Highlanders gain four and lose two for Brumbies showdown

The Highlanders have made some injury-enforced changes to their matchday 23 ahead of their round 9 clash with the Brumbies.

Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens and Tomás Lavanini have both been sidelined by injuries, with the fullback’s issue concerning his ankle and owning a 4-6 week recovery period, while the Argentine will miss just 1-2 weeks with a dislocated finger.

The good news for Jamie Joseph is that Mitch Dunshea, Cam Millar, Timoci Tavatavanawai, and Saula Ma’u are back on deck and selected in the matchday team.

The other big news for the Southerners is that Nic Shearer has retained his starting berth after a stellar debut against Moana Pasifika, and Tanielu Tele’a is set to play his 50th Super Rugby game off the bench.

“The Brumbies are a class outfit and will test us across the field. We’re happy to be back at home and to have a few of our starters returning. These middle-round games are important for every team, and we’re looking forward to the contest,” Joseph said.

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

0

Draws

0

Wins

5

Average Points scored

21

31

First try wins

60%

Home team wins

60%

Highlanders team to play the Brumbies

1. Ethan de Groot (cc)
2. Jack Taylor
3. Angus Ta’avao
4. Oliver Haig
5. Mitch Dunshea
6. Te Kamaka Howden
7. Veveni Lasaqa
8. Nikora Broughton
9. Nic Shearer
10. Cameron Millar
11. Jona Nareki
12. Timoci Tavatavanawai (cc)
13. Jonah Lowe
14. Caleb Tangitau
15. Taine Robinson

Reserves

16. Henry Bell
17. Josh Bartlett
18. Saula Ma’u
19. Hugh Renton
20. Sean Withy
21. Adam Lennox
22. Reesjan Pasitoa
23. Taniela Tele’a (50th Super Rugby Game)

Injury list

Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens (ankle – 4–6 weeks)
Tomás Lavanini (finger dislocation – 1–2 weeks)

Dylan Pledger (ACL – season)
Fabian Holland (shoulder – season)
Josh Tengblad (ACL – season)