Hurricanes v Pulse Energy Highlanders – Westpac Stadium, Dunedin, Friday 27th May 7.35pm

Returning from their bye round Pulse Energy Highlanders Head Coach Jamie Joseph has made only two changes to his starting line-up that beat the Crusaders in round 12. Tom Franklin will start at lock for Joe Wheeler who drops out of the 23 for this week and Daniel Lienert-Brown, who was a late withdrawal for the Crusaders match, will start at loosehead.

Luke Whitelock had a standout game against the Crusaders and again keeps the in-form Liam Squire on the bench, while Mark Reddish is included in the match day team for the first time since round 7. The game will be massive for both sides as they are separated by a single point on the table, both clubs will be desperate to head into the June break with a win.

NZ rugby has designated round 13 as the “diversity round” . NZ Super Rugby teams will wear a range of brightly coloured laces to highlight diversity in rugby. It is a symbolic gesture to illustrate rugby is a game for everyone, no matter what size, shape, nationality, religion or gender. Joseph commented “our team is particularly diverse, I think we have at least six different nationalities in our squad, all with different backgrounds and cultures but it’s our love of the game that binds us together. That’s the beauty of rugby, it doesn’t discriminate, it’s come one, come all”

1.   Daniel Lienert-Brown

2.   Ash Dixon

3.   Josh Hohneck

4.   Alex Ainley

5.   Tom Franklin

6.   Elliot Dixon

7.   Dan Pryor

8.   Luke Whitelock

9.   Aaron Smith

10. Lima Sopoaga

11. Patrick Osborne

12. Malakai Fekitoa

13. Matt Faddes

14. Waisake Naholo

15. Ben Smith (c)

Reserves

16. Greg Pleasants-Tate

17. Aki Seiuli

18. Siosiua Halanukonuka

19. Mark Reddish

20. Liam Squire

21. Fumiaki Tanaka

22. Marty Banks

23. Teihorangi Walden

Unavailable due to injury: Liam Coltman (foot), Josh Renton (knee) Shane Christie (hamstring)

Head Coach: Jamie Joseph Assistant Coaches: Tony Brown, Scott McLeod Manager: Paul McLaughlan