Highlanders Unveil Squad To Play The Crusaders On Opening Day
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The Highlanders have confirmed the playing 23 to open their 2026 DHL Super Rugby Pacific campaign.
There’s no better way to start the 30-year anniversary celebrations than with a classic southern derby with the Highlanders up against the champion Crusaders. A fixture that always inspires rivalry, intensity, and a little extra edge for fans across the south.
After a demanding pre‑season block, the coaching group has named a team that features a strong core of returning players, several rising talents who have earned their opportunity, and a bench to lift the tempo late in the match.
The backs have a settled appearance with Folau Fakatava and Cameron Millar in the driving seats while last season’s break out winger, Caleb Tangitau, will accompany the experienced Jona Nareki and Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens in the back three. Plenty of power and guile in the midfield with both Tavatavanawai and Jonah Lowe having enjoyed solid preseason hit outs.
Highlanders co-captain Timoci Tavatavanawai will play his 50th Super Rugby match and is looking forward to the encounter on Friday night. “It will be awesome to be back under the roof on Friday night. Our fans will make it a great night and I know the players will want to get the season off on the right foot”.
The forwards will be led by loose forward Sean Withy who will relish the always physical encounter a Highlander v Crusaders clash delivers. He will be joined in the backrow by Highlanders and Super Rugby debutant, Lucas Casey, who burst onto the national stage during last year’s NPC with some eye catching performances – none better than his spectacular try against Canterbury during Otago’s successful Ranfurly Shield challenge.
Upfront experienced former Blues front rower, Angus Ta’avao, will have his first opportunity to impress the southern faithful when he teams up with rising hooker, Jack Taylor, and All Black, Ethan de Groot.
Squad Co- Captain, Hugh Renton, is making his way back from long term injury and will play for the Highlanders Development XV in the weekend.
This is a Highlanders team that challenged all rivals in 2025 but came up just short and opening day 2026 offers the first chance to demonstrate lessons learned from last season against one of the toughest opponents in the competition.
Head Coach Jamie Joseph: “Our supporters know this fixture means a lot, and the boys have prepared with that in mind. The guys have connected well during pre- season, working hard for each other, they’re clear on how we want to play, and they’re hungry to get the competition underway. The Crusaders always set a high standard, but we’re excited about the challenge. It’s a group that represents the south with pride, and we’re ready to get stuck in.
Tickets are available for this opening day fixture from Ticketek.co.nz/Highlanders.
STARTING XV
- Ethan de Groot
- Jack Taylor
- Angus Ta’avao (Debut for Highlanders)
- Oliver Haig
- Mitch Dunshea
- Te Kamaka Howden
- Sean Withy (cc)
- Lucas Casey (Debut Super Rugby and Highlander)
- Folau Fakatava
- Cameron Millar
- Jona Nareki
- Timoci Tavatavanawai (cc) (50th Super Rugby game)
- Jonah Lowe
- Caleb Tangitau
- Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens
IMPACT: 16. Henry Bell, 17. Josh Bartlett, 18. Rohan Wingham, 19. Will Stodart, 20. Veveni Lasaqa, 21. Adam Lennox, 22. Reesjan Pasitoa (Debut for Highlanders), 23. Tanielu Tele’a
Unavailable due to injury: Saula Ma’u (shoulder - 8 weeks), Xavier Tito-Harris (hamstring - 2 weeks), Stanley Solomon (shoulder - 2 weeks), Finn Hurley (foot - 5 weeks), Andrew Knewstubb (quad - 2 weeks). Season Ending: Dylan Pledger (ACL), Fabian Holland (Shoulder)
