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HIGHLANDERS ANNOUNCE TEAM TO TAKE ON THE WESTERN FORCE
2 April 2025
Head Coach, Jamie Joseph, has made just three changes to the team that fought hard last week and came close to matching the Brumbies in Canberra. One is in the front row with Ethan de Groot returning for Daniel Lienert-Brown the other two are on the bench.
Hardworking locks, Fabian Holland and Mitch Dunshea, further their partnership and Sean Withy retains the number eight role after a commanding performance against the Brumbies. Elusive speedsters Jona Nareki and Caleb Tangitau will carry the attack on the flanks to a well performed Western Force team who are always difficult to beat at home. Hooker Jack Taylor and speedster Michael Manson are added to the bench and it’s a second game for halfback, Adam Lennox and loose forward, Michael Loft after making their respective debuts in Canberra.
Coach Joseph is looking for more of the same effort with a different result against the Force.
“I thought we brought good pressure last week both on attack and defence. The effort was there but too many little mistakes and penalties cost us momentum at critical times. If we can rectify those areas, I am sure we can get things back on track. The Force are a good team, and they will be hurting after a narrow loss to the Reds, so we are expecting an immense encounter on Saturday night”.
Force v Highlanders – 9.35pm (NZT) Saturday 5 April, HBF Stadium, Perth
Starting XV
- Ethan de Groot
- Soane Vikena
- Saula Ma’u
- Fabian Holland
- Mitch Dunshea
- Te Kamaka (TK) Howden
- Veveni Lasaqa
- Sean Withy (VC)
- Nathan Hastie
- Taine Robinson
- Jona Nareki
- Timoci Tavatavanawai (C)
- Thomas Umaga-Jensen
- Caleb Tangitau
- Sam Gilbert
Impacts: 16. Jack Taylor, 17. Josh Bartlett, 18. Sefo Kautai, 19. Will Stodart, 20. Michael Loft, 21. Adam Lennox, 22. Tanielu Tele’a, 23. Michael Manson
Injury update: Oliver Haig (Foot / 1-2 weeks ), Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens (Neck / 1-2 weeks), Finn Hurley (Quad / TBC), Nikora Broughton (Rib Injury/ 1-2 weeks), Hugh Renton (Groin /1-2 weeks).
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