This is the fifth consecutive year the Highlanders have made the playoffs, finishing in 6th position at the end of the round robin stage. They are in the not unfamiliar position of being on the road having played only two playoff games at home since the inception of Super Rugby (1999 and 2015).

Coach Mauger is excited by the opportunity, “these are the opportunities the guys work hard all year for and there are no second chances. It’s simply about putting our best performance on the field on Saturday. The Waratahs are a quality side playing at home which presents an awesome challenge for our guys, but like I said, these are the games we love to play”

Pulse Energy Highlanders v Waratahs, Saturday 21st July 8.05pm (NZT 10.05pm), Allianz Stadium, Sydney

Daniel Lienert-Brown Liam Coltman Tyrel Lomax Jackson Hemopo Tom Franklin Liam Squire James Lentjes Luke Whitelock Aaron Smith Lima Sopoaga Tevita Li Teihorangi Walden Rob Thompson Waisake Naholo Ben Smith (cc)

RESERVES

Ash Dixon (cc) Aki Seiuli Kalolo Tuiloma Shannon Frizell Elliot Dixon Kayne Hammington Josh Ioane Matt Faddes

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