The Highlanders have named their first side for the year.
The franchise will begin their 2017 pre-season this Saturday in Darfield with a game against the Crusaders for the Farmlands Cup.
The trophy was first played for last year in Waimumu at Fred Booth Park, that game ended in a draw and both teams will be keen to try and secure the cup for the year, this time around.
"The guys have been training well for a few weeks now and just want to get out and have a game, we really enjoyed the Farmlands Cup game in Waimumu last year and I am sure the Darfield match will be a great occasion,'' Highlanders coach Tony Brown said today.
While no current All Blacks will feature in the match having only just returned to training, most of the squad will get some game time. Luke Whitelock will be the starting XV captain.
Highlanders: Jason Emery, Fa'asiu Fuatai, Sio Tomkinson, Rob Thompson, Tevita Li, Fletcher Smith, Kayne Hammington, Luke Whitelock, James Lentjes, Gareth Evans, Tom Franklin, Jackson Hemopo, Guy Millar, Adrian Smith, Craig Millar.
Reserves
Forwards: Greg Pleasants-Tate, Aki Seiuli, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Siate Tokolahi, Alex
Ainley, Josh Dickson, Adam Knight, Dillon Hunt
Backs: Josh Renton, Marty Banks, Teihorangi Walden, Matt Faddes, Jona Nareki