HIGHLANDERS NAME TEAM FOR SECOND ROUND CLASH AGAINST THE BLUES

The Highlanders will face the Blues in their second-round fixture at home at Forsyth Barr Stadium on Saturday. After an exhilarating but ultimately frustrating start to the season, the team is eager to build on their Sydney performance in front of their passionate home supporters.

Head coach Jamie Joseph has named a settled squad for the matchup, with a focus on building continuity. The tight five remain the same  while the hard hitting Sean Withy moves from openside to blindside flanker. Moving into the number seven jersey is last week’s debutant Veveni Lasaqa . Lasaqa made an impact when he entered the fray against the Waratahs and is rewarded with an opportunity to disrupt the flow of the much vaunted Blues forward pack.

The Highlanders will want plenty of energy from their six forwards : two backs bench in what is expected to be a hugely physical encounter. Young Southland hooker Jack Taylor his first selection for 2025 and he is joined by Otago loose forward Will Stodart covering lock, and the versatile Nikora Broughton rounds out the loose forward cover on the bench.

Folau Fakatava gets the starting number nine jersey and the well performed Nathan Hastie moves to the bench. Sam Gilbert will switch to the right wing and Finn Hurley moves into the starting fifteen at fullback.

Coach Joseph is aware of the significance of the first home game of the season:

“This is an important week for us, it’s always special to play in front of your own home crowd. We’ve had a solid week of preparation, and we’re excited to get out and play under the roof. As Champions the Blues are a formidable opponent, but we’re confident that we can deliver a strong performance on our home turf.”

The Highlanders expect a strong opening crowd with the game following an exciting kick off to DHL Super rugby Pacific last weekend and this week’s game coinciding with the University of Otago O’Week.

Highlanders v Blues – 7:05pm Saturday 22^nd February, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin

Starting XV:

1. Ethan de Groot
2. Soane Mikaele Vikena 
3. Saula Ma’u  
4. Fabian Holland 
5. Mitch Dunshea 
6. Sean Withy
7. Veveni Lasaqa
8. Hugh Renton (CC) 
9. Folau Fakatava
10. Taine Robinson 
11. Caleb Tangitau
12. Timoci Tavatavanawai (CC)
13. Tanielu Tele’a
14. Sam Gilbert
15. Finn Hurley

Impact:

16. Jack Taylor, 17. Daniel Lienert-Brown, 18. Sefo Kautai, 19. Will Stodart, 20. Nikora Broughton, 21. Nathan Hastie, 22. Cameron Millar, 23. Lui Naeata 

Injury update:

Oliver Haig (foot / 8 weeks ), Jonah Lowe (ACL / 6 weeks ), TK Howden (hamstring / 3 weeks), Jona Nareki (ankle /4 weeks), Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens (neck / 8 weeks)

END