Hore and Thorn to start for Highlanders

Aaron Smith clears the ball during the Highlanders' loss to the Bulls.

Tamati Ellison talks to teammate Jason Emery during the loss to the Bulls.

Pierre Spies of the Bulls slips through several Highlanders tackles to score.

Colin Slade takes a chip kick against the Bulls.

Ben Smith gets a pass off during the Highlanders loss to the Southern Kings.

Aaron Smith feeds the scrum.

A dejected Andrew Hore after his sides loss to the Kings.

Hosea Gear attempts to break through the tackles of the Kings.

Brad Thorn thanks the crowd after playing his 100th Super Rugby game in the Highlanders win over the Sharks.

Highlanders fullback Ben Smith.

Josh Bekhuis on the charge against the Sharks.

Tamati Ellison warms up prior to the Highlanders clash with the Sharks.

Ma'a Nonu charges ahead against the Crusaders.

Brad Thorn snares Luke Romano in a tackle.

Aaron Smith fires off a clearing pass.

The Highlanders warm up at AMI Stadium in Christchurch ahead of their clash with the Crusaders.

Hosea Gear scores what would become a disallowed try as the Highlanders slumped to another loss against the Brumbies.

Brad Thorn shows his disappointment after the loss to the Brumbies.

TJ Ioane makes a charge against the Brumbies.

Jamie Mackintosh gets an extra push from his teammates.

Jamie Mackintosh and Andrew Hore watch on as the Highlanders lose their sixth game on the trot.

Ma'a Nonu's shoulder charge on Piri Weepu earned him 10 in the bin.

Mose Tuiali'i is tackled by the Blues' James Parsons.

Brad Thorn is tackled during the Highlanders' 29-18 loss to the Blues.

Elliot Dixon of the Highlanders scores a try during the round seven Super Rugby match between the Highlanders and the Reds at Forsyth Barr Stadium.

James Horwill of the Reds is tackled by Aaron Smith of the Highlanders during the round seven Super Rugby match between the Highlanders and the Reds at Forsyth Barr Stadium.

Lima Sopoaga of the Highlanders kicks a penalty during the round seven Super Rugby match between the Highlanders and the Reds at Forsyth Barr Stadium.

The Highlanders hang their heads on the final whistle during the round seven Super Rugby match between the Highlanders and the Reds at Forsyth Barr Stadium.

Ma'a Nonu gets caught in a tackle during the Highlanders loss to the Chiefs.

Elliot Dixon tries to break through a Chiefs tackle.

Kade Poki makes a break against the Chiefs.

Aaron Smith clears the ball during the Highlanders loss to the Chiefs in Hamilton.

Hosea Gear makes a break during the Highlanders loss to the Hurricanes.

Highlanders replacement halfback Fumiaki Tanaka looks to clear the ball during the loss to the Hurricanes.

Hurricanes No 12 Tim Bateman attempts a tackled on Jason Emery of the Highlanders.

Kade Poki scoing the first try for the Highlanders.

Frans Viljoen of the Cheetahs is tackled.

Brad Thorn of the Highlanders is tackled during the round four Super Rugby match between the Highlanders and the Cheetahs.

Brad Thorn of the Highlanders is tackled during the round four Super Rugby match between the Highlanders and the Cheetahs.

Jake Paringatai of the Highlanders is tackled by Cheetahs players.

Highlanders captain Hosea Gear dives over for a try during his side's opening round loss to the Chiefs.

Lima Sopoaga lines up a kick during the Highlanders opening round game against the Chiefs.

Nasi Manu makes a break during the Highlanders loss to the Chiefs.

Ma'a Nonu fends off a tackle during round one of Super Rugby.