Rugby: Highlanders reshuffle loosies for Lions clash

The Highlanders have dropped flanker Alando Soakai. Photo / Getty Images

The Highlanders have reshuffled their loose forward trio for Friday night's Super 14 match against the Lions in Dunedin.

Flanker John Hardie has been switched from blindside to openside, while Adam Thomson has moved to blindside to accommodate Steven Setephano at No 8.

Regular No 7 Alando Soakai has dropped out of the 22.

Robbie Robinson has been bracketed with Matt Berquist at first five-eighths.

Highlanders
Israel Dagg, Ben Smith, Kenny Lynn, Michael Hobbs, James Paterson, Robbie Robinson/Mat Berquist, Jimmy Cowan (captain), Steven Setephano, John Hardie, Adam Thomson,

Hayden Triggs, Josh Bekhuis, Clint Newland, Jason Rutledge, Jamie Mackintosh. Reserves: Jason Macdonald, Bronson Murray, Joe Tuineau, Tim Boys, Sean Romans, Jason Shoemark, Fetu'u Vainikolo.

- NEWSTALK ZB