Rugby: Baker to start for Highlanders

Kurt Baker will get his first start for the Highlanders this season against the Force in Dunedin on Saturday night.

Coach Jamie Joseph has made a handful of changes to the side that was narrowly beaten by the Chiefs in Hamilton.

Baker's selection on the wing pushes Malakai Fekitoa into centre, where he replaces Winston Stanley.

In the forwards, John Hardie moves to the blindside, Shane Christie comes back into the team on the openside, and Gareth Evans drops out of the squad.

Highlanders: Ben Smith (co-captain), Richard Buckman, Malakai Fekitoa, Shaun Treeby, Kurt Baker, Lima Sopoaga, Aaron Smith, Nasi Manu (co-captain), Shane Christie, John Hardie, Joe Wheeler, Jarrad Hoeata, Chris King, Liam Coltman, Kane Hames. Reserves: Ged Robinson, Matias Diaz, Craig Millar, Josh Bekhuis, Elliot Dixon, Fumiaki Tanaka, Hayden Parker, Phil Burleigh.