Highlanders trust the process with minor changes from Crusaders win

Highlanders head coach Jamie Joseph has rewarded the players who delivered a win over the Crusaders last week with another run, naming a largely unchanged matchday 23 for this weekend’s clash with the Chiefs.

Ethan de Groot, Jack Taylor, and Angus Ta’avao were originally named to start in round one before a late change saw them shift to the bench to counter the Crusaders’ heavy reserve artillery, but two of those three will return to the starting XV this week.

Ta’avao is the absent figure from the group, with the club revealing the devastating news that the former All Black’s son, Leo, passed away this week.

Rohan Wingham will start in Ta’avao’s place, with Sosefo Kautai coming onto the bench.

The rest of the team is unchanged. Oliver Haig and Mitch Dunshea are holding down the second row, with reserve cover from Will Stoddart, while TK Howden, Sean Withy, and Lucas Casey start again in the loose trio as Veveni Lasaqa offers impact.

The backline again has Folau Fakatava and Cam Millar in the halves, Timoci Tavatavanawai and Jonah Lowe in the midfield, and the lethal back three of Caleb Tangitau, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, and Jona Nareki, who celebrates his 50th cap. Adam Lennox, Reesjan Pasitoa, and Tanielu Tele’a are the backline reserves.

“I was delighted with the first up effort of the team at home, they dug deep, demonstrating the care they have for each other and our people. There is real competition for spots within the team, so it wasn’t a given that we would field the same team this week; however, it gives the guys an opportunity to build some combinations. The Chiefs are a bit like the Crusaders, stacked with All Blacks and have performed very well in recent seasons, so another huge challenge for us and one we are looking forward to.”

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

0

Draws

0

Wins

5

Average Points scored

18

39

First try wins

80%

Home team wins

60%

Highlanders team to play the Chiefs

1. Ethan de Groot
2. Jack Taylor
3. Rohan Wingham
4. Oliver Haig
5. Mitch Dunshea
6. Te Kamaka Howden
7. Sean Withy (VC)
8. Lucas Casey
9. Folau Fakatava
10. Cameron Millar
11. Jona Nareki (50th Highlanders Game)
12. Timoci Tavatavanawai (C)
13. Jonah Lowe
14. Caleb Tangitau
15. Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens

16. Henry Bell
17. Josh Bartlett
18. Sosefo Kautai
19. Will Stodart
20. Veveni Lasaqa
21. Adam Lennox
22. Reesjan Pasitoa
23. Tanielu Tele’a
Unavailable due to injury:

Xavier Tito-Harris (hamstring – 1 week)
Andrew Knewstubb (quad – 2 weeks)
Finn Hurley (foot – 4-6 weeks)
Saula Ma’u (shoulder – 7 weeks)

Season injuries: Dylan Pledger (ACL), Fabian Holland (Shoulder)