Highlanders Prepare for Hurricanes Clash with Key Roster Changes

Dunedin, New Zealand – The Highlanders are set to host the Hurricanes in a crucial Round 6 DHL Super Rugby Pacific match on Friday night, with several key changes to the starting lineup due to injuries. The team will also be welcoming back co-captain Hugh Renton after a significant recovery period.

Injury Updates and Team Adjustments

Locks Tomás Lavanini and Mitch Dunshea are unavailable due to injury, paving the way for Te Kamaka Howden and Oliver Haig to start in the second row. This shift also allows Tai Cribb to make his first Super Rugby Pacific appearance of the season.

In the backs, Reesjan Pasitoa will take the starting position at fly-half (No. 10) after Cameron Millar was ruled out following a concussion sustained during the match against the Crusaders. Andrew Knewstubb, a Commonwealth and Olympic Games medallist with the New Zealand Sevens team, is in line to make his Super Rugby debut from the bench.

Jonah Lowe returns to the starting lineup, bolstering the backline alongside Timoci Tavatavanawai and Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens.

Renton’s Return a Boost for the Highlanders

Co-captain Hugh Renton will make his first Highlanders appearance since April of last year, following recovery from pelvis and groin surgery. Head Coach Jamie Joseph highlighted Renton’s return as a major boost, praising his character, professionalism, and dedication to the club. Highlanders News

Hurricanes Arrive as Competition Leaders

The Hurricanes currently sit atop the Super Rugby Pacific standings and will be looking to maintain their strong form. A Super Rugby Development curtain raiser between the Highlanders Bravehearts and the Hurricanes Hunters will precede the main match, kicking off at 4:20pm local time. Gates open at 4:00pm.

Match Details

Highlanders v Hurricanes – 7:05pm, Friday 20th March, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin

Highlanders Starting XV

• Ethan de Groot
• Jack Taylor
• Angus Ta’avao
• Oliver Haig
• Te Kamaka Howden
• Sean Withy
• Lucas Casey
• Hugh Renton (cc)
• Folau Fakatava
• Reesjan Pasitoa
• Jona Nareki
• Timoci Tavatavanawai (cc)
• Jonah Lowe
• Caleb Tangitau
• Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens

Impact Players

• Soane Vikena
• Josh Bartlett
• Sosefo Kautai
• Tai Cribb
• Veveni Lasaqa
• Adam Lennox
• Andrew Knewstubb (potential Super Rugby debut)
• Tanielu Tele’a

Unavailable Players

• Cameron Millar (concussion – 1-2 weeks)
• Finn Hurley (foot – 3 weeks)
• Josh Tengblad (knee – TBC)
• Mitch Dunshea (calf – 3-4 weeks)
• Saula Ma’u (shoulder – 2 weeks)
• Tomas Lavanini (concussion – 1-2 weeks)
• Dylan Pledger (ACL – Season Ending)
• Fabian Holland (Shoulder – Season Ending)