LIVE: Force playmaker knocked out in head clash

FORCE vs HIGHLANDERS, Friday 7.45pm AEST in Perth

Force coach Tim Sampson has named Wallabies squad member Tim Anstee at No.8 to play the Highlanders in an intriguing positional switch.

Anstee has been used as a blindside flanker this season but the former sevens star will get a shot at the back of the scrum in place of Brynard Stander this week.

The Force – beaten by the Chiefs in a heartbreaker in round one – also welcome the return of lock Sitaleki Timani to bolster the pack, as Fergus Lee-Warner moves to Anstee’s spot at No.6.

“Like all New Zealand teams, the Highlanders are threatening when you give them a lot of time and space,” Sampson said.

“If you turn over the ball cheaply, they’ll take advantage. They play a direct game.

“They rely a lot on their No.9 Aaron Smith to create opportunities for them. They’re a disciplined team and they take their opportunities. Momentum is important. When we do gain ascendency, we get that nice bit of momentum to put the foot down.”

Meanwhile, the Highlanders have welcomed back Shannon Frizell to their lineup, after the All Blacks flanker was not charged by police following allegations of assault.

Frizell was omitted from the Highlanders side that beat the Reds handsomely in round one because of the late night bar incident.

The 27-year-old replaces Japan international Kazuki Himeno in the starting side, with Hugh Renton moving from the blindside to No.8.

“Last week he wasn’t in the right head space to play for us,” Highlanders coach Clarke Dermody said.

“We decided to leave him out and it was the right decision.

“He seems energised now and ready to go again. He’s an experienced tourist as well, which is great for our younger guys.”

Bryn Evans comes in for Josh Dickson at lock while Josh Ioane returns from an ankle injury to earn a spot on the bench.

FORCE (15-1): Rob Kearney, Richard Kahui, Kyle Godwin (c), Henry Taefu, Jordan Olowofela, Jake McIntyre, Tomas Cubelli, Tim Anstee, Kane Koteka, Fergus Lee-Warner, Sitaleki Timani, Ryan McCauley, Santiago Medrano, Feleti Kaitu’u, Tom Robertson

Reserves: Andrew Ready, Angus Wagner, Greg Holmes, Ollie Callan, Brynard Stander, Ian Prior, Domingo Miotti, Jake Strachan

HIGHLANDERS (15-1): Sam Gilbert, Patelesio Tomkinson, Michael Collins, Scott Gregory, Jona Nareki, Mitch Hunt, Aaron Smith (co-c), Hugh Renton, Billy Harmon, Shannon Frizell, Bryn Evans, Pari Pari Parkinson, Siate Tokolahi, Ash Dixon (co-c), Ayden Johnstone

Reserves: Liam Coltman, Ethan de Groot, Josh Hohneck, Josh Dickson, Kazuki Himeno, Kayne Hammington, Josh Ioane, Ngatugnane Punivai