Te Aihe Toma will start for the Highlanders in South Africa on Sunday morning. Photo / Getty Images
Te Puna and Bay of Plenty halfback Te Aihe Toma will start for the Highlanders in an official Super Rugby match for the first time against the Southern Kings at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth, South Africa on Sunday (5.20am NZ time).
The 23-year-old will wear the number
9 jersey usually the possession of All Black Aaron Smith who is being rested after the series against Wales.
Back-up Fumiaki Tanaka is also unavailable after injuring his shoulder playing for Japan against Scotland. Jamie Booth will be on the bench as cover for Toma.
Toma will combine in the halves with Marty Banks who will have the responsibility of driving the team around the field. The two spent time on the field together in Toma's debut for the Highlanders in the unofficial match against the Crusaders last week in Oamaru.
All Black first-five Lima Sopoaga will provide excellent backup from the bench.
