Ethan de Groot returns for Highlanders against Western Force

Three changes have been made to help the Highlanders’ chances against the Western Force in a battle of two teams with just three points separating them on the ladder.

The Western Force are eager to hang onto their sixth-placed standing on the table as they are currently in the playoff picture, but the Highlanders are snapping at their heels in eighth.

The return of All Black Ethan de Groot provides an immense boost to the Southerners’ hopes, after two tight losses to Australian opposition where their scrum was out under plenty of pressure.

Experienced head coach Jamie Joseph liked what he saw form his loose forward trio against the Brumbies in round seven, backing Sean Withy for another run in the No. 8 jersey, along with emerging star Veveni Lasaqa and TK Howden.

“I thought we brought good pressure last week both on attack and defence,” the coach said. “The effort was there, but too many little mistakes and penalties cost us momentum at critical times.

“If we can rectify those areas, I am sure we can get things back on track. The Force are a good team, and they will be hurting after a narrow loss to the Reds, so we are expecting an immense encounter on Saturday night”

Highlanders team to play the Western Force

1. Ethan de Groot
2. Soane Vikena
3. Saula Ma’u
4. Fabian Holland
5. Mitch Dunshea
6. Te Kamaka (TK) Howden
7. Veveni Lasaqa
8. Sean Withy (VC)
9. Nathan Hastie
10. Taine Robinson
11. Jona Nareki
12. Timoci Tavatavanawai (C)
13. Thomas Umaga-Jensen
14. Caleb Tangitau
15. Sam Gilbert

Impacts:

16. Jack Taylor
17. Josh Bartlett
18. Sefo Kautai
19. Will Stodart
20. Michael Loft
21. Adam Lennox
22. Tanielu Tele’a
23. Michael Manson