2 Jul 2015

Highlanders name unchanged team

6:26 pm on 2 July 2015

The Highlanders have named the same starting lineup which beat the New South Wales Waratahs in the semi-final for Saturday night's Super Rugby final against the Hurricanes in Wellington.

Coach Jamie Joseph has named a six-forward, two-back split in the reserves.

The match will be loose forward Elliot Dixon's 50th game for the franchise.

The Highlanders last played in the Super rugby final in 1999 when they lost to the Crusaders.

They have won 13 games this season, making them the most successful Highlanders side in franchise history.

Highlanders captain Ben Smith says they've not changed their match buildup this week despite it being their first Super final in 16 years.

Ben Smith enjoys the adulation of Highlanders fans after their semi-final win over the NSW Waratahs.

Ben Smith enjoys the adulation of Highlanders fans after their semi-final win over the NSW Waratahs. Photo: Photosport

Smith says one of the last things he will say to his team before they take to the field will be to enjoy themselves.

Highlanders:

Brendon Edmonds, Liam Coltman, Josh Hohneck, Alex Ainley, Mark Reddish, Elliot Dixon, James Lentjes, Nasi Manu, Aaron Smith, Lima Sopoaga, Patrick Osborne, Richard Buckman, Malakai Fekitoa, Waisake Naholo, Ben Smith

Reserves:

Ash Dixon, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Ross Geldenhuys, Joe Wheeler, Gareth Evans, Shane Christie, Fumiaki Tanaka, Marty Banks