Highlanders’ Head Coach Jamie Joseph has gone for consistency in the naming of his team to play the Crusaders on Friday night for what could be the last time at Apollo Stadium in Christchurch.
Oliver Haig is not included due to a foot injury incurred during last week’s nail-biting loss to the Hurricanes. Joseph will not have the services of star winger Jona Nareki either after succumbing to a knee injury in the first half.
Taking their places are Tai Cribb and Taniela Filimone, with Will Stodart rotating in to the impacts for Michael Loft.
Saula Ma’u will make his 50th appearance for the Highlanders when he runs out this weekend. The 25-year-old Tongan tighthead prop made his debut in the 2022 season and, after arriving in New Zealand as a 15-year-old, played for Auckland Grammar. He has played 31 games for Otago and last year was selected in the All Blacks XV team for their Northern Tour.
Starting XV
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- Ethan de Groot (cc)
- Jack Taylor
- Saula Ma’u
- Mitch Dunshea
- Fabian Holland
- Te Kamaka Howden
- Veveni Lasaqa
- Sean Withy
- Folau Fakatava
- Taine Robinson
- Taniela Filimone
- Timoci Tavatavanawai (cc)
- Tanielu Tele’a
- Jonah Lowe
- Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens
Impacts: 16. Soane Vikena, 17. Josh Bartlett, 18. Sosefo Kautai, 19. Tai Cribb, 20. Will Stodart, 21. Adam Lennox, 22. Cam Millar, 23. Thomas Umaga-Jensen.
Injury update:
Caleb Tangitau (Groin), Nikora Broughton (Knee MCL), Finn Hurley (Quad), Hayden Michaels (Hamstring), Ajay Faleafaga (Broken hand), James Arscott (Shoulder), Hugh Renton (Groin), Jona Nareki (Knee), Oliver Haig (Foot).
