Highlanders name debutant to start at halfback against Moana Pasifika

The Highlanders have opted to rest Folau Fakatava and start Nic Shearer at halfback against Moana Pasifika, giving the Southland stand-out his first taste of Super Rugby action.

The change is one of four significant moves from Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph, who welcomes Tomas Lavanini back from concussion protocols, allowing TK Howden to return to the blindside flank, where he joins Veveni Lasaqa and Hugh Renton. Sean Withy has been named on the bench, and Lucas Casey drops out of the matchday 23.

Timoci Tavatavanawai has also been moved to the bench, with Tanielu Tele’a named to start at 12 inside milestone man Jonah Lowe, who will celebrate his 50th game of Super Rugby.

Jamie Joseph expressed plenty of confidence that his debutant would be ready for the step-up to Super Rugby.

“Nic has shown good form in the development team games and played with some real spark that we want him to bring to our game. I’m sure he will adapt well to Super Rugby,” the coach said of the debutant.

Turning his attention to the weekend’s opponents, Joseph said his side will need to front up physically.

“They are a big, physical side that play a direct style of game, and we will need to meet that challenge. In this competition, every week is a tough game,” Joseph added.

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

1

Draws

0

Wins

4

Average Points scored

23

31

First try wins

60%

Home team wins

20%

Highlanders team to play Moana Pasifika

1. Ethan de Groot
2. Jack Taylor
3. Angus Ta’avao
4. Oliver Haig
5. Tomas Lavanini
6. Te Kamaka Howden
7. Veveni Lasaqa
8. Hugh Renton (cc)
9. Nic Shearer (Super Rugby Debut)
10. Reesjan Pasitoa
11. Jona Nareki
12. Tanielu Tele’a
13. Jonah Lowe (50th Super Rugby game)
14. Caleb Tangitau
15. Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens

Reserves

16. Henry Bell
17. Daniel Lienert-Brown
18. Rohan Wingham
19. Will Stodart
20. Sean Withy
21. Adam Lennox
22. Andrew Knewstubb
23. Timoci Tavatavanawai (cc)

Injury list

Finn Hurley (foot – 1-2 weeks)
Mitch Dunshea (calf 2-3 weeks)
Cam Millar (concussion 1-2 weeks)
Dylan Pledger (ACL, season)
Fabian Holland (Shoulder, season)
Josh Tengblad (knee, season)