Aaron Smith. Photo / Getty Images.
The Highlanders will field a starting XV full of experience with six past or present All Blacks when they face the Crusaders in Oamaru tomorrow afternoon.
Coach Jamie Joseph has made a number of changes from the team beaten 36-14 by the Chiefs in their first pre-season hitout in Taupo
last weekend.
All Blacks prop Tony Woodcock, second five-eighths Ma'a Nonu and halfback Aaron Smith will all make their first starts of 2013.
In the forwards, Brayden Mitchell will start at hooker and Jarrad Hoeata moves to lock alongside Brad Thorn and Joe Wheeler switches from lock to blindside flanker. John Hardie also makes a return to rugby after a long injury break.
Highlanders team to play the Crusaders at Whitestone Contracting Stadium, Oamaru, tomorrow (4.30pm): Buxton Popoalii, Kade Poki, Phil Burleigh, Ma'a Nonu, Hosea Gear (c), Lima Sopoaga, Aaron Smith, Elliot Dixon, John Hardie, Joe Wheeler, Jarrad Hoeata, Brad Thorn, Ma'afu Fia, Brayden Mitchell, Tony Woodcock.
