Highlanders start breakthrough NPC star Lucas Casey against Crusaders

The Highlanders have sprung a bit of a surprise on fans in their team for round 1 under the roof, naming wider training group star Lucas Casey for a debut in the starting XV.

Wider training group players are only allowed to play when injuries strike the top squad, and co-captain Hugh Renton’s absence had paved the way for Casey’s Super Rugby debut on Friday.

Casey had a breakout season for Otago in the 2025 NPC season, and continued to impress during the Highlanders’ preseason games against the Crusaders and Moana Pasifika.

The youngster will wear the No.8 jersey on Friday, with Sean Withy stepping in as co-captain in Renton’s absence and TK Howden packing down on the blindside flank.

Ethan de Groot and Jack Taylor join club debutant Angus Ta’avao in the starting front row, with Oliver Haig and Mitch Dunshea starting in the second row as the club adjusts to life without Fabian Holland, who is out for the season with a shoulder injury.

Folau Fakatava will don the No.9 jersey, with Cameron Millar at No.10. Timoci Tavatavanawai brings up his 50th Super Rugby game at 12, joined in the midfield by Jonah Lowe, who is enjoying a strong transition from the wing. Jona Nareki, Caleb Tangitau and Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens make for an electric backfield.

On the bench, Henry Bell, Josh Bartlett and Rohan Wingham make up the reserve front row, with Will Stodart and Veveni Lasaqa also offering impact in the forwards. Adam Lennox and Tanielu Tele’a are joined by Reesjan Pasitoa in his Highlanders debut as backline reserves.

“Our supporters know this fixture means a lot, and the boys have prepared with that in mind,” Highlanders head coach Jamie Joseph said.

“The guys have connected well during pre- season, working hard for each other, they’re clear on how we want to play, and they’re hungry to get the competition underway.

“The Crusaders always set a high standard, but we’re excited about the challenge. It’s a group that represents the south with pride, and we’re ready to get stuck in.”

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

1

Draws

0

Wins

4

Average Points scored

17

31

First try wins

80%

Home team wins

80%

Highlanders team to play the Crusaders

1. Ethan de Groot
2. Jack Taylor
3. Angus Ta’avao (Debut for Highlanders)
4. Oliver Haig
5. Mitch Dunshea
6. Te Kamaka Howden
7. Sean Withy (cc)
8. Lucas Casey (Debut Super Rugby and Highlander)
9. Folau Fakatava
10. Cameron Millar
11. Jona Nareki
12. Timoci Tavatavanawai (cc) (50^th Super Rugby game)
13. Jonah Lowe
14. Caleb Tangitau
15. Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens

16. Henry Bell
17. Josh Bartlett
18. Rohan Wingham
19. Will Stodart
20. Veveni Lasaqa
21. Adam Lennox
22. Reesjan Pasitoa (Debut for Highlanders)
23. Tanielu Tele’a

Unavailable due to injury:

Saula Ma’u (shoulder – 8 weeks)
Xavier Tito-Harris (hamstring – 2 weeks)
Stanley Solomon (shoulder – 2 weeks)
Finn Hurley (foot – 5 weeks)
Andrew Knewstubb (quad – 2 weeks).

Season Ending:

Dylan Pledger (ACL)
Fabian Holland (Shoulder)