Highlanders named for return to Melbourne

As the Highlanders prepare to return to Melbourne for the final round of the 2022 DHL Super Rugby Pacific Season, they know they have a very specific job to do. While currently in the eighth and final play-off position, a mid-week full points win by the Western Force has them nipping at the Highlander’s heels. 

The Sunday afternoon game against the Rebels will give the team the opportunity to finish the regular season off on the right foot after a disappointing showing against the NSW Waratahs the previous Sunday. 

Head Coach, Tony Brown, is looking forward to the weekend’s game, “Last week was tough but we’re in a better position already as we’ve got more guys fit and healthy. The team has trained well this week and we’re expecting a tough game against the Rebels on Sunday as they’ve got nothing to lose and we’re playing to stay alive.”

Changes to the front row sees the return of Ethan de Groot from his one-week break and Andrew Makalio named at hooker, replacing Liam Coltman who suffered a calf injury last weekend. Bryn Evans also comes back to the second row after a week off.  The remainder of the second row and loose forward trio has a familiar look with Dickson, Lentjes, Harmon and Mikaele-Tu’u in their regular positions.

The experienced Marty Banks will lead the team from first-five and link up in the mid-field with Thomas Umaga-Jensen and Josh Timu. Umaga-Jensen was pulled from the starting line up before the game against the Waratahs with a minor back strain that has since resolved. The powerful second-five will again partner with the hardworking centre in hopes of replicating the impact of the midfield against the Force in round 13.

Brown, added, “We’re pretty lucky to have a player like Banksy to call on. He’s got big game experience, a calm head and an educated boot and with Thomas and Timu combining outside him we’ll have a few options to keep them guessing.”

Daniel Lienert-Brown will take the field for his 100^th Highlander’s game when called on from the bench, joining fellow Club legends such Aaron Smith, Ben Smith, Liam Coltman, Anton Oliver, Jimmy Cowan, Chris King, Elliot Dixon, and Ash Dixon.

Highlanders v Rebels – 2:00pm AEST (4:00pm NZT) Sunday 29^th May, AAMI Park, Melbourne 

1. Ethan de Groot

2. Andrew Makalio

3. Jermaine Ainsley

4. Bryn Evans

5. Josh Dickson

6. James Lentjes (CC)

7. Billy Harmon

8. Marino Mikaele-Tu’u

9. Aaron Smith (CC)

10. Marty Banks*

11. Rory Van Vugt

12. Thomas Umaga-Jensen

13. Josh Timu

14. Fetuli Paea

15. Liam Coombes-Fabling

Reserves

16. Rhys Marshall

17. Daniel Lienert-Brown**

18. Saula Mau

19. Sam Caird

20. Hugh Renton

21. Folau Fakatava

22. Vilimoni Koroi

23. Denny Solomona

*50th Highlanders Game

** 100th Highlanders Game 

Unavailable due to injury: Liam Coltman, Mitch Hunt, Connor Garden-Bachop

ENDS