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Highlanders Name Team for Round Seven Clash with Moana Pasifika
25 March 2026
The Highlanders have named a largely unchanged starting XV for Friday night’s Round Seven encounter with Moana Pasifika, as they look to rebound from a tough outing against the competition leading Hurricanes.
In their final match before a well-earned bye, Head Coach Jamie Joseph welcomes back Argentinian international lock Tomás Lavanini and explosive flanker Veveni Lasaqa to the forward pack, while young halfback Nic Shearer is set to make his Super Rugby debut.
The bench also receives an injection of experience and energy, with veteran prop Daniel Lienert-Brown, hooker Henry Bell, and prop Rohan Wingham returning to bolster the reserves. Co-captain Timoci Tavatavanawai, who has logged significant minutes already this season, will again look to make a major impact when introduced later in the match.
Shearer, who represented Southland in last year’s NPC and scored a memorable try in their successful Ranfurly Shield challenge, has been a standout for the Highlanders Development side. Joseph believes the lively halfback is ready for the step up.
“Nic has shown good form in the development team games and played with some real spark that we want him to bring to our game. I’m sure he will adapt well to Super Rugby.”
In the backline, centre Jonah Lowe will celebrate his 50th Super Rugby appearance on Friday night. The Māori All Black, who previously played for the Hurricanes and Chiefs, has been in strong form at centre after spending much of his earlier career on the wing.
The Highlanders faced Moana Pasifika in preseason and are under no illusions about the challenge ahead.
“They are a big, physical side that play a direct style of game, and we will need to meet that challenge. In this competition every week is a tough game,” Joseph said.
Highlanders v Moana Pasifika – Friday 27 March, 7:05pm, North Harbour Stadium, Auckland
HIGHLANDERS STARTING XV
- Ethan de Groot
- Jack Taylor
- Angus Ta’avao
- Oliver Haig
- Tomas Lavanini
- Te Kamaka Howden
- Veveni Lasaqa
- Hugh Renton (cc)
- Nic Shearer (Super Rugby Debut)
- Reesjan Pasitoa
- Jona Nareki
- Tanielu Tele’a
- Jonah Lowe (50th Super Rugby game)
- Caleb Tangitau
- Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens
IMPACT
16. Henry Bell
17. Daniel Lienert-Brown
18. Rohan Wingham
19. Will Stodart
20. Sean Withy
21. Adam Lennox
22. Andrew Knewstubb
23. Timoci Tavatavanawai (cc)
Unavailable due to injury:
Finn Hurley (foot – 1-2 weeks)
Mitch Dunshea (calf 2-3 weeks)
Cam Millar (concussion 1-2 weeks)
Season Ending:
Dylan Pledger (ACL)
Fabian Holland (Shoulder)
Josh Tengblad (knee)
ENDS
