Highlanders Name Team for Gordon Hunter Memorial match
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A trip to Eden Park is never a gentle assignment, and the Highlanders head north determined to turn their fortunes around in this Round 10 showdown. Both sides enter the contest off disappointing defeats — the Blues well beaten by the Hurricanes in Wellington, and the Highlanders suffering an agonising last-minute loss under the roof to the Brumbies.
Head Coach Jamie Joseph has opted for continuity, making only minor adjustments to his matchday 23. The versatile Te Kamaka Howden shifts from the loose forwards into the second row, opening the door for Sean Withy to return to the starting side in the No. 6 jersey.
In the backs, Adam Lennox earns his first start of the season at halfback after finishing strongly last week, while Taine Robinson retains the No. 15 jersey following an impressive first outing of the year. Robinson was assured under the high ball and showed his value as a secondary playmaker, stepping into first receiver when required.
The bench features further reinforcements. Soane Vikena rotates in for Henry Bell to provide fresh energy in the middle row, while Folau Fakatava returns to offer experienced halfback cover.
Highlander #320 Sean Withy will bring up a significant personal milestone this week, running out for his 50th Super Rugby match in Highlanders colours.
Following graduation from the Highlanders Performance Programme he debuted in 2022. The 25-year-old Southland Boys’ High School product has become a regular in the Highlanders’ loose forward group. Rugged, reliable, and relentlessly competitive, Withy has built his reputation on work rate, accuracy, and defensive steel — traits that have made him a trusted operator in the pack.
Exciting young winger Xavier Tito-Harris is in line for a potential Super Rugby debut. The pacy Auckland flyer has been a standout across the Highlanders Development XV campaign and is no stranger to Eden Park, having impressed consistently in the NPC for Auckland.
Dynamic fullback Finn Hurley also earns a place in the reserves. After working his way back from injury through strong club performances, Hurley is poised to make an impact with his trademark footwork and counter-attacking spark should he be called upon.
The Gordon Hunter Memorial Trophy, currently held by the Blues, will be on the line on Friday night. Hunter coached both the Highlanders and Blues in the early years of Super Rugby.
Blues v Highlanders – 7:05pm, Friday 17 April, Eden Park Stadium, Auckland
HIGHLANDERS STARTING XV
- Ethan de Groot (cc)
- Jack Taylor
- Angus Ta’avao
- Te Kamaka Howden
- Mitch Dunshea
- Sean Withy (50th Super Rugby Game for Highlanders)
- Veveni Lasaqa
- Nikora Broughton
- Adam Lennox
- Cameron Millar
- Jona Nareki
- Timoci Tavatavanawai (cc)
- Tanielu Tele’a
- Caleb Tangitau
- Taine Robinson
IMPACT
16. Soane Vikena
17. Josh Bartlett
18. Saula Ma’u
19. Oliver Haig
20. Lucas Casey
21. Folau Fakatava
22. Xavier Tito-Harris (Super Rugby Debut)
23. Finn Hurley
Unavailable due to injury:
Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens (ankle 3-4 weeks)
Jonah Lowe (calf – 1-2 weeks)
Josh Whaanga (knee – 1-2 weeks)
Tomas Lavanini (finger – 1 week)
Season Ending:
Dylan Pledger (ACL)
Fabian Holland (Shoulder)
Josh Tengblad (knee)
