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HIGHLANDERS NAMED FOR EASTER CLASH WITH THE CHIEFS
16 April 2025
A settled combination for the Highlanders round 10 match up with last year’s finalists the Chiefs, with just one change to the starting lineup that overcame the Fijian Drua last weekend.
The experienced Mitch Dunshea returns from injury to renew his partnership with Fabian Holland in the middle row giving Will Stodart an impact role for the Saturday night clash.
Two players on the injury list last week will be on the bench this Saturday, hooker Soane Vikena returns in place of Jack Taylor and versatile forward TK Howden replaces last week’s debutant Tai Cribb. In the backs Jonah Lowe comes onto the bench for an injured Tanielu Tele’a.
Having returned to winning form and moving up to a mid-table position the Highlanders will be keen to continue their momentum against a well performed Chiefs side hungry to rectify their loss against the Waratahs.
Chiefs v Highlanders – 7.05pm Saturday 19 April, FMG Stadium, Hamilton
Starting XV
- Ethan de Groot
- Henry Bell
- Sosefo Kautai
- Mitch Dunshea
- Fabian Holland
- Oliver Haig
- Veveni Lasaqa
- Hugh Renton (CC)
- Folau Fakatava
- Cameron Millar
- Jona Nareki
- Timoci Tavatavanawai (CC)
- Thomas Umaga-Jensen
- Taniela Filimone
- Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens
Impacts: 16. Soane Vikena, 17. Daniel Lienert-Brown, 18. Saula Ma’u, 19. Te Kamaka Howden, 20. Will Stodart, 21. Adam Lennox, 22. Sam Gilbert, 23. Jonah Lowe.
Injury update:
Caleb Tangitau (Groin / 1-2 weeks), James Arscott (Shoulder / TBC), Nikora Broughton (Knee MCL/ TBC), Tanielu Tele’a (Hamstring / 2-3 weeks), Finn Hurley (Quad / Season), Hayden Michaels (Hamstring / Season), Ajay Faleafaga (Broken hand / Season)
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