Highlanders bolster forward pack for Blues while ex-NZ U20 first five gets debut

The Highlanders have made three changes to their starting side, all up front in the forward pack, as they prepare to face the Blues in Melbourne in Super round.

Bolstering the tight five is All Black prop Ethan de Groot and veteran Jermaine Ainsley, who start alongside Henry Bell up front. Last week’s try-scoring tighthead Saula Ma’u and Dan Lienert-Brown move to the bench.

In the second row, Max Hicks has been named to start with Pari Pari Parkinson while Fabian Holland moves to the bench as lock cover.

The back row of Sean Withy, Billy Harmon and Hugh Renton remains unchanged with bench cover from Nikora Broughton.

Unsurprisingly, there are no changes to last week’s backline that lit up Forsyth Barr with a scintillating performance.

Folau Fakatava partners Rhys Patchell in the halves, Sam Gilbert continues his move to No 12 alongside ex-Blues centre Tanielu Tele’a, while the back three is Jona Nareki, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens and Timoci Tavatavanawai.

Replacing Cam Miller on the bench is last year’s New Zealand U20 first five-eighth Ajay Faleafaga who will deputise for Welsh international Patchell.

“I’m pleased with the strides the team has made, but there’s always room for growth. We’re aiming to build on our performance from round one and meet the challenge in Melbourne,” head coach Clarke Dermody said.

Highlanders team to play Blues

1. Ethan de Groot
2. Henry Bell
3. Jermaine Ainsley
4. Pari Pari Parkinson
5. Max Hicks
6. Sean Withy
7. Billy Harmon (C)
8. Hugh Renton
9. Folau Fakatava
10. Rhys Patchell
11. Jona Nareki
12. Sam Gilbert (VC)
13. Tanielu Tele’a
14. Timoci Tavatavanawai
15. Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens

Reserves

16. Ricky Jackson
17. Daniel Lienert-Brown
18. Saula Ma’u
19. Fabian Holland
20. Nikora Broughton
21. Nathan Hastie
22. Ajay Faleafaga*
23. Jonah Lowe

*Super Rugby Pacific debut