Highlanders name team for season opener
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Highlanders name team for season opener
The Highlanders are set to kick off their 2025 Super Rugby Pacific campaign with an exciting clash against the Waratahs in Sydney this Friday night.
Head Coach Jamie Joseph has named his match-day team for the opening round, featuring two players making their Super Rugby Pacific debuts who will bring plenty of fresh energy to the team and a further five players with Super Rugby Pacific experience making their debuts for the Highlanders.
The Highlanders will no doubt be eager to start the season on a high note against a formidable opponent in the NSW Waratahs.
Key Points for the Opening Match:
Head Coach Jamie Joseph has named his match-day team for the opening round, featuring two players making their Super Rugby Pacific debuts who will bring plenty of fresh energy to the team and a further five players with Super Rugby Pacific experience making their debuts for the Highlanders.
The Highlanders will no doubt be eager to start the season on a high note against a formidable opponent in the NSW Waratahs.
Key Points for the Opening Match:
- Hugh Renton and Timoci Tavatavanawai will lead the team as co-captains, starting at number 8 and second-five respectively
- The front row will feature the powerful duo of All Black loosehead Ethan de Groot and Saula Ma’u at tighthead prop, with hard running hooker Soane Vikena.
- Along with Vikena in the starting lineup, Caleb Tangitau (left wing) and Taine Robinson (first-five) will make their Highlanders debuts, having previously played Super Rugby for the Blues (Vikena and Tangitau) and Crusaders (Robinson) in 2024.
- Michael Manson (right wing) and Lui Naeata (blindside flanker) will take the field for their debuts in Super Rugby Pacific. Manson has shown genuine pace in the preseason and along with Tangitau should provide plenty of pace on the edge for the Highlanders. The Tongan born Naeata will add plenty of solidity to the Highlanders backrow with the well performed Sean Withy and the experienced Renton.
- The Highlanders' backline will be rounded out by Sam Gilbert at fullback, Tanielu Tele’a starting at centre and a first time starting opportunity for Otago halfback Nathan Hastie.
- On the bench it will be a first time appearances for the Highlanders for Sefo Kautai (TH Prop) and Veveni Lasaqa (Flanker).
It’s an exciting lineup as Head Coach Jamie Joseph looks to blend youth with experience in a bid for a strong start to the season.
Highlanders Head Coach Jamie Joseph said:
"We are excited to get our season underway, there is a lot of enthusiasm and energy around the squad as we prepare for a tough opener against the Waratahs. We have named a mix of debutants and experienced players to provide us with the understanding and creativity needed to take on a team full of international players."
Highlanders v NSW Waratahs – ALLIANZ Stadium, Sydney, Friday 14th February 7.35pm AEDT (9.35PM NZT)
Starting XV:
1. Ethan de Groot
2. Soane Mikaele Vikena (Highlanders Debut)
3. Saula Ma’u
4. Fabian Holland
5. Mitch Dunshea
6. Lui Naeata (Super Rugby Pacific Debut)
7. Sean Withy
8. Hugh Renton (CC)
9. Nathan Hastie
10. Taine Robinson (Highlanders Debut)
11. Caleb Tangitau (Highlanders Debut)
12. Timoci Tavatavanawai (CC)
13. Tanielu Tele’a
14. Michael Manson (Super Rugby Pacific Debut)
15. Sam Gilbert
Impact:
16. Henry Bell
17. Daniel Lienert-Brown
18. Sefo Kautai (Highlanders Debut)
19. Nikora Broughton
20. Veveni Lasaqa (Highlanders Debut)
21. Folau Fakatava
22. Cameron Millar
23. Finn Hurley
Injury update: Oliver Haig (foot / 9 weeks ), Jonah Lowe (ACL / 7 weeks ) Thomas Umaga-Jensen (shoulder / 2 weeks), TK Howden (hamstring / 4 weeks), Jona Nareki (ankle /5 weeks) Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens (neck / 9 weeks)
