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HIGHLANDERS TEAM TO PLAY CHIEFS
28 May 2025
The stage is set for an electrifying encounter on Friday night as the Highlanders prepare to host the table topping Chiefs under the roof at Forsyth Barr Stadium. It may be the bottom playing the top of the table but the Highlanders have shown scant regard for table positions over the last three weeks pushing all opponents to the wire.
The opportunity to play the best team in the competition will no doubt excite the players and their fans as a commanding performance in the season ender would be a confidence builder for 2026.
Highlanders Head Coach Jamie Joseph has stuck largely with the same team that came within a penalty kick of forcing the Crusaders into an extra time decider. A foot injury to first-five Taine Robinson has forced a reshuffle with Cameron Millar starting at first-five, providing and a swansong opportunity for Sam Gilbert off the bench.
Gilbert a loyal servant of the southern-most club, recently signed for Connacht and, while he still has an NPC season with Otago, this will be in all likelihood be his last appearance in a Highlanders jersey.
The Chiefs, boasting a powerful forward pack and dynamic backline, will be looking to bring their trademark fast-paced game to the southern stronghold. They will no doubt be pushing hard for victory as pole position heading into the play-offs is far from decided.
Highlanders v Chiefs – 7.05pm Friday 30 May, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
Starting XV
- Ethan de Groot (CC)
- Jack Taylor
- Saula Ma’u
- Fabian Holland
- Tai Cribb
- Te Kamaka Howden
- Veveni Lasaqa
- Sean Withy
- Folau Fakatava
- Cam Millar
- Taniela Filimone
- Timoci Tavatavanawai (CC)
- Tanielu Tele’a
- Jonah Lowe
- Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens
Impacts: 16. Soane Vikena, 17. Daniel Lienert-Brown, 18. Sosefo Kautai, 19. Will Stodart, 20. Michael Loft, 21. Adam Lennox, 22. Sam Gilbert, 23. Thomas Umaga-Jensen.
Injury update: Caleb Tangitau (Groin), Nikora Broughton (Knee MCL), Finn Hurley (Quad), Hayden Michaels (Hamstring), Ajay Faleafaga (Broken hand), James Arscott (Shoulder), Hugh Renton (Groin), Jona Nareki (Knee), Oliver Haig (Foot), Mitch Dunshea (Neck), Taine Robinson (Foot).
ENDS
