140 kg Highlanders prop to reach milestone in southern derby

Highlanders bruiser Saula Ma’u will play his 50th game for the team in Christchurch this weekend when they take on the Crusaders.

The 2024 All Blacks XV prop has overcome an injury-riddled start to his professional rugby career to carve out a starting role in the Highlanders pack, alongside All Black Ethan de Groot, who retains co-captaincy this week.

It will be a very similar team that takes the field at Apollo Srojects Stadium to the one that was pipped in the dying moments in Wellington over the weekend just gone, but head coach Jamie Joseph does not have the complete benefit of health to aid selection consistency.

Oliver Haig and Jona Nareki are both sidelined after picking up lower-body injuries against the Hurricanes. Tai Cribb and Taniela Filimone take their places, respectively.

Haig and Nareki join an already deep injury ward in Dunedin, with burgeoning stars Caleb Tangitau and Nikora Broughton still missing in the matchday 23.

The Highlanders claimed a historic win over the Crusaders in 2024, and will be looking to repeat history away from home come Friday.

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

4

Draws

0

Wins

1

Average Points scored

31

17

First try wins

80%

Home team wins

80%

Highlanders team to play the Crusaders

1. Ethan de Groot (cc)
2. Jack Taylor
3. Saula Ma’u
4. Mitch Dunshea
5. Fabian Holland
6. Te Kamaka Howden
7. Veveni Lasaqa
8. Sean Withy
9. Folau Fakatava
10. Taine Robinson
11. Taniela Filimone
12. Timoci Tavatavanawai (cc)
13. Tanielu Tele’a
14. Jonah Lowe
15. Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens

Reserves

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).