AAP
March 13, 2014, 9:54 am



Returned Highlander Kurt Baker will make his first Super Rugby appearance of the season as one of two changes to the starting 15 to face the Western Force in Dunedin.

Baker made his debut in the competition as a Highlander in 2012 before being part of the Crusaders' wider training group last year.

The All Blacks Sevens representative comes in on the left wing in a rejigged backline for the match on Saturday night.

The other change is in the loose forwards, with Shane Christie being promoted from the bench to openside flanker.

Veteran lock Brad Thorn (rib) and winger Patrick Osborne (ankle) remain on the injured list, although Thorn could be available against the Hurricanes next week.

The Highlanders are coming off a bye after beginning the season with a win over the Blues and loss against defending champions the Chiefs.

Highlanders: Ben Smith (co-captain), Richard Buckman, Malakai Fekitoa, Shaun Treeby, Kurt Baker, Lima Sopoaga, Aaron Smith, Nasi Manu (co-captain), Shane Christie, John Hardie, Joe Wheeler, Jarrad Hoeata, Chris King, Liam Coltman, Kane Hames. Reserves: Ged Robinson, Matias Diaz, Craig Millar, Josh Bekhuis, Elliot Dixon, Fumiaki Tanaka, Hayden Parker, Phil Burleigh.

http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/spo...r-highlanders/