Highlanders name team for final round

May 29, 2024
314
Ultimate Rugby

With a playoff spot confirmed, the Highlanders have named a team with some fresh legs to take on the Hurricanes in Wellington on Saturday afternoon.

In the forwards, All Black and Co-Captain, Ethan de Groot will take the field for his 50th Highlanders and 50th Super Rugby game. De Groot, was awarded the prestigious Highlander Man Award at the 2024 Annual Awards Evening held on Tuesday night. Are shuffling of the locks sees Will Tucker pair up with Fabian Holland and Max Hicks, Billy Harmon and Nikora Broughton complete the loose forward trio.

James Arscott will get his second start of the season and will be partnering with playmaker, Ajay Faleafaga at first-five.Jona Nareki retains his starting position after an explosive return from injury against the Fijian Drua in the previous round, with youngster Finn Hurley lacing up for his first start at fullback. There is also a potential debut off the bench for 22-year-old loose forward Hayden Michaels.

Highlanders Head Coach, Clarke Dermody, was conscious the team needed to maintain momentum after a solid win against the Drua, “I’m really happy with how we executed our game plan against the Drua, we need to continue to build on that progress and the players that have come into the starting XV are clear on their roles and have an opportunity to get battle hardened for the finals.

Highlanders v Hurricanes – 4:35pm, Saturday 1st June, SkyStadium, Wellington