Co-captain returns as Highlanders tweak team for Hurricanes

Highlanders co-captain Hugh Renton is back on deck for for teh first time in nearly 12 months as the men from the Deep South host the table-topping Hurricanes in round 6.

Renton returns to start in the No.8 jersey, which, along with injuries to Tomas Lavanini and Mitch Dunshea, has prompted a shift in the Highlanders’ forward pack.

Lucas Casey, Sean Withy, and TK Howden have all shifted one spot over to accommodate the co-catain, meaning Howden has slid into the second row for the first time in his Super Rugby career.

“As our co-captain and most experienced loose forward, it’s great to have Hugh back playing Super Rugby. He has worked extremely hard to come back from injury setbacks in recent seasons, and it demonstrates his character, professionalism, and real passion for the club,” Highlanders head coach Jamie Joseph said.

In the backline, a concussion has sidelined Cam Millar, meaning Reesjan Pasitoa will line up at No.10 for the first time in his Highlanders tenure. The change also creates an opening for former All Blacks Sevens ace Andrew Knewstubb on the bench, who is in line for a Super Rugby debut.

There is, otherwise, a sense of cohesiveness in the selected team, with emerging talents across the 23.

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

0

Draws

0

Wins

5

Average Points scored

16

32

First try wins

60%

Home team wins

40%

Highlanders team to play the Hurricanes

1. Ethan de Groot
2. Jack Taylor
3. Angus Ta’avao
4. Oliver Haig
5. Te Kamaka Howden
6. Sean Withy
7. Lucas Casey
8. Hugh Renton (cc)
9. Folau Fakatava
10. Reesjan Pasitoa
11. Jona Nareki
12. Timoci Tavatavanawai (cc)
13. Jonah Lowe
14. Caleb Tangitau
15. Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens

Reserves

16. Soane Vikena
17. Josh Bartlett
18. Sosefo Kautai
19. Tai Cribb
20. Veveni Lasaqa
21. Adam Lennox
22. Andrew Knewstubb (potential Super Rugby debut)
23. Tanielu Tele’a

Injury list

Cameron Millar (concussion 1-2 weeks)
Finn Hurley (foot 3 weeks)
Josh Tengblad (knee TBC)
Mitch Dunshea (calf 3-4 weeks)
Saula Ma’u (shoulder 2 weeks)
Tomas Lavanini (concussion 1-2 weeks)
Dylan Pledger (ACL, season)
Fabian Holland (Shoulder, season)