91-Test lock dropped as Highlanders promote All Black for Drua clash

Jamie Joseph and the Highlanders have named their 23-man squad for their trip to Ba, to take on the Fijian Drua this Saturday.

The Highlanders secured a crucial victory in Christchurch over Moana Pasifika to help keep their playoff hopes alive for the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season.

Joseph has opted to drop 91-Test Los Pumas lock Tomas Lavanini, who isn’t listed on the injury report after last weekend’s round eleven matchup against Tana Umaga’s Moana Pasifika.

Two-Test All Black halfback Folau Fakatava moves from the bench to start in the No.9 jersey, resulting in recent star Adam Lennox shifting to the bench role.

The Highlanders were without both Jona Nareki and Caleb Tangitau in round eleven, and while Tangitau remains sidelined with a head injury, Nareki returns on the left wing.

First-five Cameron Millar keeps his spot at No.10, while Timoci Tavatavanawai and Tanielu Tele’a will combine in midfield.

Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens got through his first game back from injury in Christchurch, lining up in the No.15 jersey once again.

The bench is spearheaded by Lucas Casey in jersey No.20, bringing impact alongside Lennox, Xavier Tito-Harris, and Taine Robinson.

Fijian Drua v Highlanders – 4:00pm Saturday 3rd May, Four R Stadium, Ba, Fiji

HIGHLANDERS STARTING XV

1. Ethan de Groot (cc)
2. Jack Taylor
3. Angus Ta’avao
4. Oliver Haig
5. Mitch Dunshea
6. Te Kamaka Howden
7. Veveni Lasaqa
8. Nikora Broughton
9. Folau Fakatava
10. Cameron Millar
11. Jona Nareki
12. Timoci Tavatavanawai (cc)
13. Tanielu Tele’a
14. Jonah Lowe
15. Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens

IMPACT
16. Soane Vikena
17. Daniel Lienert-Brown
18. Saula Ma’u
19. Sean Withy
20. Lucas Casey
21. Adam Lennox
22. Taine Robinson
23. Xavier Tito-Harris

Unavailable due to injury:
Caleb Tangitau (Concussion – 1–2 weeks)
Finn Hurley (Hamstring – 3–5 weeks)
Josh Bartlett (Foot – TBC pending scans)
Sefo Kautai (Knee – 1–2 weeks)
Tai Cribb (Shoulder – 1–2 weeks)

Season Ending:
Dylan Pledger (ACL)
Fabian Holland (Shoulder)
Josh Tengblad (Knee)
Reesjan Pasitoa (Ankle)