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Caleb Tangitau returns as Jona Nareki shifts to midfield for Highlanders

DUNEDIN, NEW ZEALAND - MARCH 07: Caleb Tangitau of Highlanders charges across the tryline to score during the round four Super Rugby match between Highlanders and Western Force at Forsyth Barr Stadium, on March 07, 2026, in Dunedin, New Zealand. (Photo by Joe Allison/Getty Images)
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Highlanders head coach Jamie Joseph has had some success moving wingers into the midfield, and his latest experiment is putting in-form wing Jona Nareki in the No.13 jersey.

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Nareki will combine with a fellow wing-turned-midfielder, Timoci Tavatavanawai, for the Highlanders, while Caleb Tangitau returns from injury on the right wing, and Jonah Lowe is named on the left edge. Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens retains his place at fullback, adding extra playmaking flavour alongside Adam Lennox at halfback and Cam Millar at 10.

In the forwards, Ethan de Groot, Jack Taylor and Angus Ta’avao will lead from the front, with Tomas Lavanini and Mitch Dunshea also in the engine room. The loose forwards feature TK Howden, Lucas Casey and Nikora Broughton.

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The coming match is the Highlanders’ final home game of the year, and can only be considered a must-win with the team sitting ninth on the table and five competition points outside of the sixth and final playoff spot.

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins
2
Draws
0
Wins
3
Average Points scored
32
27
First try wins
60%
Home team wins
60%

Highlanders team to play the Waratahs

  1. Ethan de Groot (cc)
  2. Jack Taylor
  3. Angus Ta’avao
  4. Tomás Lavanini
  5. Mitch Dunshea
  6. Te Kamaka Howden
  7. Lucas Casey
  8. Nikora Broughton
  9. Adam Lennox
  10. Cameron Millar
  11. Jonah Lowe
  12. Timoci Tavatavanawai (cc)
  13. Jona Nareki
  14. Caleb Tangitau
  15. Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens

Reserves

16. Soane Vikena
17. Daniel Lienert-Brown
18. Saula Ma’u
19. Oliver Haig
20. Sean Withy
21. Nic Shearer
22. Taine Robinson
23. Xavier Tito-Harris

Unavailable due to injury:
Finn Hurley (Hamstring – 3–5 weeks)
Josh Bartlett (Foot – TBC)
Ben Lopas (Calf – 1 week)

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

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