Highlanders shift Timoci Tavatavanawai away from wing for Brumbies match

Highlanders captain Timoci Tavatavanawai returns to the midfield for Friday’s tough test against the ACT Brumbies at Canberra’s GIO Stadium. Tavatavanawai led the way with a game-high for carries on the wing against the Reds last time out, but the skipper is back at No. 12.

Tavatavanawai’s return to the centres – having played all but one match there so far this season – is one of the big talking points, with that selection allowing the ever-dangerous winger Jona Nareki to line up on the left edge.

Coach Jamie Joseph has welcomed back Daniel Lienert-Brown from suspension who starts at loosehead prop ahead of Ethan de Groot. De Groot has put in a noticeable shift to start the Super Rugby Pacific season and has been given a well-earned rest.

Te Kamaka Howden is back at blindside flanker, and vice-captain Sean Withy moves to number eight. In the backs, Sam Gilbert will wear the No. 15 jersey after being named as the team’s starting fullback for this decisive Trans-Tasman derby.

This is the first of two matches on the road for the Landers, who will make their way to the west coast of Australia to face the Western Force on April 5. But first, the squad is firmly focused on the challenge that awaits in Australia’s capital.

“Touring always makes a team tighter, and it’s usually backs to the wall stuff when you play in places like Canberra and Perth,” Joseph said in a statement.

“This team has shown a lot of resolve already this season, but we will probably need to dig even deeper over the next few weeks in Australia.

“It’s a challenge I know the squad will be looking forward to.”

Soana Vikena and Saula Ma’u join Lienert-Brown in the front row, while Netherlands-born All Blacks hopeful Fabian Holland joins Mitch Dunshea in the second row. Howden, Veveni Lasaqa and Withy complete the starting pack as the loose forwards trio.

Nathan Hastie and Taine Robinson will link up in the halves once again, while Tavatavanawai’s return to the midfield will see the skipper combine with Thomas Umaga-Jensen who has been named at outside centre.

Nareki starts on the left wing, with former All Blacks Sevens flyer Caleb Tangitau on the right, and then the selection of Gilbert rounds out the First XV. On the bench, Michael Loft and Adam Lennox are both in line to potentially debut for the Highlanders.

This match at Canberra’s GIO Stadium will kick off at 9:35 pm NZT on Friday night.

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

5

Draws

0

Wins

0

Average Points scored

34

23

First try wins

60%

Home team wins

60%

Highlanders team to take on Brumbies

1. Daniel Lienert-Brown
2. Soane Vikena
3. Saula Ma’u
4. Fabian Holland
5. Mitch Dunshea
6. Te Kamaka (TK) Howden
7. Veveni Lasaqa
8. Sean Withy (VC)
9. Nathan Hastie
10. Taine Robinson
11. Jona Nareki
12. Timoci Tavatavanawai (C)
13. Thomas Umaga-Jensen
14. Caleb Tangitau
15. Sam Gilbert

Replacements: 16. Henry Bell, 17. Josh Bartett, 18. Sefo Kautai, 19. Will Stodart, 20. Michael Loft*, 21. Adam Lennox*, 22. Ajay Faleafaga, 23. Tanielu Tele’a.

*Potential debuts