Highlanders

1 Daniel Lienert-Brown, 2 Liam Coltman, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 4 Jackson Hemopo, 5 Tom Franklin, 6 Elliot Dixon, 7 Dillon Hunt, 8 Luke Whitelock
9 Aaron Smith, 10 Lima Sopoaga, 11 Tevita Li, 12 Teihorangi Walden, 13 Rob Thompson, 14 Ben Smith (CC), 15 Fletcher Smith

Reserves
16 Ash Dixon (CC), 17 Aki Seiuli, 18 Kalolo Tuiloma, 19 Alex Ainley, 20 Shannon Frizell, 21 James Lentjes, 22 Kayne Hammington, 23 Sio Tomkinson

The Pulse Energy Highlanders face a significant challenge in the John Mitchell coached Bulls on Saturday. 

The resurgent Bulls are currently second in the South African conference and have already beaten the Hurricanes at Loftus this season. 

Head Coach, Aaron Mauger, has rung in a few positional changes for the first leg of a two-game South African tour. Co-Captain, Ben Smith, moves to the right wing in place of Waisake Naholo and utility back, Fletcher Smith, takes the number 15 jersey. 

Tyrel Lomax will start at tighthead with regular tighthead, Siate Tokolahi, having been ruled out for six weeks with a knee injury. There will also be a six forward, two back split with loose forward James Lentjes returning for the first time this season and midfield back Patelesio Tomkinson making his way on to the bench. 

Mauger is comfortable with the team’s work this week “the guys have travelled well and we have had a good training week in preparation to face the challenges the Bulls will present on Saturday, both teams will be looking to keep the momentum of their season going.” 

Aaron Mauger's a bit irrelevant in this one.

This is Mitchell vs Hammett.

Should be a cracking game @Nepia.

Clearly it's the game of the round.

I don't keep up on domehead's journey so didn't even remember/realise he was coaching the Bulls.

Smith on the wing. ABs this year?

@98blueandgold said in Bulls v Highlanders:

Smith on the wing. ABs this year?

To make way for Jordie at fullback?

Aaron Smith still needs his mandatory 2 games rest, right? The Reds game might be the only option before the international break.

Good to see Lentjes back. Actually looking forward to seeing how F Smith goes at fullback.

Awesome try. Aaron Smith dots down, but the credit has to go to Fletcher Smith. 7 - 0 Landers

Landers scrum needs attention tho

Fark me penalty try and YC ! FFS stupidity - just as I was about to talk up Fletcher Smith too

Fletcher Smith will spent 10 minutes in the bin. Penalty try to the Bulls.

Don't know whose pass was intercepted, but this was a very easy try they gave away to the Bulls. 14 - 7 after 31 minutes.

Aside from the solitary try, there's been some pretty dumb decisions made and penalties given away by the Landers this half

@shadowtrooper Yeah, disappointing. Lucky not to concede another try just before the break.

@shadowtrooper said in Bulls v Highlanders:

Aside from the solitary try, there's been some pretty dumb decisions made and penalties given away by the Bulls this half

Fixed

@stargazer since when is having Jesse Kriel in the opposing team "luck"

2nd half starts Pretty much like the 1st...A Smith & F Smith combine for a brilliant run in under the sticks

Great try by the Smiths. Sops converts. Landers now lead 20 -14

Frizell and Lentjes have come on.

Jackson is a fucken cheat