HIGHLANDERS PREPARE FOR A ROUND FOUR MATCH UP WITH THE BRUMBIES

After a thrilling two-week tour of Australia, the Highlanders are set to play the Brumbies at home in Dunedin. However, the team will take the field without the formidable presence of Hugh Renton, who sustained a high ankle injury in the previous week’s win over the Waratahs. Renton is expected to be sidelined for six weeks.

Highlanders Head Coach, Clarke Dermody is not without options however, and has chosen to reward Tom Sanders with his second start in the six jersey, while Captain Billy Harmon is reinstated at the openside flanker position. Nikora Broughton will shift to the back of the scrum for his second consecutive start of the season.

The upcoming match against the Brumbies not only marks the first Saturday afternoon game of the 2024 home season but also presents an opportunity for three players to make their mark in the starting XV. Jack Taylor, Cameron Millar, and Martín Bogado have all be selected in to start this weekend.

Jack Taylor, a mobile young hooker, will aim to impress in his first start, while local Otago player Cameron Millar will take charge of directing the team on the field and will relish the opportunity at home under the roof after missing the previous two games, but also, the travel involved with two weeks on the road.

Outside back, Martín Bogado, has earned his first start of 2024 on the left wing after a late return to the team following his inclusion in the Argentinian World Cup Squad and will be looking to stamp his mark on a hotly contested position in the outside backs.

Head Coach, Clarke Dermody, expressed his enthusiasm for returning home and emphasized the healthy competition within the team.

“We’re gutted to have lost Hughy, he’s been a real asset on the field, but we have confidence in our other loose forwards to do their jobs. The same goes for Cam, he’s benefitted from two weeks at home training and playing for the development team and has now got his opportunity to prove himself as a starting 10.

“There’s nothing like being at back at home and we’re looking forward to putting on a good show for our fans – our Highlanders family – back at Forsyth Barr stadium on Saturday afternoon,” said Dermody.

The Highlanders play the Brumbies at 4:35 pm this Saturday at Forsyth Barr Stadium.

Highlanders v Brumbies – 4:35 pm, Saturday 16^th March, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin

1. Ethan de Groot
2. Jack Taylor
3. Saula Ma’u
4. Fabian Holland
5. Max Hicks
6. Tom Sanders
7. Billy Harmon (C)
8. Nikora Broughton
9. Folau Fakatava
10. Cameron Millar
11. Martín Bogado
12. Sam Gilbert (VC)
13. Tanielu Tele’a
14. Timoci Tavatavanawai
15. Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens

 RESERVES

1. Henry Bell
2. Ayden Johnstone
3. Jermaine Ainsley
4. Oliver Haig
5. Sean Withy
6. James Arscott
7. Ajay Faleafaga
8. Connor Garden-Bachop