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The Highlanders host the high-flying Chiefs to start round 11 of Super Rugby Pacific on Friday. Join The Roar for live score updates from 5.05pm AEST.
A week after missing touch a couple of times in the second half against the Waratahs, Freddie Burns has been named at fly-half for the Highlanders.
He will partner Aaron Smith in the halves while Thomas Umaga-Jensen returns at inside centre.
“Freddie is obviously coming back from injury, and he hasn’t actually played that much for us because of that,” Highlanders coach Clarke Dermody said.
“But these are the games we got him over for. He’s hugely experienced, he can control a game, and hopefully he can unlock our backline.
“The good players look forward to these games. I know he’s looking forward to playing with Aaron [Smith]. It’ll be the first time he’s played with him.”
Elsewhere, Billy Harmon returns at openside flanker and will captain the side.
Josh Dickson provides some forward cover from the bench.
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Star All Blacks centre Anton Lienert-Brown is back for the Chiefs. Photo: Fiona Goodall/Getty Images
The Chiefs are missing Brodie Retallick, who suffered a groin injury during their important win over the Crusaders, but regain Anton Lienert-Brown in a huge boost to their backline.
“Anton sets the bar in our team in terms of work rate, passion and competitiveness, and we hope we can put in a team performance befitting of the man and occasion,” said coach Clayton McMillan.
Game information
Venue: Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin Kick-off: 5:05pm (AEST) Streaming: Stan Sport Odds: Highlanders $4.85 Chiefs $1.19 – odds via Playup
Teams
Highlanders (1-15): Ethan de Groot, Andrew Makalio, Jermaine Ainsley, Fabian Holland, Will Tucker, Shannon Frizell, Billy Harmon (c), Hugh Renton, Aaron Smith, Freddie Burns, Scott Gregory, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Fetuli Paea, Connor Garden-Bachop, Sam Gilbert.
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Replacements: Rhys Marshall, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Saula Ma’u, Josh Dickson, Sean Withy, Folau Fakatava, Mitch Hunt, Jona Nareki.
Chiefs (1-15): Aidan Ross, Samisoni Taukei’aho, George Dyer, Tupou Vaa’i, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Pita Gus Sowakula, Sam Cane (co-c), Luke Jacobson, Brad Weber (co-c), Damian McKenzie, Peniasi Malimali, Anton Lienert-Brown, Daniel Rona, Emoni Narawa, Shaun Stevenson.
Replacements: Bradley Slater, Ollie Norris, John Ryan, Josh Lord, Kaylum Boshier, Cortez Ratima, Bryn Gatland, Alex Nankivell.
