HIGHLANDERS TEAM TO PLAY THE CRUSADERS

Injuries have forced some changes to the Highlanders ahead of the southern derby against the Crusaders this weekend. Co-Captain, Hugh Renton, who has been battling a groin injury this season will get a rest this week as will Daniel Lienert-Brown with a foot injury. A double blow on the wing with Caleb Tangitau still not quite ready and Jona Nareki ruled out with a knock to his knee that forced him from the field last week.

In news that will please Highlander fans All Black prop, Ethan de Groot, has been declared fit to play and will co-Captain the side. The in-form Sean Withy returns from suspension providing the hard-working Veveni Lasaqa with a chance to make his impact from the bench.

Saula Ma’u rotates with Sosefo Kautai at tighthead prop and the versatile Will Stodart replaces Renton at number eight in the starting pack. Oliver Haig will get his opportunity later in the game along with Jack Taylor and Josh Bartlett. Nathan Hastie returns to back up Folau Fakatava and a potential debut appearance off the bench for 21-year-old local player, Josh Whaanga.

In the backs, there will be an opportunity for Otago’s Jake Te Hiwi to link up with his provincial partner Thomas Umaga-Jensen in the midfield. Co-captain, Timoci Tavatavanawai moves to the right wing and after a good showing off the bench against the Chiefs, Jonah Lowe gets his first starting spot of the year on the left wing.

The season’s biggest crowd is expected for the match and the teams will wear commemorative jerseys to mark the Super Rugby Pacific Anzac Weekend Round. There will also be an Anzac acknowledgement prior to the game commencing with the help of the local Dunedin RSA and New Zealand Defence Force personnel.

Highlanders v Crusaders – 7.05pm Saturday 26^th April, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin

Starting XV

1. Ethan de Groot (cc)
2. Soane Vikena
3. Saula Ma'u
4. Mitch Dunshea
5. Fabian Holland 
6. Te Kamaka Howden
7. Sean Withy
8. Will Stodart
9. Folau Fakatava
10. Cameron Millar
11. Jonah Lowe
12. Jake Te Hiwi
13. Thomas Umaga-Jensen
14. Timoci Tavatavanawai (cc)
15. Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens

Impacts: 16. Jack Taylor, 17. Josh Bartlett, 18. Sosefo Kautai, 19. Oliver Haig, 20. Veveni Lasaqa, 21. Nathan Hastie, 22. Sam Gilbert, 23. Josh Whaanga (Potential Debut)

Injury update: 

Caleb Tangitau (Groin / 1-2 weeks), Tanielu Tele’a (Hamstring / 1-2 weeks), Jona Nareki (Knee/ 1-2 weeks), Daniel Lienert-Brown (Foot / 1-2 weeks), Nikora Broughton (Knee / MCL 5-7 weeks), Finn Hurley (Quad / Season), Hayden Michaels (Hamstring / Season), Ajay Faleafaga (Hand / Season), James Arscott (Shoulder / TBC)

ENDS