Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens returns for Highlanders vs Drua

The Highlanders may have lost electric fullback Finn Hurley for the season, but they have been boosted by the return of the mercurial Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens for their round nine clash with the Fijian Drua.

Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens has been sidelined all season with a neck injury, having broken out in a flashy debut season for the Southerners in 2024.

The star fullback won’t be the only new face lining up for Jamie Jospeh’s side this week, with Taniela Filimone and Tai Cribb named for their potential debuts in Dunedin.

The impending absence of Sean Withy, who has been booked with a three-week suspension for his red card against the Western Force, has also been offset by the return of co-captain Hugh Renton. Withy will likely only serve a two-match suspension, given he is eligible for a coaching intervention program that supplements one week of suspension.

“A tough tour to Australia in terms of results but the players are glad to be back in Dunedin with a few home games to look forward to,” Joseph said.

“We are five points outside the top six now, so everyone is clear on the challenge in front of us. The execution of our game plan has been off over the last few games, but I know this team never stops working and I expect them to give it everything against the Drua on Saturday”. 

Highlanders team to play the Fijian Drua

1. Ethan de Groot
2. Henry Bell
3. Sosefo Kautai
4. Will Stodart
5. Fabian Holland?
6. 6. Oliver Haig
7. Veveni Lasaqa
8. Hugh Renton (CC)
9. Folau Fakatava
10. Cameron Millar
11. Jona Nareki
12. Timoci Tavatavanawai (CC)
13. Thomas Umaga-Jensen
14. Taniela Filimone (Debut)
15. Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens

Impacts: 

16. Jack Taylor
17. Daniel Lienert-Brown
18. Saula Ma’u
19. Tai Cribb (Potential debut)
20. Nikora Broughton
21. Adam Lennox
22. Sam Gilbert
23. Tanielu Tele’a

Injury update: Finn Hurley (Quad / Season End), Hayden Michaels (Hamstring / TBC), Soane Vikena (AC Joint / 1-2 weeks), TK Howden (Hamstring / 1-2 weeks), Mitch Dunshea (Knee / 1-2 weeks), Caleb Tangitau (Groin 1-2 weeks) 

Suspended: Sean Withy (3 weeks with permission to apply to take part in World Rugby’s Coaching Intervention Programme as a substitute for the final match of the sanction).