton, James Arscott, Cameron Millar, Martin Bogodo
FORCE (1-15): Marley Pearce, Tom Horton, Santiago Medrano, Sam Carter, Izack Rodda, Will Harris, Carlo Tizzano, Reed Prinsep, Nic White (c), Ben Donaldson, Chase Tiatia, Hamish Stewart, Sam Spink, Bayley Kuenzle, Kurtley Beale
Reserves: Feleti Kaitu’u, Josh Bartlett, Tiaan Tauakipulu, Jeremy Williams, Michael Wells, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Max Burey, Henry O’Donnell
