Highlanders Stick with Core Group for Round Three Clash in Brisbane

Highlanders Head Coach Jamie Joseph has maintained a steady hand at the selection table as his side heads into their round three encounter with the Reds, at what is expected to be a hot and humid Suncorp Stadium. Joseph has kept faith with the group that pushed the Chiefs to the brink last weekend, a performance highlighted by several outstanding long‑range tries in front of a vocal home crowd.

While encouraged by the attacking spark shown in Dunedin, Joseph will be demanding greater accuracy in the loose exchanges after two costly turnovers allowed the Chiefs to strike at crucial moments. The forward pack once again delivered a tradesman‑like shift, matching the Chiefs physically and refusing to back down from the collisions.

There is just one change to the starting pack, Oliver Haig rotates with Will Stodart shifting to the bench and veteran prop Daniel Lienert‑Brown is set to add to his 134 Highlanders caps with his first appearance in the match‑day 23 for 2026. At hooker, last season’s regular starter Soane Vikena returns to the bench, replacing Otago’s Henry Bell. Co‑captain Sean Withy will again lead the forward pack from the openside.

On the other side of the ball, the Highlanders’ backline remains largely unchanged after an encouraging display against the Chiefs. The boot of Cameron Millar will be important as the Highlanders look to put together a kicking game that will pressure the Reds.

Out wide, the strike trio of Jona Nareki, Caleb Tangitau, and Jacob Ratumaitavuki‑Kneepkens again provide genuine finishing power, while Co-captain Timoci Tavatavanawai and Jonah Lowe offer a hard‑running, defensively sound midfield pairing that continues to grow week to week.  Folau Fakatava and Reesjan Pasitoa are primed to inject tempo and creativity from the bench.

Coach Joseph is expecting a torrid encounter in the Brisbane heat.

“The Reds are coming off a bye and they’ve got a proud record at home. Our game is growing, and we’re working hard on the small details that will help us deliver a more complete 80‑minute performance. We’ll need that level of accuracy and intensity if we’re going to get the job done on Friday.”

HIGHLANDERS V QUEENSLAND REDS

6:35PM AEST (9:35PM NZT) Friday 27^th February, Suncorp Stadium Brisbane

STARTING XV                                                                                                   

1. Ethan de Groot
2. Jack Taylor
3. Rohan Wingham
4. Will Stodart
5. Mitch Dunshea
6. Te Kamaka Howden
7. Sean Withy (CC)
8. Lucas Casey
9. Adam Lennnox
10. Cameron Millar
11. Jona Nareki      
12. Timoci Tavatavanawai (CC)
13. Jonah Lowe            
14. Caleb Tangitau
15. Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens

IMPACT: 16. Soane Vikena, 17. Daniel Lienert-Brown, 18. Sosefo Kautai, 19. Oliver Haig, 20. Veveni Lasaqa, 21. Folau Fakatava, 22. Reesjan Pasitoa, 23. Tanielu Tele'a 

Unavailable due to injury: Saula Ma’u (shoulder - 5 weeks), Finn Hurley (foot - 6 weeks), Andrew Knewstubb (quad - 1 week)

Season Ending: Dylan Pledger (ACL) Fabian Holland (Shoulder)

ENDS