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Highlanders make back row reshuffle and name 6-2 bench for the Blues
By Ben Smith
The Highlanders have switched up their back row combinations and named a forward-heavy bench as they prepare to take on the Blues in Dunedin.
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After falling just short of the Waratahs in Sydney, the Highlanders are preparing to face the defending champs in their home opener with some intriguing match ups.
To counter the strength of the Blues pack, former Japan Rugby League one star Lui Naeata moves from blindside flanker to the No.23 jersey as an extra forward on the reserves.
Last week’s openside Sean Withy moves to No.6 with former Hurricane and Fijian loosie Veveni Lasaqa taking the No.7 jumper. Hugh Renton will co-captain the side at No.8
Last week’s two-try club debutant Caleb Tangitau will face his former team with an intriguing match up with All Black Mark Tele’a.
The headline change in the backs is the elevation of pocket rocket fullback Finn Hurley into the No.15 jersey, with Sam Gilbert moving to the right wing.
Highlanders team to play the Blues – 7:05pm Saturday 22nd February, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
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1. Ethan de Groot
2. Soane Mikaele Vikena
3. Saula Ma’u
4. Fabian Holland
5. Mitch Dunshea
6. Sean Withy
7. Veveni Lasaqa
8. Hugh Renton (CC)
9. Folau Fakatava
10. Taine Robinson
11. Caleb Tangitau
12. Timoci Tavatavanawai (CC)
13. Tanielu Tele’a
14. Sam Gilbert
15. Finn Hurley
Impact:
16. Jack Taylor
17. Daniel Lienert-Brown
18. Sefo Kautai
19. Will Stodart
20. Nikora Broughton
21. Nathan Hastie
22. Cameron Millar
23. Lui Naeata
Injury update:
Oliver Haig (foot / 8 weeks ), Jonah Lowe (ACL / 6 weeks ), TK Howden (hamstring / 3 weeks), Jona Nareki (ankle /4 weeks), Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens (neck / 8 weeks)
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If you know something about rugby you will remember that Joseph won Super Rugby in 2015 with a 6-2 split. Today Rassie are credited with the 6-2 split.
Nareki just doesn’t catch a break, someone twisted his ankle las week right. 4 weeks out, I guess it could be worse, and he and JRK might still return before it’s too late, but Gilbert on the wing is pretty bad.
Broughton should also have replaced Withy. Hopefully Withy can bounce back with a performance like last years seen as he’s given another chance. I like that they’re taking it to them with the forward pack, that’s were their strength is. They don’t have the impact to go over the top of the Blues but at least they can make an early change based on form (lack of).
A 6-2 split? Damn Joseph, I thought you were better than this.