Ross Geldenhuys will make his Vodacom Super Rugby debut for the Highlanders against the Crusaders in Dunedin.

The 31-year-old moved to New Zealand last year, and played every game for Tasman, who lost 36-32 to Taranaki in the NPC final.

Geldenhuys represented several South African teams, including the Border Bulldogs, Western Province, Pumas, Lions (Super Rugby), Golden Lions (Currie Cup), Boland Kavaliers, Free State Cheetahs, Griffons and Eastern Province Kings.

As many as seven players could make their debuts for the Highlanders, who sat out the opening round with a bye.

Prop Josh Hohneck and wing Waisake Naholo will start on Saturday, while fellow newcomers Ash Dixon, Mark Reddish, Dan Pryor and Marty Banks are on the bench.

Flanker Shane Christie (hamstring), winger Richard Buckman (knee) and prop Pingi Tala'apitaga (knee) were unavailable for selection due to injury.

Highlanders – 15 Ben Smith (c), 14 Waisake Naholo, 13 Malakai Fekitoa, 12 Shaun Treeby, 11 Patrick Osborne, 10 Lima Sopoaga, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Nasi Manu (c), 7 John Hardie, 6 Elliot Dixon, 5 Joe Wheeler, 4 Tom Franklin, 3 Ross Geldenhuys, 2 Liam Coltman, 1 Josh Hohneck.
Subs: 16 Ash Dixon, 17 Kane Hames, 18 Ma'afu Fia, 19 Mark Reddish, 20 Dan Pryor, 21 Fumiaki Tanaka, 22 Jason Emery, 23 Marty Banks.

Photo: Getty Images