Tei Walden carries the ball for the Highlanders against the Crusaders in last week's final Super Rugby preseason match. Photo: Getty ImagesThe Highlanders have made just one change in their line-up from their last pre-season match for Friday night's season opener. Teihorangi Walden will start at second five-eighth against the Blues at Forsyth Barr Stadium, while Matt Faddes drops to the bench. The Gordon Hunter Trophy was currently held by the Highlanders and had been contested between the two sides 16 times since 2002. Highlanders team to play the Blues:Ben Smith (cc), Waisake Naholo, Rob Thompson, Teihorangi Walden, Tevita Li, Lima Sopoaga, Aaron Smith, Luke Whitelock, Dillon Hunt, Liam Squire, Tom Franklin, Jackson Hemopo, Siate Tokolahi, Ash Dixon (cc), Daniel Lienert-Brown.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 20, 2018 23:37 UTC