Caleb Tangitau returns as Jona Nareki shifts to midfield for Highlanders

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.

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.

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

26

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)

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