Photo Credit: Getty Images

The Highlanders have made five personnel changes and one positional change to the starting forward pack to take on the Chiefs in Hamilton this Friday. Josh Hohneck, Liam Coltman and Ma’afu Fia comprise the new look front row with Fia making his first starting team this season. Tom Franklin who has started both games game will make his impact from the bench as Joe Wheeler and Mark Reddish combine in the middle row. Gareth Evans earns his first appearance in 2015 on the blindside with Elliot Dixonshifting to the openside role.

In the backs, Lima Sopoaga returns after a one week break and combines with Shaun Treeby in the midfield. Marty Banks, who made his debut last week, returns to the bench with Jason Emery.

Chiefs v Highlanders, Waikato Stadium, Hamilton – Friday 6th March ,7.35pm (NZT)

1. Josh Hohneck

2. Liam Coltman

3. Ma’afu Fia

4. Mark Reddish

5. Joe Wheeler

6. Gareth Evans

7. Elliot Dixon

8. Nasi Manu ( c )

9. Aaron Smith

10. Lima Sopoaga

11. Patrick Osborne

12. Shaun Treeby

13. Malakai Fekitoa

14. Waisake Naholo

15. Ben Smith ( c )

Reserves:

16. Ash Dixon

17. Brendon Edmonds

18. Ross Geldenhuys

19. Tom Franklin

20. Dan Pryor

21. Fumiaki Tanaka

22. Marty Banks

23. Jason Emery

Unavailable: Pingi Tala’apitaga (knee), Shane Christie (knee), Richard Buckman (knee), Kane Hames (suspended)

Head Coach: Jamie Joseph

Assistant Coaches: Tony Brown, Scott McLeod

Manager: Paul McLaughlan

End