Reds v Highlanders
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Highlanders
1 Daniel Lienert-Brown
2 Ash Dixon (c)
3 Tyrel Lomax
4 Jackson Hemopo
5 Tom Franklin
6 James Lentjes
7 Dillon Hunt
8 Marino Mikaele-Tu'u
9 Kayne Hammington
10 Lima Sopoaga
11 Tevita Li
12 Teihorangi Walden
13 Rob Thompson
14 Waisake Naholo
15 Josh McKayReserves
16 Greg Pleasants-Tate
17 Aki Seiuli
18 Kalolo Tuiloma
19 Josh Dickon
20 Liam Squire
21 Aaron Smith
22 Josh Ioane
23 Richard BuckmanNot available: Thomas Umaga-Jensen (shoulder), Siate Tokolahi (Knee), Guy Millar (knee), Elliot Dixon (elbow)
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New look back row to take on the Reds in BrisbaneThe Reds, coached by former Highlander Brad Thorn, will face a Highlanders team with a new look back row and two All Blacks on their bench in the Saturday night showdown in Brisbane. All Blacks, Ben Smith, Luke Whitelock, Shannon Frizell and Liam Coltman are not included this week however Waisake Naholo will start in his normal right-wing spot while Liam Squire returns from his round three injury to take his place on the bench, he will be accompanied by Aaron Smith and Richard Buckman, who will be making his first appearance of the season. Lock, Josh Dickson and hooker, Greg Pleasants-Tate also come into the match day playing 23. An elbow injury to Elliot Dixon, sustained in last week’s game against the Waratahs, means a new look back row. James Lentjes will play in the blindside flanker position and Marino Mikaele Tu’u earns his first run on of the season. Teihorangi Walden returns to his midfield partnership with Rob Thompson and it will be a Highlanders’ debut for young fullback Josh McKay. “We have had a good training week and there is a real determination amongst the group to meet the challenge on Saturday. The Reds in Brisbane are always a difficult prospect and their performance last week demonstrates their capabilities,” said assistant coach Mark Hammett.
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WTF has happened to the Landers in recent weeks? Their scrum and set piece have turned to mush
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@shadowtrooper Not sure. Too many changes in the line-up?
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Yeah last year they coped remarkably well with many injuries, a bit like the Chiefs this year, but the game plan demands high accuracy on attack which was lacking tonight.
Certainly a few creaks and leaks there now
But
With key players rested I'll fucken take that win!
Reds kicking the ball away with 5 to go was flabbergasting.
We're playing ugly but a win away and a break.
Should have scored a try in the last 15 or so
Smith was class. Made the win happen
Ref is an example of how inconsistent law interpretations between refs is frustrating. Many base of the ruck turnovers were just players coming in from and up the side according to most interpretations
Reds blew it really, and that's always funny