Highlanders brace for crucial clash with the Chiefs
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The Highlanders head to FMG Stadium in Hamilton (7:05pm, Friday 15th May), knowing their season remains alive, but only just. Last week’s energising win over the Waratahs breathed life into their play-off hopes, yet the challenge now intensifies as they face the second-placed Chiefs on their home turf.
The two sides last met in Round Two, a tight contest where the Highlanders were edged by the Chiefs 26–23. Since then, their trajectories have diverged, but the Highlanders’ first-half performance against the Waratahs reminded their supporters that this team is capable of scintillating, high-tempo rugby.
A major part of that spark has been Caleb Tangitau, arguably the most explosive wing in the competition and currently in red-hot form. His power, acceleration, and finishing ability will again be central to the Highlanders’ ambitions as they head north knowing a win is essential to keep their season alive.
Head Coach Jamie Joseph has unsurprisingly kept faith with the side that delivered last weekend. The only change to the starting XV comes in the midfield, where Tanielu Tele’a replaces the suspended Jona Nareki at centre.
In the engine room, Tomás Lavanini once again partners Mitch Dunshea, bringing physicality, presence, and big-match experience to the Highlanders’ set piece.
Anticipating a bruising battle up front, Joseph has opted for a 6–2 bench split, with dynamic openside Veveni Lasaqa returning to the match day 23.
The equation is simple: beat the Chiefs, and the door to the play-offs stays open. Fall short, and the climb becomes steep. Either way, Friday night in Hamilton promises intensity, ambition, and a Highlanders side ready to throw everything at the contest.
Highlanders v Chiefs – 7:05pm Friday 15th May, FMG Stadium, Hamilton
HIGHLANDERS STARTING XV
- Ethan de Groot (cc)
- Jack Taylor
- Angus Ta’avao
- Tomás Lavanini
- Mitch Dunshea
- Te Kamaka Howden
- Lucas Casey
- Nikora Broughton
- Adam Lennox
- Cameron Millar
- Jonah Lowe
- Timoci Tavatavanawai (cc)
- Tanielu Tele’a
- Caleb Tangitau
- Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens
IMPACT
16. Henry Bell
17. Daniel Lienert-Brown
18. Saula Ma’u
19. Oliver Haig
20. Sean Withy
21. Veveni Lasaqa
22. Folau Fakatava
23. Taine Robinson
Unavailable due to injury:
Finn Hurley (Hamstring – 2–3 weeks)
Season Ending:
Dylan Pledger (ACL)
Fabian Holland (Shoulder)
Josh Tengblad (Knee)
Reesjan Pasitoa (Ankle)
Josh Bartlett (Foot)
