Highlanders welcome trio back from injury for Hurricanes

Jona Nareki, Sosefo Kautai and Tanielu Tele’a are back on deck for the Highlanders’ derby with the Hurricanes.

Kautai will come off the bench and look to make an impact in a struggling Highlanders scrum, while Nareki and Tele’a come straight into the starting unit on the left wing and outside centre.

Injury troubles at No. 8 see Sean Withy return to the back of the pack, and impressive Highlanders rookie Veveni Lasaqa return to the No. 7 jersey. TK Howdon will look to continue his strong season on the blindside flank.

The loose trio combine with the familiar second-row pairing of Mitch Dunshea and Fabian Holland, while the front row consists of co-captain Ethan de Groot, Jack Taylor and Saula Ma’u.

Folau Fakatava is joined by Taine Robinson in the halves, feeding the physical Timoci Tavatavanawai inside Tele’a at second five-eighth.

Nareki links up with Jonah Lowe and Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens in the back three.

Highlanders team to play the Hurricanes

1. Ethan de Groot (cc)
2. Jack Taylor
3. Saula Ma’u
4. Mitch Dunshea
5. Fabian Holland
6. Te Kamaka Howden
7. Veveni Lasaqa
8. Sean Withy
9. Folau Fakatava
10. Taine Robinson
11. Jona Nareki
12. Timoci Tavatavanawai (cc)
13. Tanielu Tele’a
14. Jonah Lowe
15. Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens 

Reserves

16. Soane Vikena
17. Josh Bartlett
18. Sosefo Kautai
19. Oliver Haig
20. Michael Loft
21. Adam Lennox
22. Cameron Millar
23. Thomas Umaga-Jensen

Injury update:  Nikora Broughton (knee MCL / 2-3 weeks), Caleb Tangitau (TBC), James Arscott (Shoulder / TBC), Hugh Renton (Groin / TBC), Finn Hurley (Quad / Season), Hayden Michaels (Hamstring / Season), Ajay Faleafaga (Broken hand / Season).