Three changes for the Highlanders ahead of Moana Clash
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The Highlanders are primed for an action-packed showdown against Moana Pasifika in their upcoming DHL Super Rugby Pacific match on Friday night, and the team is eager to continue their strong start to the season.
The Highlanders will face a Moana Pasifika side that has shown plenty of resilience and flair in the opening two rounds. The game will be staged at their new home for 2025 North Harbour Stadium in Albany.
The Highlanders have made three changes to their starting pack. At loosehead prop, Josh Bartlett, will make his debut and will join Soane Mikaele Vikena and Sefo Kautai in the front row. The experienced Ethan de Groot and Saula Ma’u who both left the field last week will back up from the bench this week. Nikora Broughton gets his chance to continue his good form at number eight and in combination with Veveni Lasaqa and Sean Withy, will provide plenty of mobility in the back row. Hardworking locks Mitch Dunshea and Fabian Holland will continue their partnership in the middle row.
On the bench Te Kamaka (TK) Howden returns from injury to potentially make his debut appearance for the Highlanders. Joining him on the impact list are Otago players Will Stodart, Nathan Hastie and Cameron Millar, who will combine later in the game. The hard charging midfielder, Jake Te Hiwi is named in the match day twenty-three for the first time this season.
The backline remains intact and former Moana Pasifika player Timoci Tavatavanawai will Captain the side from the midfield. His co-captain Hugh Renton will miss the game with Head Coach, Jamie Joseph, reporting that a niggling injury has hampered Renton’s form over the opening games, he will provide him with time to recover and regain that form over the next few weeks with round four being a bye for the team.
Joseph is wary of the challenge ahead:
“We know Moana Pasifika will bring plenty of intensity and passion, playing in front of their family and friends at their new home ground. Our focus this week has been on building on our momentum and executing our game plan, and we’re excited to get another opportunity to deliver for our fans,” he said.
Moana Pasifika v Highlanders - 7.05pm Friday 28th February, North Harbour Stadium Auckland
Starting XV:
- Josh Bartlett*
- Soane Mikaele Vikena
- Sefo Kautai
- Fabian Holland
- Mitch Dunshea
- Sean Withy
- Veveni Lasaqa
- Nikora Broughton
- Folau Fakatava
- Taine Robinson
- Caleb Tangitau
- Timoci Tavatavanawai (C)
- Tanielu Tele’a
- Sam Gilbert
- Finn Hurley
Impact:
- Jack Taylor
- Ethan de Groot
- Saula Ma’u
- Will Stodart
- Te Kamaka (TK) Howden*
- Nathan Hastie
- Cameron Millar
- Jake Te Hiwi
*debut/potential debut
Injury update: Oliver Haig (foot / 7 weeks ), Jonah Lowe (ACL / 4 weeks ), Jona Nareki (ankle / 2 weeks), Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens (neck / 7 weeks), Josh Whaanga (back / 1 week)
