Highlanders gear up to face the Reds
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Afternoon rugby makes a return for the Highlanders round 6 battle against the high-flying Queensland Reds. The Reds are currently the highest ranked Australian team in Super Rugby Pacific, sitting third on the table, and will visit Dunedin full of confidence after dispatching the Waratahs in the previous round while the Highlanders lost in a nail-biter to the Hurricanes after a last-minute drop goal sailed by the uprights.
The Highlanders will be desperate to get that winning at home feeling again before they depart for their two-week Australian tour next week.
There are few changes to the team with a slightly rejigged forward pack; Soane Vikena starting at hooker and Jack Taylor returning to an impact role, TK Howden moving from loose forward to lock and Fabian Holland will make his large presence felt off the bench. Sean Withy will vice-Captain the side from blindside flanker providing Head Coach Jamie Joseph with a very mobile pack and loose forward trio.
In the backs, Thomas Umaga-Jensen will make his debut for the 2025 season following early season injury and a few warm-up games for the Highlanders Bravehearts Development team. His reinstatement to the midfield means Captain Timoci Tavatavanawai reverts to his more familiar position on the left wing. The mercurial Finn Hurley returns from a quad injury to earn his place at fullback which means regular starter Sam Gilbert will make his 50th Super Rugby appearance as an impact player.
Head Coach Jamie Joseph understands that winning the key moments is critical to his team’s success:
“The Reds are playing some great footy under their Coaching team and pose a massive challenge for us and we’re working hard to make sure we’re on the right side of the result on Saturday.”
The 4:35pm kick off will be the first afternoon fixture for the Highlanders home season and is expected to be a popular amongst families and rugby fans alike after two superb home crowds at Forsyth Barr Stadium so far this season.
Highlanders v Reds – 4.35pm, Saturday 22nd March, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
Starting XV:
1. Ethan de Groot
2. Soane Vikena
3. Saula Ma’u
4. Te Kamaka (TK) Howden
5. Mitch Dunshea
6. Sean Withy (VC)
7. Viveni Lasaqa
8. Nikora Broughton
9. Nathan Hastie
10. Taine Robinson
11. Timoci Tavatavanawai (C)
12. Thomas Umaga-Jensen
13. Tanielu Tele’a
14. Caleb Tangitau
15. Finn Hurley
Impacts:
16. Jack Taylor
17. Josh Bartlett
18. Sefo Kautai
19. Fabian Holland
20. Will Stodart
21. James Arscott
22. Ajay Faleafaga
23. Sam Gilbert*
*50th Super Rugby Game
Injury update: Oliver Haig (Foot / 3 weeks ), Jonah Lowe (ACL / 1-2 weeks ), Cameron Millar (Concussion / 1-2 weeks), Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens (Neck / 3-4 weeks), Folau Fakatava (Hamstring / 1-2 weeks), Hugh Renton (Groin / 1-2 weeks)
