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HIGHLANDERS TEAM TO PLAY MOANA PASIFIKA
30 April 2025
Sunday afternoon rugby will be on the cards this week when the Highlanders take on Moana Pasifika in a game that will be very important for both team’s finals aspirations and ensure there will be plenty to play for.
Head Coach Jamie Joseph has made minimal changes to the Highlanders forward pack this week with Co-Captain Hugh Renton returning to number eight and lock Oliver Haig being promoted from the bench. Haig will partner with Fabian Holland who has been declared fit to play after leaving the field early against the Crusaders.
Rohan Wingham makes his first appearance in the game day squad for the season replacing the injured Sosefo Kautai. Following a huge shift against the Crusaders last week lock, Mitch Dunshea, will impact the game from the bench along with Veveni Lasaqa who also had a strong performance last round.
In the backs, Otago teammates Nathan Hastie and Cameron Millar, will be the key game drivers and Folau Fakatava will make his appearance later in the match. Taine Robinson is also on the bench following some good club form in recent weeks.
Round 12 is the annual celebration of grassroots rugby for the Highlanders and players will be wearing their club socks to acknowledge their club roots. There is also a First XV curtain raiser between Waitaki Boys High School and Kings High School kicking off at 1:30pm and the annual SBS Bank Junior Club Relay at halftime.
Highlanders v Moana Pasifika – 3.35pm Sunday 4 May, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
Starting XV
- Ethan de Groot
- Soane Vikena
- Saula Ma’u
- Fabian Holland
- Oliver Haig
- Te Kamaka Howden
- Sean Withy
- Hugh Renton (cc)
- Nathan Hastie
- Cameron Millar
- Jonah Lowe
- Timoci Tavatavanawai (cc)
- Thomas Umaga-Jensen
- Sam Gilbert
- Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens
Impacts: 16. Jack Taylor, 17. Josh Bartlett, 18. Rohan Wingham, 19. Mitch Dunshea, 20. Veveni Lasaqa, 21. Folau Fakatava, 22. Taine Robinson, 23. Jake Te Hiwi
Injury update: Caleb Tangitau (Groin 1-2 weeks), Tanielu Tele’a (Hamstring 1-2 weeks), Jona Nareki (Knee 1-2 Weeks), Sosefo Kautai (Neck 1-2 weeks), Nikora Broughton (Knee MCL 4-6 weeks), Finn Hurley (Quad – Season End), Hayden Michaels (Hamstring – Season End), Ajay Faleafaga (Broken hand – Season End), James Arscott (Shoulder – TBC).
ENDS
