The Highlanders have named all four of their All Blacks in the starting lineup for their Super 14 opener against the Crusaders, in Christchurch on Saturday night.
Lock Tom Donnelly, loose forward Adam Thomson, halfback Jimmy Cowan and wing Ben Smith will all play despite the All Blacks having only recently returned to their franchises only a couple of weeks ago.
The team is: Jamie Mackintosh, Jason Rutledge, Clint Newland, Josh Bekhuis, Tom Donnelly, Adam Thomson, Alando Soakai, Nasi Manu, Jimmy Cowan (c), Matt Berquist, James Paterson, Jayden Hayward, Jason Shoemark, Ben Smith, Israel Dagg.
Reserves: Jason Macdonald, Chris King, Hayden Triggs, John Hardie, Sean Romans, Michael Hobbs, Fetu'u Vainikolo.
