HIGHLANDERS NAMED FOR PENULTIMATE GAME AT APOLLO PROJECTS

The Highlanders are preparing for another classic southern derby as they prepare to face the Crusaders in Christchurch, one of their final outings at Apollo Projects Stadium before shifting to their new home next month. With this fixture marking the last time the Highlanders will meet the Crusaders at the venue, a  sense of occasion is added to what is always a highly anticipated match. Recent clashes between the two sides have been defined by tight margins, late momentum swings, and decisive moments, and with no unbeaten teams left in the competition, every point in these early rounds carries genuine weight.

Head Coach, Jamie Joseph, has again backed a largely settled side that has shouldered the workload through the opening four rounds. Three changes feature in the starting forward pack, headlined by the debut of Argentinian international, Tomás Lavanini, who slots in at lock. After several outings for the Highlanders Development XV, Lavanini will look to impose his physical presence against a Crusaders pack renowned for its physical intensity.

The loose trio receives a refresh with Lucas Casey returning at number eight and Sean Withy reclaiming the openside role providing plenty of pace, accuracy, and work rate to the back row.

In the backline, the only adjustment comes at centre, where Tanielu Tele’a replaces Jonah Lowe, who suffered a shoulder injury during his standout performance against the Force. The Folau Fakatava-Cameron Millar combination continues to steer the side, and they will again look to unleash the Highlanders’ dangerous back three of Caleb Tangitau, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, and Jona Nareki at every opportunity.

A 6:2 split on the bench provides additional forward punch, with Rohan Wingham returning and Oliver Haig making way for Lavanini in the starting XV. Nikora Broughton and Veveni Lasaqa also feature among the reserves, ensuring plenty of impact late in the contest. The versatile Adam Lennox and Reesjan Pasitoa will cover the backline.

Head Coach Jamie Joseph knows exactly what this fixture demands:

“Highlanders-Crusaders games are traditionally fairly tight. That speaks to the rivalry that exists between the two southern clubs. Typically it comes down to discipline, a few moments, or which team can stay composed the longest. It’s a close competition, so every match matters and the Crusaders in Christchurch is always one of the season’s biggest challenges.

Highlanders v Crusaders – 7:05pm, Saturday 14^th March, Apollo Projects Stadium Christchurch

HIGHLANDERS STARTING XV                                                                                                    

1. Ethan de Groot
2. Jack Taylor
3. Angus Ta’avao
4. Tomás Lavanini
5. Mitch Dunshea
6. Te Kamaka Howden
7. Sean Withy (cc)
8. Lucas Casey
9. Folau Fakatava
10. Cameron Millar
11. Jona Nareki      
12. Timoci Tavatavanawai (cc)
13. Tanielu Tele’a            
14. Caleb Tangitau
15. Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens

IMPACT

16. Soane Vikena

17. Daniel Lienert-Brown

18. Rohan Wingham

19. Oliver Haig

20. Nikora Broughton

21. Veveni Lasaqa

22. Adam Lennox

23. Reesjan Pasitoa

Unavailable due to injury: Saula Ma’u (shoulder 3 weeks), Finn Hurley (foot 4 weeks), Jonah Lowe (shoulder 1-2 weeks), Jake Te Hiwi (back 1-2 weeks)

Season Ending: Dylan Pledger (ACL), Fabian Holland (Shoulder)

ENDS