Highlanders bolstered by return of captain

Co-captain Ben Smith is back to bolster the Highlanders for their Super Rugby playoff with the Sharks in Durban on Sunday morning. The All Black utility missed last week's loss to the Crusaders due to an infected leg which saw him hospitalised after their lost to the Waratahs. There are two changes to the forward pack with Ged Robinson to start at hooker and lock Jarrad Hoeata both getting a start, while in the backline Lima Sopoaga will wear the number 10 jersey with Phil Burleigh partnering him at second five. This will be the Highlanders' second visit to the Shark tank for 2014 and the team will be hoping to produce another performance like the round 11 match-up that saw the Highlanders' win 34-18. This is the first time the Highlanders have been part of the playoffs since 2002. Highlanders: Ben Smith (c), Richard Buckman, Malakai Fekitoa, Phil Burleigh, Patrick Osborne, Liam Sopoaga, Aaron Smith, Nasi Manu (c), Shane Christie, Elliot Dixon, Joe Wheeler, Jarrad Hoeata, Chris King, Ged Robinson, Kane Hames. Reserves: Liam Coltman, Matias Diaz, JP Koen, Josh Bekhuis, Tom Franklin, Fumiaki Tanaka, Trent Renata, Gareth Evans.