Rugby: 'Whoppa' to start for Highlanders

Highlanders' coach Jamie Joseph has named his team to play the Blues in Hamilton on Friday, making two changes to the starting team that played the Reds last week.

Jamie Mackintosh makes his first start for the season, replacing Tony Woodcock who has suffered a hamstring strain.

Mose Tuiali'i, who has joined the Highlanders as injury cover for Nasi Manu, will also start tomorrow night at number 8 with Elliot Dixon returning to the reserves.

Highlanders v Blues, Eden Park, Auckland - Friday 5 April, 7.35pm (NZ Time).

Ben Smith, Buxton Popoalii, Jason Emery, Ma'a Nonu, Hosea Gear (Vice-captain), Colin Slade, Aaron Smith, Mose Tuiali'i, John Hardie, Jarrad Hoeata, Josh Bekhuis, Brad Thorn, Chris King, Andrew Hore (Captain), Jamie Mackintosh.

Reserves: Liam Coltman, Ma'afu Fia, TJ Ioane, Elliot Dixon, Fumiaki Tanaka, Lima Sopoaga, Phil Burleigh.