Highlanders hooker Jason Rutledge has warned they face a dangerous opponent when they play the Cheetahs on Friday night.

Rutledge, a veteran of 108 games for Southland and 33 for the Highlanders, said they probably started a little slowly against the Brumbies and are hoping for another big game this week.

Colin Slade has been passed fit to play despite leaving the field with a groin problem last week.

Flanker Alando Soakai will play his 50th game for the Highlanders on Friday night.

The Bloemfontein-based Cheetahs have won just one of seven games so far but they have been extremely competitive.

They collected losing bonus points in three of their four matches in South Africa and have proved tough opposition on tour, upsetting the Waratahs 23-3 and losing 22-29 to the Blues last weekend.

The Highlanders/Cheetahs match kicks off at 6:35pm on Friday night in Dunedin.


Story by: Selina Navuso