HIGHLANDERS NAMED FOR FINAL REGULAR SEASON CLASH IN WELLINGTON

With a playoff spot confirmed, the Highlanders have named a team with some fresh legs to take on the Hurricanes in Wellington on Saturday afternoon.

In the forwards,  All Black and Co-Captain,  Ethan de Groot will take the field for his 50^th Highlanders and 50^th Super Rugby game. De Groot, was awarded the prestigious Highlander Man Award at the 2024 Annual Awards Evening held on Tuesday night. A reshuffling of the locks sees Will Tucker pair up with Fabian Holland and Max Hicks, Billy Harmon and Nikora Broughton complete the loose forward trio.  

James Arscott will get his second start of the season and will be partnering with playmaker, Ajay Faleafaga at first-five. Jona Nareki retains his starting position after an explosive return from injury against the Fijian Drua in the previous round, with youngster Finn Hurley lacing up for his first start at fullback. There is also a potential debut off the bench for 22-year-old loose forward Hayden Michaels.

Highlanders Head Coach, Clarke Dermody, was conscious the team needed to maintain momentum after a solid win against the Drua, “I’m really happy with how we executed our game plan against the Drua, we need to continue to build on that progress and the players that have come into the starting XV are clear on their roles and have an opportunity to get battle hardened for the finals.

Highlanders v Hurricanes – 4:35pm, Saturday 1^st June, Sky Stadium, Wellington

1. Ethan de Groot (CC)
2. Henry Bell
3. Jermaine Ainsley
4. Will Tucker
5. Fabian Holland
6. Max Hicks
7. Billy Harmon (CC)
8. Nikora Broughton
9. James Arscott
10. Ajay Faleafaga
11. Jona Nareki
12. Sam Gilbert
13. Matt Whaanga
14. Connor Garden-Bachop
15. Finn Hurley

 RESERVES

1. Jack Taylor
2. Daniel Lienert-Brown
3. Saula Ma’u
4. Tom Sanders
5. Hayden Michaels*
6. Folau Fakatava
7. Jake Te Hiwi
8. Martín Bogado

*Potential Debut