Highlanders battle injuries ahead of Crusaders clash

The Highlanders have been hit with the loss of two wingers, their prop, and captain Hugh Renton as they prepare to host the Crusaders in Dunedin.

Chasing back-to-back wins over the Crusaders for the first time since 2016 after beating them last year, the Highlanders will be under siege a mid-season health worries abate.

All Black bolter candidate Caleb Tangitau has been ruled out, along with Jona Nareki, which means Jonah Lowe will get a rare start on the left wing with Timoci Tavatavanawai starting on the right.

Sean Withy returns from suspension to start at openside but with captain Hugh Renton sidelined, Will Stodart has been moved to No.8 as cover. Ex-Hurricanes blindside TK Howden forms the loose trio.

In the midfield Jake Te Hiwi starts with Thomas Umaga-Jensen there is a potential debut for former New Zealand U20 centre Josh Whaanga who has been named on the bench.

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

1

Draws

0

Wins

4

Average Points scored

17

31

First try wins

80%

Home team wins

80%

Highlanders v Crusaders – 7.05pm Saturday 26th April, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin

1. Ethan de Groot (cc)
2. Soane Vikena
3. Saula Ma’u
4. Mitch Dunshea
5. Fabian Holland
6. Te Kamaka Howden
7. Sean Withy
8. Will Stodart
9. Folau Fakatava
10. Cameron Millar
11. Jonah Lowe
12. Jake Te Hiwi
13. Thomas Umaga-Jensen
14. Timoci Tavatavanawai (cc)
15. Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens

Reserves
16. Jack Taylor
17. Josh Bartlett
18. Sosefo Kautai
19. Oliver Haig
20. Veveni Lasaqa
21. Nathan Hastie
22. Sam Gilbert
23. Josh Whaanga (Potential Debut)

Injury update:

Caleb Tangitau (Groin / 1-2 weeks), Tanielu Tele’a (Hamstring / 1-2 weeks), Jona Nareki (Knee/ 1-2 weeks), Daniel Lienert-Brown (Foot / 1-2 weeks), Nikora Broughton (Knee / MCL 5-7 weeks), Finn Hurley (Quad / Season), Hayden Michaels (Hamstring / Season), Ajay Faleafaga (Hand / Season), James Arscott (Shoulder / TBC)