Jona Nareki returns for Highlanders as Hurricanes come to town

The Highlanders are sitting pretty in third place on the Super Rugby Pacific table after enjoying a bye week in round four.

The team are now set to host a Hurricanes team reeling after their third loss of the season demoted them to the bottom of the table in round four.

Electric winger Jona Nareki has been cleared fit to return for the contest, making his season debut on his familiar left wing. The flyer joins the game-breaking Caleb Tangitau and tactical nous of Sam Gilbert in the back three.

Potential All Blacks bolter Timoci Tavatavanawai returns alongside Tanielu Tele’a in the midfield, ready for a heavyweight encounter. Nathan Hastie earns another start in the No. 9 jersey, Taine Robinson will partner him in the halves.

The front row features plenty of muscle in props Ethan de Groot and Saula Ma’u, with Jack Taylor adding some finesse at hooker.

Fabian Holland and Mitch Dunshea anchor the setpiece in the second row, with TK Howden, Sean Withy and Nikora Broughton rounding out the forward pack.

“We are looking forward to getting back out in front of our home supporters (especially the kids) for what will be a big challenge against the Hurricanes,” head coach Jamis Joseph said.

“The atmosphere against the Blues was electric and the players certainly feed of that. We know the Hurricanes will be hungry to get the better of us on Friday night and the players are well aware of the threat they will present. In this competition every game is a big game.”

Highlanders team to play the Hurricanes

1. Ethan de Groot
2. Jack Taylor
3. Saula Ma’u
4. Fabian Holland
5. Mitch Dunshea
6. Te Kamaka (TK) Howden
7. Sean Withy (VC)
8. Nikora Broughton
9. Nathan Hastie
10. Taine Robinson
11. Jona Nareki
12. Timoci Tavatavanawai (C)
13. Tanielu Tele’a
14. Caleb Tangitau
15. Sam Gilbert

 Reserves

16. Soane Vikena
17. Josh Bartlett
18. Sefo Kautai
19. Will Stodart
20. Veveni Lasaqa
21. James Arscott
22. Ajay Faleafaga
23. Jake Te Hiwi.

Injury status

Oliver Haig (Foot / 4 weeks )
Jonah Lowe (ACL / 2-3 weeks )
Cameron Millar (Concussion / 1-2 weeks)
Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens (Neck / 4-5 weeks)
Finn Hurley (Quad / 1-2weeks)
Folau Fakatava (Hamstring / 1-2 weeks)
Hugh Renton (Groin / 1-2 weeks)