All Black halfback Jimmy Cowan has been dropped from the Highlanders' starting XV for tomorrow's big game against the Crusaders.
Cowan, who played poorly against the Chiefs last weekend, has been replaced by Aaron Smith.
Lima Sopoaga starts at first five in place of the injured Chris Noakes, while All Black first five Colin Slade returns from injury to appear on the bench.
Highlanders to play Crusaders:
Ben Smith, Buxton Popoali'i, Tamati Ellison, Phil Burleigh, Hosea Gear, Lima Sopoaga, Aaron Smith, Nasi Manu, John Hardie, Adam Thomson, Nick Croswell, Josh Bekhuis, Chris King, Andrew Hore, Jamie Mackintosh (captain). Reserves: Jason Rutledge, Bronson Murray, Culum Retallick, James Haskell, Jimmy Cowan, Colin Slade, Telusa Veainu.
