Super Rugby
All Blacks on deck for Highlanders v Crusaders paddock trial
ESPN staff
February 9, 2016
© Man Yuen Li/Getty Images

A host of All Blacks stars will be on show when the Highlanders and Crusaders face off in a Super Rugby trial in a farmer's front paddock.

The south island franchises will do battle on Waimumu farmer Fred Booth's land on Thursday as they continue their build-up to the 2016 Super Rugby season, the match serving as the feature event of the Southern Field Days.

There will be no shortage of All Blacks on show either for an expected crowd of just under 7,000 people.

The Highlanders have included Malakai Fekitoa and Waisake Naholo in a run-on side to be captained by former Crusaders back-rower Luke Whitelock - the off-season recruit set to go head-to-head with brother Sam who has been named Crusaders skipper in the absence of Kieran Read.

All Blacks front-rowers Joe Moody and Codie Taylor will both start for the Crusaders while Wyatt Crockett and Luke Romano will both come off the bench.

Luke Whitelock of Canterbury is tackled by Counties defence, Canterbury v Counties Manukau, ITM Cup, AMI Stadium, Christchurch, August 23, 2015
Luke Whitelock will captain the Highlanders © Getty Images
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"Obviously we wanted to give our entire squad some game time over the first two games," Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph said.

"They have all been training well and deserve a chance to put their best foot forward for selection when the competition starts in a few weeks."

Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder is keen to see his side maintain their pre-season momentum after a 31-3 demolition of Queensland Reds at Ballymore last week.

"We were really pleased with some of what we saw, especially considering it was only game one for so many players," he said.

Meanwhile, the Hurricanes will welcome All Blacks Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara, Julian Savea, Nehe Milner-Skudder and Victor Vito for their second trial against the Blues in Eketahuna.

The Hurricanes suffered a 28-0 loss to the Force last week but will be a different proposition with their World Cup stars back on deck.

"We're still looking at combinations and there are still places up for grabs," Hurricanes coach Chris Boy said.

"Our guys know that and they know there is a real opportunity to put their hands up for selection over the next couple of weeks."

Crusaders: David Havili, George Bridge, Sean Wainui, Kieron Fonotia, Sione Fifita, Richie Mo'unga, Andy Ellis, Jordan Taufua, Tim Boys, Jimmy Tupou, Sam Whitelock (capt), Scott Barrett, Mike Alaalatoa, Codie Taylor, Joe Moody. Replacements: Ged Robinson, Wyatt Crockett, Oliver Jager, Luke Romano, Mitchell Dunshea, Reed Prinsep, Leon Fukofuka, Ben Volavola, Marty McKenzie, Jone Macilai, Mitchell Hunt, Nemani Nadolo.

Highlanders: Matt Faddes, Waisake Naholo, Malakai Fekitoa, Teihorangi Walden, Patrick Osborne, Marty Banks, Josh Renton, Luke Whitelock (captain), James Lentjes, Gareth Evans, Tom Franklin, Mark Reddish, Siosiua Halanukonuka, Liam Coltman, Brendon Edmonds. Reserves: Ash Dixon, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Ross Geldenhuys, Joe Wheeler, Sio Tomkinson, Aaron Smith, Liam Squire, Jason Emery, Ryan Tongia, Lima Sopoaga, Elliot Dixon, Shane Christie, Jackson Hemopo.

Hurricanes: Nehe Milner-Skudder, Cory Jane, Matt Proctor, Ngani Laumape, Julian Savea, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara, Victor Vito, Callum Gibbins, Brad Shields, Mark Abbott, Blade Thomson, Jeff Toomaga-Allen, Motu Matu'u, Reggie Goodes.

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