Highlanders mix it up to face Blues

Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph has again mixed up his side, making five changes to the team which beat the Bulls, for tomorrow's match against the Blues at Eden Park.

After being benched last week, Andrew Hore starts at hooker while Hoani MacDonald comes into the second row to replace Nick Crosswell.

Crosswell has been named to start at number eight against the competition strugglers, replacing the injured Nasi Manu.

He says they've got to continue from where they left off against the Bulls last week.

"You know the Blues are having a fairly average season - that's footy. But you know on their day they'll knock over anyone, and we've got to watch out for that this weekend, they're more than capable of knocking us over, so we have to prepare as though we're playing the Bulls again."

Jimmy Cowan gets a rare start at halfback and he will link with Chris Noakes at first five.

Cowan says the onus is now on him to perform.

"It's not about going out there and doing too much, just trying to fit within the game plan and the game structure and do my bit for the team's sake."

Aaron Smith and Mike Delany both move to the reserves bench.

Kurt Baker also comes into the run on 15 and Siale Piutau drops out of the 22 also due to injury.

Full team: Jamie Mackintosh (c), Andrew Hore, Ma'afu Fia, Jarrad Hoeata, Hoani MacDonald, Adam Thomson, Tim Boys, Nick Crosswell, Jimmy Cowan, Chris Noakes, Hosea Gear, Phil Burleigh, Tamati Ellison, Kurt Baker, Ben Smith.

Reserves: Jason Rutledge, Bronson Murray, Josh Bekhuis, Scott Fuglistaller, Aaron Smith, Mike Delany, Kenny Lynn.

Photo: Jarrad Hoeata (Photosport)