HIGHLANDERS NAME TEAM TO PLAY IN QUARTERFINAL CLASH IN CANBERRA

The Highlanders have named a strong team for their quarterfinal clash in Canberra on Saturday night. The timely return of first-five, Cameron Millar, and mid-field back, Tanielu Tele’a, will add to an already explosive back three and give the Highlanders a number of attacking options to exploit.

The forwards return to a familiar structure with Co-Captains Ethan de Groot and Billy Harmon leading the Highlander men from either end of the scrum and the well-performed Sean Withy returning to the openside. Mitch Dunshae also comes back into the side to join his locking partner Fabian Holland who impressed on defence last week in a tough game in the capital.

Highlanders Head Coach, Clarke Dermody, is fully aware of the challenge that playing the Brumbies at home in Canberra presents, “They have a strong home record and we will need to be at our best to challenge a team that has been a model of consistency all year. We’ve had a good preparation week and are excited by the challenge that finals footy offers.”

QUARTERFINAL: Highlanders v Brumbies – 7:35pm AEST (9:35pm NZT) Saturday 8^th June, GIO Stadium, Canberra

1. Ethan de Groot (CC)
2. Henry Bell
3. Jermaine Ainsley
4. Mitch Dunshea
5. Fabian Holland
6. Oliver Haig
7. Sean Withy
8. Billy Harmon (CC)
9. Folau Fakatava
10. Cameron Millar
11. Jona Nareki
12. Sam Gilbert
13. Tanielu Tele’a
14. Timoci Tavatavanawai
15. Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens

 RESERVES

1. Jack Taylor
2. Daniel Lienert-Brown
3. Saula Ma’u
4. Max Hicks
5. Nikora Broughton
6. James Arscot
7. Jake Te Hiwi
8. Finn Hurley

Injured unavailable: Martín Bogado (hip), Will Stodart (abdominal) [Long term: Hugh Renton (ankle), Jonah Lowe (knee), Rhys Patchell (pec), Josh Timu (ankle)].