Highlanders Name Near Unchanged Lineup for Round Two Clash with the Chiefs
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Fresh off a stunning opening‑round victory over the defending champion Crusaders, the Highlanders will roll out a virtually unchanged starting fifteen for Saturday night’s blockbuster under the roof, where they face last year’s Super Rugby Pacific finalists, the Chiefs.
Head Coach Jamie Joseph said the decision to retain virtually the same lineup was earned, but not automatic.
“I was delighted with the first‑up effort of the team at home, they dug deep demonstrating the care they have for each other and our people. There is real competition for spots within the team so it wasn’t a given that we would field the same team this week, however, it gives the guys an opportunity to build some combinations. The Chiefs are a bit like the Crusaders, stacked with All Blacks and have performed very well in recent seasons, so another huge challenge for us and one we are looking forward to.”
The Highlanders’ tight-five delivered a sleeves‑rolled‑up performance in the opener, embracing the physicality of the contest and laying a platform that allowed the side to stay in the fight for the full 80 minutes. They will need to bring the same edge this week, with the Chiefs presenting a similarly bruising challenge after grinding out a late win over the Blues at Eden Park.
The lineout remains an area of focus as the team adjusts to life without their primary aerial target, Fabian Holland, this season. Even so, the loose forward trio of Te Kamaka Howden, Sean Withy, and Lucas Casey were relentless around the park, consistently inserting themselves into the contest and providing crucial link play.
The Highlanders backs remain unchanged and produced several moments of magic in round one; highlighted by tries to the flying Caleb Tangitau and centre Jonah Lowe, who impressed with a composed and industrious performance. Cameron Millar steered the side from first five-eighth, showing a growing maturity when he calmly slotted the match‑winning penalty from halfway in the dying minutes. Captain Timoci Tavatavanawai, celebrating his 50th Super Rugby appearance last week, was immense once again, leading with trademark physicality and work rate on both sides of the ball.
This week, another fan favourite reaches a significant milestone. Electric winger Jona Nareki will run out for his 50th Highlanders appearance, having debuted in 2020. Nareki enjoyed a breakout 2021 season with nine tries and has remained a constant threat on the left wing. While injuries have interrupted patches of his career, at his best he is one of the most dynamic attacking players in the competition — combining elusive footwork, sharp acceleration, and an intelligent kicking game. His strong left boot continues to be a valuable asset in helping the side exit pressure. A crowd favourite, he has also played over 67 games for Otago.
HIGHLANDERS V CHIEFS – 7:05PM, SATURDAY 21ST FEBRUARY, FORSYTH BARR STADIUM
STARTING XV
- Ethan de Groot
- Jack Taylor
- Rohan Wingham
- Oliver Haig
- Mitch Dunshea
- Te Kamaka Howden
- Sean Withy (VC)
- Lucas Casey
- Folau Fakatava
- Cameron Millar
- Jona Nareki (50th Highlanders Game)
- Timoci Tavatavanawai (C)
- Jonah Lowe
- Caleb Tangitau
- Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens
IMPACT
16. Henry Bell, 17. Josh Bartlett, 18. Sosefo Kautai, 19. Will Stodart, 20. Veveni Lasaqa, 21. Adam Lennox, 22. Reesjan Pasitoa, 23. Tanielu Tele’a
Unavailable due to injury:
Xavier Tito-Harris (hamstring - 1 week)
Andrew Knewstubb (quad - 2 weeks)
Finn Hurley (foot – 4-6 weeks)
Saula Ma’u (shoulder - 7 weeks)
Season injuries: Dylan Pledger (ACL), Fabian Holland (Shoulder)
