Highlanders Name Team for Home Clash Against the Brumbies

The Highlanders return from the bye with a welcome injection of experience and firepower as several key players recover from injury ahead of Friday night’s showdown with the high‑flying Brumbies at Forsyth Barr Stadium.

Head Coach Jamie Joseph has bolstered his forward pack with the return of tighthead prop Saula Ma’u, who is set for his first Highlanders appearance since early in the 2025 NPC after a shoulder injury. Ma’u came through club rugby last week and will add significant impact off the bench behind the in‑form Angus Ta’avao.

In the second row, Mitch Dunshea will return after overcoming a calf injury that sidelined him in round 5. He will link up with Oliver Haig following a finger injury to Tomás Lavanini during training this week.

Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens has been sidelined with an ankle injury and Taine Robinson will make his first appearance for the season at fullback. Robinson played mainly first-five for the Highlanders last year but is familiar with the fullback role having played there regularly for Tasman. In the halves, Cameron Millar and Timoci Tavatavanawai resume their roles at 10 and 12 after missing the previous round, while halfback Nic Shearer earns another start following an impressive outing against Moana Pasifika.

Loose forward Nikora Broughton has been rewarded for strong performances with the Highlanders Development XV and a lively shift off the bench before the bye, to claim the competitive No. 8 jersey. His combination with Veveni Lasaqa promises plenty of pace and aggression in the loose forward trio.

The Brumbies arrive in Dunedin as one of the competition’s form sides, having already toppled the Crusaders, Blues, and Chiefs to sit inside the top four at the halfway mark. After a bruising loss to the Waratahs before their own bye, they will be eager to reassert themselves.

Head Coach, Jamie Joseph, knows the challenge ahead.

“The Brumbies are a class outfit and will test us across the field. We’re happy to be back at home and to have a few of our starters returning. These middle‑round games are important for every team, and we’re looking forward to the contest.”

Timoci Tavatavanawai and Ethan de Groot will co-captain the team and Tanielu Tele’a will play his 50^th Super Rugby game off the bench having previously made 21 appearances for the Blues.

Highlanders v ACT Brumbies – 7:05pm Friday 10th April, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin

HIGHLANDERS STARTING XV

1. Ethan de Groot (cc)
2. Jack Taylor
3. Angus Ta’avao
4. Oliver Haig
5. Mitch Dunshea
6. Te Kamaka Howden
7. Veveni Lasaqa
8. Nikora Broughton
9. Nic Shearer
10. Cameron Millar
11. Jona Nareki
12. Timoci Tavatavanawai (cc)
13. Jonah Lowe
14. Caleb Tangitau
15. Taine Robinson

IMPACT
16. Henry Bell
17. Josh Bartlett
18. Saula Ma’u
19. Hugh Renton
20. Sean Withy
21. Adam Lennox
22. Reesjan Pasitoa
23. Taniela Tele’a (50th Super Rugby Game)

Unavailable due to injury:
Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens (ankle – 4–6 weeks)
Tomás Lavanini (finger dislocation – 1–2 weeks)

Season Ending:
Dylan Pledger (ACL)
Fabian Holland (shoulder)
Josh Tengblad (ACL)

ENDS