HIGHLANDERS ANNOUNCE TEAM TO TRAVEL TO CANBERRA TO PLAY THE ACT BRUMBIES

Another difficult assignment awaits the Highlanders in round 7 as they cross the Tasman to take on the Brumbies in Canberra. Following a narrow loss to the Reds at home the Highlanders will be looking to get their campaign back on track against a Brumbies team that has forged an impressive record in Canberra in recent seasons.

After a torrid forward battle last week Head Coach Jamie Joseph welcomes back Daniel Lienert-Brown back from suspension replacing Ethan de Groot who has had a heavy workload already this season. Te Kamaka (TK) Howden moves to blindside flanker and vice-captain Sean Withy moves to number eight in place of the injured Nikora Broughton.

In the backs, Captain Timoci Tavatavanawai returns to the midfield allowing fellow Fijian Jona Nareki back onto the left wing and the versatile Sam Gilbert, fresh from his 50^th Super Rugby appearance, completes the back three.

A refreshed bench has Henry Bell in for Jack Taylor and potential debuts for loose forward, Michael Loft, and Taranaki halfback, Adam Lennox.

Coach Joseph is looking forward to taking his team on the road:

“Touring always makes a team tighter, and it’s usually backs to the wall stuff when you play in places like Canberra and Perth. This team has shown a lot of resolve already this season, but we will probably need to dig even deeper over the next few weeks in Australia. It’s a challenge I know the squad will be looking forward to.”

Highlanders v ACT Brumbies – 7:35pm AEDT (9.35pm NZT) Friday 28^th March, GIO Stadium, Canberra

Starting XV

1. Daniel Lienert-Brown
2. Soane Vikena
3. Saula Ma’u 
4. Fabian Holland
5. Mitch Dunshea 
6. Te Kamaka (TK) Howden
7. Veveni Lasaqa
8. Sean Withy (VC)
9. Nathan Hastie
10. Taine Robinson 
11. Jona Nareki
12. Timoci Tavatavanawai (C)
13. Thomas Umaga-Jensen
14. Caleb Tangitau
15. Sam Gilbert

Impacts: 16. Henry Bell, 17. Josh Bartett, 18. Sefo Kautai, 19. Will Stodart, 20. Michael Loft*, 21. Adam Lennox*, 22. Ajay Faleafaga, 23. Tanielu Tele'a.

*Potential debuts  

Injury update: Oliver Haig (Foot / 2 weeks ), Jonah Lowe (ACL / 1-2 weeks ), Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens (Neck / 2-3 weeks), Folau Fakatava (Hamstring / 1-2 weeks), Finn Hurley (Quad / TBC), Nikora Broughton (Rib Injury / 1-2 weeks) Hugh Renton (Groin /1-2 weeks)

ENDS