Northern Edition
Select Edition
Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
New Zealand New Zealand
France France

Highlanders looking to keep season alive versus Moana Pasifika

Timoci Tavatavanawai of the Highlanders celebrates after scoring a try during the round 14 Super Rugby Pacific match between Highlanders and Fijian Drua at Forsyth Barr Stadium, on May 26, 2024, in Dunedin, New Zealand. (Photo by Joe Allison/Getty Images)

Highlanders co-captain Timoci Tavatavanawai is back in the midfield as his team prepares to host Moana Pasifika on Sunday afternoon in Dunedin.

ADVERTISEMENT

The star of the Highlanders backline this season, Tavatavanawai leads the competition with 16 breakdown turnovers after 10 games.

Elsewhere in the back line, recently re-signed Folau Fakatava will play from the bench this week, with young halfback Nathan Hastie getting the chance to start at No.9. He will partner Otago teammate Cam Miller in the halves.

Video Spacer

Video Spacer

Up front there are minimal changes with Oli Haig getting a chance to start at lock while co-captain Hugh Renton returns to No.8.

Prop Rohan Wingham makes his first appearance in the game day squad for the season from the bench replacing the injured Sosefo Kautai.

The Highlanders have never lost to Moana, winning all five of their contests so far. A win on Sunday is crucial for the Highlanders hopes, currently in 10th place.

A win while denying any bonus points would propel Jamie Joseph’s team over Moana on the ladder, with three competition points between them.

ADVERTISEMENT

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins
4
Draws
0
Wins
1
Average Points scored
34
24
First try wins
40%
Home team wins
20%

Highlanders team to play Moana Pasifika:

1. Ethan de Groot
2. Soane Vikena
3. Saula Ma’u
4. Fabian Holland
5. Oliver Haig
6. Te Kamaka Howden
7. Sean Withy
8. Hugh Renton (cc)
9. Nathan Hastie
10. Cameron Millar
11. Jonah Lowe
12. Timoci Tavatavanawai (cc)
13. Thomas Umaga-Jensen
14. Sam Gilbert
15. Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens

Reserves
16. Jack Taylor
17. Josh Bartlett
18. Rohan Wingham
19. Mitch Dunshea
20. Veveni Lasaqa
21. Folau Fakatava
22. Taine Robinson
23. Jake Te Hiwi

Injury update: Caleb Tangitau (Groin 1-2 weeks), Tanielu Tele’a (Hamstring 1-2 weeks), Jona Nareki (Knee 1-2 Weeks), Sosefo Kautai (Neck 1-2 weeks), Nikora Broughton (Knee MCL 4-6 weeks), Finn Hurley (Quad – Season End), Hayden Michaels (Hamstring – Season End), Ajay Faleafaga (Broken hand – Season End), James Arscott (Shoulder – TBC).

ADVERTISEMENT

Download the RugbyPass app now!

News, stats, live rugby and more! Download the new RugbyPass app on the App Store (iOS) and Google Play (Android) now!

ADVERTISEMENT
Play Video
LIVE

{{item.title}}

Trending on RugbyPass

Comments

7 Comments
Load More Comments

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Long Reads

Comments on RugbyPass

Close
ADVERTISEMENT