Highlanders set to face Blues at super Round Melbourne

HIGHLANDERS SET TO FACE BLUES IN SUPER ROUND MELBOURNE

The Highlanders are Melbourne bound for a Super Round clash against the Blues this Friday. After a thrilling opening round under the roof at Forsyth Barr Stadium Head Coach, Clarke Dermody, has named a team with few changes to face their first New Zealand team of the 2024 DHL Super Rugby Competition.

In the forwards, Ethan de Groot returns to the front row and Jermaine Ainsley rotates into the starting tight head position. Additionally, Max Hicks comes into the team to join Pari Pari Parkinson at lock. Not unexpectedly, the entire backline remains unchanged with standout performances from debutants, notably Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens.  

Rhys Patchell also retains his spot at first-five eighth while a rotation of reserve first-fives sees newcomer Ajay Faleafaga come into the playing 23 with a chance to debut in Melbourne.

Coach Clarke Dermody expressed satisfaction with the team's progress but emphasised the continued pursuit of improvement. "I'm pleased with the strides the team has made, but there's always room for growth. We’re aiming to build on our performance from round 1 and meet the challenge in Melbourne," Dermody states.

SUPER ROUND MELBOURNE

Highlanders v Blues – 6:00pm AEST (8:00pm NZT), Friday 1^st Match, AAMI Park, Melbourne

1. 1. Ethan de Groot
   2. Henry Bell
   3. Jermaine Ainsley
   4. Pari Pari Parkinson
   5. Max Hicks
   6. Sean Withy
   7. Billy Harmon (C)
   8. Hugh Renton
   9. Folau Fakatava
   10. Rhys Patchell
   11. Jona Nareki
   12. Sam Gilbert (VC)
   13. Tanielu Tele’a
   14. Timoci Tavatavanawai
   15. Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens

RESERVES

16. Ricky Jackson

17. Daniel Lienert-Brown

18. Saula Ma’u

19. Fabian Holland

20. Nikora Broughton

21. Nathan Hastie

22. Ajay Faleafaga

23. Jonah Lowe