Lee pips Kelleher to starting berth
February 20, 2003

Danny Lee has pipped his All Black team-mate Byron Kelleher to the No.9 shirt for the Highlanders' opening Super 12 clash against the Chiefs on Friday night.

Lee, who toured with the All Blacks at the end of 2002, has got the nod from coach Laurie Mains while Kelleher will take a spot on the bench.

Willie Walker is preferred at fly-half, whilst James Arlidge starts the match on the bench.

Taine Randell will captain the side from number 8 and former All Black captain Anton Oliver will make his return from injury, starting at hooker.

Daniel Quate starts alongside Simon Maling at lock, while Josh Blackie and Kelvin Middleton start in the loose forwards.

That means Sam Harding will be on the bench and Auckland loan player Samiu Vahafolau is not selected in the squad.

Seilala Mapusua was not considered because of injury.

Highlanders:
15. Paul Williams, 14. Aisea Tuilevu, 13. Ryan Nicholas, 12. Paul Steinmetz, 11. Brad Fleming, 10. Willie Walker, 9. Danny Lee, 8. Taine Randell (captain), 7. Josh Blackie, 6. Kelvin Middleton, 5. Simon Maling, 4. Daniel Quate, 3. Carl Hayman, 2. Anton Oliver, 1. Carl Hoeft.

Reserves. 16. Tom Willis, 17. Joe McDonnell, 18. Filipo Levi, 19. Sam Harding, 20. Byron Kelleher, 21. James Arlidge, 22. Seru Rabeni.

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