">
HIGHLANDERS TEAM TO PLAY HURRICANES
14 May 2025
A timely return from injury for Jona Nareki, Sosefo Kautai and Tanielu Tele’a will please Head Coach Jamie Joseph as his charges prepare to take on the Hurricanes in the capital on Friday night.
Ethan de Groot will again co-captain the side in the absence of Hugh Renton who is still plagued by his groin injury. He will be joined in the front row by hooker Jack Taylor and fellow Southland player Mitch Dunshea returns at lock. Veveni Lasaqa moves from the impact bench to the number seven shirt and Sean Withy will start from number eight. Te Kamaka Howden holds on to the blindside position after a strong showing against Moana Pasifika. Soane Vikena, Josh Bartlett, Kautai, Oliver Haig and Taranaki loosie Michael Loft will all be looking to bring plenty of energy later in the game.
Folau Fakatava and Taine Robinson take charge of the backs and the powerful midfield of Timoci Tavatavanawai and Tele’a will no doubt be looking to provide the Highlanders with plenty of go forward on attack. The return of Jona Nareki will deliver extra experience to the back three of Nareki, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens and Jonah Lowe.
Halfback Adam Lennox returns to the bench in place of Nathan Hastie while Cameron Millar and Thomas Umaga-Jensen round out the impact players.
Hurricanes v Highlanders – 7.05pm Friday 16 May, Sky Stadium, Wellington
Starting XV
- Ethan de Groot (cc)
- Jack Taylor
- Saula Ma’u
- Mitch Dunshea
- Fabian Holland
- Te Kamaka Howden
- Veveni Lasaqa
- Sean Withy
- Folau Fakatava
- Taine Robinson
- Jona Nareki
- Timoci Tavatavanawai (cc)
- Tanielu Tele’a
- Jonah Lowe
- Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens
Impacts: 16. Soane Vikena, 17. Josh Bartlett, 18. Sosefo Kautai, 19. Oliver Haig, 20. Michael Loft, 21. Adam Lennox, 22. Camerson Millar, 23. Thomas Umaga-Jensen.
Injury update: Nikora Broughton (knee MCL / 2-3 weeks), Caleb Tangitau (TBC), James Arscott (Shoulder / TBC), Hugh Renton (Groin / TBC), Finn Hurley (Quad / Season), Hayden Michaels (Hamstring / Season), Ajay Faleafaga (Broken hand / Season).
ENDS
