Highlanders: Sam Gilbert, Martin Bogado, Josh Timu, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Jonah Lowe, Mitch Hunt, Aaron Smith, Hugh Renton, Billy Harmon (c), Shannon Frizell, Josh Bekhuis, Fabian Holland, Jermaine Ainsley, Andrew Makalio, Ethan de Groot. Reserves: Rhys Marshall, Ayden Johnstone, PJ Sheck, Max Hicks, James Lentjes, Folau Fakatava, Cam Millar, Connor Garden-Bachop..
Freddie Burns is out with a knee injury until week 8. Burns is one of12 Highlanders unavailable this weekend, which has led to a start in the second row for 36-year-old Southland lock Josh Bekhuis. Argentine winger Martin Bogado is the other big winner at the selection table against the Force, having impressed with his hunger and hint of X-factor against the Chiefs. Gregory (knee), Vili Koroi (knee) Marty Banks (groin) Jona Nareki (foot), Marino Mikaele-Tu’u (ribs), Jeff Thwaites (back), Will Tucker (groin), Ma’u (chest) Burns (knee) Josh Dickson (illness) Pari Pari Parkinson (concussion) and Mosese Dawai (knee) are all missing for the Highlanders.
FORCE
(1-15): Tom Robertson, Folau Fainga’a, Santiago Medrano, Jeremy Williams, Ryan McCauley, Michael Wells, Ollie Callan, Rahboni Warren-Vosayaco, Gareth Simpson, Bryce Hegarty, Toni Pulu, Hamish Stewart, Bayley Kuenzle, Zach Kibirige, Chase Tiatia
RESERVES: Tom Horton/Feleti Kaitu’u, Angus Wagner, Siosifa Amone, Felix Kalapu, Tim Anstee, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, George Poolman, Manasa Mataele
The Force beat the Rebels in Round one, lost to the Reds in round 2, snuck past the Pasifika team in round 3,but this will be tough even with all the injuries the Highlanders have.
Referee: Angus Mabey
Assistant referees: Brendon Pickerill, Marcus Playle
PREDICTION:
I think the Highlanders will be to good at the bottom of the South Island of New Zealand. Invercargill is a long way from Perth and not quite as warm either. The Highlanders will win this by 12 points.
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