Rugby: Blues name side to face Highlanders

Benson Stanley. Photo / Brett Phibbs

The Blues have named their first starting XV for 2011 ahead of their pre-season match against the Highlanders on Saturday.

The two sides will meet in Balclutha as pre-season kicks off this weekend ahead of the Super 15 season which begins next month.

Blues: Jared Payne, Lachie Munro, Benson Stanley, Luke McAlister, Sherwin Stowers, Stephen Brett, Chris Smylie, Chris Lowrey, Luke Braid, Peter Saili, Filo Paulo, Kurtis Haiu, Charlie Faumuina, Tom McCartney, Tevita Mailau. Reserves: Ash Dixon, Pauliasi Manu, James King, Sean Polwart, Mat Luamanu, Toby Morland, Winston Stanley, Nafi Tuitavake, Auvasa Faleali'i, Gareth Anscombe, Aaron Bancroft.

Highlanders: Ben Smith, James Paterson, Siali Piutau, Shaun Treeby, Kade Poki, Colin Slade, Aaron Smith, Nasi Manu, Adam Thomson, Josh Bekhuis, Joe Tuineau, Jarrad Hoeata, David Te Moana, Jason Rutledge, Jamie Mackintosh.

Reserves: Brayden Mitchell, Bronson Murray/Halani Aulika, John Hardie/Alando Soakai, Sean Romans, Lima Sopoaga, Matt Saunders, Kenny Lynn, Telusa Veainu, Robbie Robinson.

- NZPA