Highlanders name team for home clash against Hurricanes

A bruising encounter against the Crusaders has prompted changes to the Highlanders’ forward pack ahead of Friday night’s round 6 DHL Super Rugby Pacific home match against the Hurricanes.

With locks Tomás Lavanini and Mitch Dunshea unavailable through injury, the door has opened for Te Kamaka Howden and Oliver Haig to start as the second row pairing. Their elevation also paves the way for Tai Cribb to play his first Super Rugby Pacific game of the season.

Co-captain Hugh Renton will make his first Highlanders appearance since April last year. After undergoing pelvis and groin surgery and missing the NPC season, Renton has rebuilt his form through strong performances for the Highlanders Bravehearts Development XV over the past month.

Head Coach Jamie Joseph said Renton’s return is a major boost.

“As our co-captain and most experienced loose forward it’s great to have Hugh back playing Super Rugby. He has worked extremely hard to come back from injury setbacks in recent seasons and it demonstrates his character, professionalism, and real passion for the club.”

In the backs, Reesjan Pasitoa earns his first start in the No. 10 jersey with regular first five Cameron Millar ruled out after a concussion sustained against the Crusaders. Pasitoa has impressed in his finishing role through the opening rounds, sparking attack and landing crucial late goals against the Force.

Andrew Knewstubb will also be in line to make his Super Rugby debut from the bench. A Commonwealth and Olympic Games medallist with the New Zealand Sevens team, Knewstubb has also played 15s for Tasman and Canterbury in the NPC. His versatility allows him to cover a number of positions across the backline.

Jonah Lowe also returns to the starting lineup, providing an important link between the powerful Timoci Tavatavanawai and the explosive Highlanders back three.

The Hurricanes arrive in Dunedin sitting at the top of the competition standings and will be eager to continue their strong start to the season.

Opening the festivities on Friday night will be a Super Rugby Development curtain raiser between the Highlanders Bravehearts and the Hurricanes Hunters. Only launched this year, the competition is providing extended opportunities for squad members and consistent playing time to assist with game readiness. Gates open at 4:00pm for a 4:20pm kick-off.

Highlanders v Hurricanes – 7:05pm, Friday 20^th March, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin

HIGHLANDERS STARTING XV

1. Ethan de Groot
2. Jack Taylor
3. Angus Ta’avao
4. Oliver Haig
5. Te Kamaka Howden
6. Sean Withy
7. Lucas Casey
8. Hugh Renton (cc)
9. Folau Fakatava
10. Reesjan Pasitoa
11. Jona Nareki
12. Timoci Tavatavanawai (cc)
13. Jonah Lowe
14. Caleb Tangitau
15. Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens

IMPACT
16. Soane Vikena
17. Josh Bartlett
18. Sosefo Kautai
19. Tai Cribb
20. Veveni Lasaqa
21. Adam Lennox
22. Andrew Knewstubb (potential Super Rugby debut)
23. Tanielu Tele’a

Unavailable due to injury:
Cameron Millar (concussion 1-2 weeks)
Finn Hurley (foot 3 weeks)
Josh Tengblad (knee TBC)
Mitch Dunshea (calf 3-4 weeks)
Saula Ma’u (shoulder 2 weeks)
Tomas Lavanini (concussion 1-2 weeks)

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

ENDS