">
Highlanders Name Team for Super Round Ōtautahi Christchurch
22 April 2026
Super Round lands in Christchurch this ANZAC weekend, with the soon-to-be opened One NZ Stadium playing host to five exciting matches across three days. The Highlanders feature on Sunday afternoon playing Moana Pasifika, in a pivotal Round 11 clash before the team travels to Fiji to face the Fijian Drua.
Injuries to wings Caleb Tangitau and Jona Nareki have prompted changes out wide. Xavier Tito Harris earns his first start, while Jonah Lowe shifts to the right wing. Jacob Ratumaitavuki Kneepkens returns at fullback, recovered from an ankle injury sustained in round 7, replacing Finn Hurley who has been ruled out with a hamstring injury.
The remainder of the backline is unchanged, with Adam Lennox retaining the No. 9 jersey following his standout two try performance against the Blues. Folau Fakatava and Taine Robinson provide cover in a 6–2 forwards backs split on the bench.
The forward pack has been refreshed, with Soane Vikena and Saula Ma’u coming into the front row. Tomás Lavanini returns from injury to partner Mitch Dunshea in the middle row, while Oliver Haig starts at blindside flanker.
There is significant impact available from the bench, with regular starters Te Kamaka Howden, Jack Taylor, and Angus Ta’avao poised to add power later in the match.
Head Coach Jamie Joseph is under no illusions about the challenge that awaits on Sunday.
“This is a different team to the one we played earlier in the season, big and physical and they demonstrated last week that they are still a very committed team with the ability to test any team.”
The Highlanders will be at the Live Site (near the Bridge of Remembrance) from 1:30–2:30pm on Saturday 25 April for a meet and greet with fans. Very limited tickets are available for Saturday and Sunday — head to https://super.rugby/superrugby/superround/ for tickets and more information about the Super Round weekend of events.
SUPER ROUND ŌTAUTAHI CHRISTCHURCH - Highlanders v Moana Pasifika – 2:00pm Sunday 26 April
HIGHLANDERS STARTING XV
- Ethan de Groot (cc)
- Soane Vikena
- Saula Ma’u
- Mitch Dunshea
- Tomás Lavanini
- Oliver Haig
- Veveni Lasaqa
- Nikora Broughton
- Adam Lennox
- Cameron Millar
- Xavier Tito-Harris
- Timoci Tavatavanawai (cc)
- Tanielu Tele’a
- Jonah Lowe
- Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens
IMPACT
16. Jack Taylor
17. Josh Bartlett
18. Angus Ta’avao
19. Te Kamaka Howden
20. Hugh Renton
21. Lucas Casey
22. Folau Fakatava
23. Taine Robinson
Unavailable due to injury:
Caleb Tangitau (Concussion 1–2 weeks)
Finn Hurley (Hamstring 4–6 weeks)
Jona Nareki (Ankle – 1 week)
Season Ending:
Dylan Pledger (ACL)
Fabian Holland (Shoulder)
Josh Tengblad (Knee)
Reesjan Pasitoa (Ankle)
ENDS
