8 Mar 2013

Thorn and Hore bolster Highlanders

8:22 am on 8 March 2013

Two World Cup-winning All Blacks get their first run of the season for the Highlanders tomorrow in Invercargill - and one of them, Brad Thorn, makes his debut for the Super Rugby franchise of his birth against South African side the Cheetahs.

The Mosgiel-born lock has overcome an injury to be named in the pack alongside captain Andrew Hore, who returns after missing the first Highlanders match of the season due to suspension.

Coach Jamie Joseph has also named one other debutant in No.8 Jake Paringatai.

There are a number of changes on the reserves with Brayden Mitchell and Jarrod Hoeata dropping out of the starting XV, joining Chris King and Colin Slade on the bench. Both are returning from injuries.

Shaun Treeby also joins the reserves in place of Buxton Popoalii.