Highlanders captain Hosea Gear is an ever exciting player to watch. Photo by Getty Images.

Highlanders’ Head Coach, Jamie Joseph, has named his team to play the Chiefs at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin tomorrow night (7.35pm NZT).

This is the opening  game of the 2013 Investec Super Rugby competition for both New Zealand franchises.

Three players will make their first run-on start for the Highlanders; Tony Woodcock, Joe Wheeler and Ma’a Nonu will all pull on the Highlanders jersey for the first time.

In the reserves Liam Coltman, Fumiaki Tanaka and Hayden Parker will all make their debut if they cut the white chalk.

Highlanders v Chiefs, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin – Friday 22 February, 7.35pm (NZ Time).

1. Tony Woodcock

2. Brayden Mitchell

3. Ma’afu Fia

4. Jarrad Hoeata (vc)

5. Josh Bekhuis

6. Joe Wheeler

7. John Hardie

8. Nasi Manu

9. Aaron Smith

10. Lima Sopoaga

11. Hosea Gear (c)

12. Ma’a Nonu

13. Phil Burleigh

14. Kade Poki

15. Ben Smith

Reserves

16. Liam Coltman

17. Bronson Murray

18. Elliot Dixon

19. Tim Boys

20. Fumiaki Tanaka

21. Hayden Parker

22. Buxton Popoalii

Injury Update

Jake Paringatai (hand – 2 weeks), Brad Thorn (calf – 1 week) & Tamati Ellison (shoulder – 6 months).