Highlanders Name Team for Trip to Fiji

After the magic of Super Round and the spectacle of Christchurch’s new One NZ Stadium, the Highlanders now turn their attention to the beauty and tranquillity of Fiji, where they will meet the Fijian Drua at the recently renovated Four R Stadium in Ba. As with last week, it will be the first time the Highlanders have played at the venue.

Super Round delivered a hard-fought and vital win over Moana Pasifika — a tense, physical contest that remained in the balance until the Highlanders pulled clear in the closing stages. With the season entering its decisive phase, that result provided both momentum and belief heading into a challenging away fixture.

Injury disruptions on the wings last week saw both Jonah Nareki and Caleb Tangitau sidelined. Tangitau remains unavailable, but Nareki returns to the left wing — a welcome inclusion given his long left boot and counter-attacking threat.

Folau Fakatava also returns to the starting lineup. At his best, Fakatava is a genuine game-breaker, and his ability to unlock defences will be central to the Highlanders’ attacking ambitions in Ba. His return allows Adam Lennox to shift back into a more conventional 5–3 bench structure, providing versatility and balance among the reserves.

Co-captain Timoci Tavatavanawai will be playing on familiar soil. Born in Fiji and a former Fijian U20 representative, he understands the rhythm, intensity, and unpredictability of rugby in the islands. His powerful carries and defensive presence have been defining features of the Highlanders’ season, and his influence will again be crucial against a Drua side in strong form, having pushed the Chiefs in Christchurch and defeated the Brumbies in Canberra in consecutive weeks.

The Highlanders’ history in Fiji is limited but evenly split. They have played only twice in the country in competitive fixtures, losing to the Chiefs in Suva in 2018 and defeating the Drua in 2022. A preseason match was also played in Fiji in 2010.

Saturday’s match offers another opportunity to build on that record and strengthen their position on the table heading into the final round robin matches.

Fijian Drua v Highlanders – 4:00pm Saturday 3rd May, Four R Stadium, Ba, Fiji

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. Folau Fakatava
10. Cameron Millar
11. Jona Nareki
12. Timoci Tavatavanawai (cc)
13. Tanielu Tele’a
14. Jonah Lowe
15. Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens

IMPACT
16. Soane Vikena
17. Daniel Lienert-Brown
18. Saula Ma’u
19. Sean Withy
20. Lucas Casey
21. Adam Lennox
22. Taine Robinson
23. Xavier Tito-Harris

Unavailable due to injury:
Caleb Tangitau (Concussion – 1–2 weeks)
Finn Hurley (Hamstring – 3–5 weeks)
Josh Bartlett (Foot – TBC pending scans)
Sefo Kautai (Knee – 1–2 weeks)
Tai Cribb (Shoulder – 1–2 weeks)

Season Ending:
Dylan Pledger (ACL)
Fabian Holland (Shoulder)
Josh Tengblad (Knee)
Reesjan Pasitoa (Ankle)

ENDS