Super heroes to clash on Friday Night when the Highlanders and Hurricanes face off for Kids Round

Get ready for an action-packed and family-friendly Friday night as the Highlanders take on the Hurricanes in a thrilling Super Rugby showdown at Forsyth Barr Stadium. This exciting match will be extra special as both teams gear up for Kids Round, bringing the magic of super heroes to life on the field.

In celebration of Super Rugby Kids Round, the Highlanders and Hurricanes will be stepping into their super hero alter egos for the evening. The Highlanders will embrace the strength and power of The Incredible Hulk, while the Hurricanes will don the heroic mantle of Captain America. Fans can expect an electrifying atmosphere, with the players' super hero-inspired jerseys and themed entrances adding to the excitement of the match.

As both teams prepare for this highly anticipated contest, the Highlanders will be looking to continue their strong form at home, while the Hurricanes, with their dynamic backline and hard-hitting forwards, will bring their own brand of excitement to the game.

Head Coach, Jamie Joseph, has restored props Ethan de Groot and Saula Ma’u to the front row with young Southland hooker Jack Taylor. TK Howden comes in at blindside moving Sean Withy to openside. At number eight Nikora Broughton retains his place in the side as co-Captain Hugh Renton remains on the injury list.

In the backs Nathan Hastie gets a start at halfback following a standout performance against Moana Pasifika. Returning from injury, Jona Nareki, takes his place on the left wing and the fleet footed Caleb Tangitau swaps to the right wing. The experienced Sam Gilbert holds the fifteen spot with Finn Hurley sidelined with a quad injury.

The bench has familiar look to it apart from first-five Ajay Faleafaga making his first appearance in the match day team as Cameron Millar recovers from the concussion he received against Moana Pasifika.

Coach Joseph is excited about the home encounter:

 “We are looking forward to getting back out in front of our home supporters (especially the kids) for what will be a big challenge against the Hurricanes. The atmosphere against the Blues was electric and the players certainly feed of that. We know the Hurricanes will be hungry to get the better of us on Friday night and the players are well aware of the threat they will present. In this competition every game is a big game.”

Special Super Kids Round Activities:

• Come dressed as your favourite Super Hero and you could win prizes at the games and participate on the Super Hero March Past on the field at halftime
• Test your skills at the Tūhura Otago Museum skills stations in the KidsZone
• Facepainting and Super Hero giveaways
• Secondary Schools Touch Exhibition at halftime

• U13 Kids Free thanks to Delivereasy (and at all games this year!)

Highlanders v Hurricanes – 7.05pm Friday 14^th March, Forsyth Barr Stadium Dunedin

Starting XV:

1. Ethan de Groot
2. Jack Taylor
3. Saula Ma’u 
4. Fabian Holland 
5. Mitch Dunshea 
6. Te Kamaka (TK) Howden
7. Sean Withy (VC
8. Nikora Broughton 
9. Nathan Hastie
10. Taine Robinson 
11. Jona Nareki
12. Timoci Tavatavanawai (C)
13. Tanielu Tele’a
14. Caleb Tangitau
15. Sam Gilbert

 Impacts

16. Soane Vikena, 17. Josh Bartlett, 18. Sefo Kautai, 19. Will Stodart, 20. Veveni Lasaqa, 21. James Arscott, 22. Ajay Faleafaga, 23. Jake Te Hiwi. 

Injury update: Oliver Haig (Foot / 4 weeks ), Jonah Lowe (ACL / 2-3 weeks ), Cameron Millar (Concussion / 1-2 weeks), Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens (Neck / 4-5 weeks), Finn Hurley (Quad / 1-2weeks) , Folau Fakatava (Hamstring / 1-2 weeks), Hugh Renton (Groin / 1-2 weeks)