Tomás Lavanini set for Highlanders debut against Crusaders

An injection of Test experience has made its way into the Highlanders’ starting XV for their southern derby against the Crusaders, with Los Pumas enforcer Tomás Lavanininamed to make his club debut.

The change comes in an otherwise familiar matchday squad for the Highlanders, with some tweaks seeing Tanielu Tele’a come in for the injured Jonah Lowe at centre, and Veveni Lasaqa and Nikora Broughton drop to the bench for Sean Withy and Lucas Casey.

The two loose forwards on the pine mean there is only room for two backs on the bench, with Adam Lennox covering both halfback and wing while Reesjan Pasitoa covers the playmaking positions.

“Highlanders-Crusaders games are traditionally fairly tight,” Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph said of the coming contest. “That speaks to the rivalry that exists between the two southern clubs. Typically, it comes down to discipline, a few moments, or which team can stay composed the longest.

“It’s a close competition, so every match matters and the Crusaders in Christchurch is always one of the season’s biggest challenges.”

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

3

Draws

0

Wins

2

Average Points scored

32

19

First try wins

100%

Home team wins

80%

Highlanders team to play the Crusaders

1. Ethan de Groot
2. Jack Taylor
3. Angus Ta’avao
4. Tomás Lavanini
5. Mitch Dunshea
6. Te Kamaka Howden
7. Sean Withy (cc)
8. Lucas Casey
9. Folau Fakatava
10. Cameron Millar
11. Jona Nareki
12. Timoci Tavatavanawai (cc)
13. Tanielu Tele’a
14. Caleb Tangitau
15. Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens

 Reserves

16. Soane Vikena
17. Daniel Lienert-Brown
18. Rohan Wingham
19. Oliver Haig
20. Nikora Broughton
21. Veveni Lasaqa
22. Adam Lennox
23. Reesjan Pasitoa

Injury list

Saula Ma’u (shoulder 3 weeks)
Finn Hurley (foot 4 weeks)
Jonah Lowe (shoulder 1-2 weeks)
Jake Te Hiwi (back 1-2 weeks)