Highlanders planning high-tempo test for Racing 92 in Natixis Cup clash in Hong Kong

Co-captain Shane Christie says strong starting line-up ready for tough encounter that will be a springboard for Super Rugby title defence

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Otago Highlanders players are all smiles, despite a high-intensity workout ahead of their Natixis Cup clash against French side Racing 92 in Hong Kong. Photo: AFP

Published: 8:00pm, 4 Feb 2016Updated: 6:13pm, 5 Feb 2016

The reigning Super Rugby champion Highlanders aim to kick-start the defence of their title with a hard-and-fast running game when they meet in-form French club Racing 92 at Siu Sai Wan Sports Ground in Hong Kong on Saturday.

On the back of a high-intensity training session on Thursday, the Highlanders named a strong side featuring a few All Blacks and several players from last season's winning Super rugby teams, and will be hoping to use their speed and fresh legs to their advantage in what is the first match of the new season.

WATCH: Highlanders captain Shane Christie shares his thoughts on the upcoming game

We’re pretty excited, it’s been a long pre-season and we’re just looking forward to getting a run

Highlanders co-captain Shane Christie

“They’re a big, physical team and that’s what I think they’ll bring,” said Highlanders co-captain Shane Christie. “Hopefully we can speed the game up and play to our strengths.”

The Highlanders starting 15 will feature recruit Liam Squire and a host of players from last year’s Super Rugby-winning line-up.

Otago Highlanders co-captain and loose forward Shane Christie is ready for the physical challenge that Racing 92 will bring. Photo: AFP

“We’ve got strength right across the team, right across the 40-man squad, but our starting team is pretty good,” Christie said. “We’re pretty excited, it’s been a long preseason and we’re just looking forward to getting a run. Hopefully we’ve prepared well and get a good performance out of it.”

Stretch time for the Highlanders players at a training session on Thursday. Photo: K.Y. Cheng

For Christie, the trip to Hong Kong has benefited the Highlanders both on and off the field.