The Highlanders have named the same starting side for the opening game of their South African Super Rugby tour against the Lions in Johannesburg.
Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph has kept the faith with the XV who so convincingly defeated the Sharks last Friday at home, with the only changes coming in the reserves for Sunday's clash at Ellis Park.
The form of Lima Sopoaga (L) has raised calls for him to become an All Black like Aaron Smith Photo: Photosport
South African prop Ross Geldenhuys has recovered from a broken thumb to takes his place on the bench, replacing Pingi Tala'apitaga, while flanker John Hardie also returns from injury for his fourth match of the competition.
The Highlanders are in a rich vein of form right now Photo: Photosport
Joe Latta drops out of the playing 23 with Elliot Dixon expected to cover lock.
Highlanders:
1. Kane Hames
2. Liam Coltman
3. Josh Hohneck
4. Tom Franklin
5. Mark Reddish
6. Gareth Evans
7. Dan Pryor
8. Nasi Manu (c)
9. Aaron Smith
10. Lima Sopoaga
11. Patrick Osborne
12. Richard Buckman
13. Malakai Fekitoa
14. Waisake Naholo
15. Ben Smith (c)
Reserves:
16. Ash Dixon
17. Brendon Edmonds
18. Ross Geldenhuys
19. Elliot Dixon
20. John Hardie
21. Fumiaki Tanaka
22. Marty Banks
23. Jason Emery
