Tangitau Returns To Play In Final Home Game Of The Season
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With just three rounds remaining in the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season, both the Highlanders and Waratahs find themselves deep in the numbers and the equation is simple for both sides: wins are essential, starting this Saturday in Dunedin.
The Waratahs arrive at Forsyth Barr Stadium on the back of consecutive losses to the Crusaders and Force, a slide they will be desperate to halt. The Highlanders, meanwhile, return from Fiji without the result they needed, and will be targeting their final home match of the regular season as a must-win opportunity to secure vital table points.
Last week in Ba, the Highlanders controlled long stretches of territory and possession but were unable to turn pressure into points. Head Coach Jamie Joseph has been clear that opportunities must be taken, and the team’s strike weapons need early involvement.
A key part of that plan is Caleb Tangitau, whose power and finishing ability remain central to the Highlanders’ attacking identity. Alongside him, in a notable positional shift, sees Jona Nareki move from the wing into the midfield at centre. The mercurial playmaker’s footwork, vision, and ability to beat defenders in tight channels could add a new dimension to the Highlanders’ attack.
On paper, this shapes as one of the most potent backlines the Highlanders have fielded in recent weeks and Joseph will be hoping that creativity, speed, and improved decision-making translate into scoreboard pressure and that the try-scoring chances created are finally capitalised on.
Tomás Lavanini gets another start in the middle row pushing Oliver Haig to the reserves, while Lucas Casey will start following strong form off the bench last week and will be eager to cement a starting position with a strong showing in front of the Highlanders home crowd. Henry Bell returns to the reserves bench in a largely unchanged group of impacts.
This weekend at Forsyth Barr Stadium will be the Highlanders Annual Kids Day with a family-friendly kick-off time of 4:35pm, Kids Free thanks to Highlanders partner Delivereasy, the annual SBS Junior Club Race, and fans will be able to come onto the pitch at the end of the game to meet the players.
Highlanders v NSW Waratahs – 4:35pm Saturday 9th May, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
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)
- Jona Nareki
- Caleb Tangitau
- Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens
IMPACT
16. Soane Vikena
17. Daniel Lienert-Brown
18. Saula Ma’u
19. Oliver Haig
20. Sean Withy
21. Nic Shearer
22. Taine Robinson
23. Xavier Tito-Harris
Unavailable due to injury:
Finn Hurley (Hamstring – 3–5 weeks)
Josh Bartlett (Foot – TBC)
Ben Lopas (Calf – 1 week)
Season Ending:
Dylan Pledger (ACL)
Fabian Holland (Shoulder)
Josh Tengblad (Knee)
Reesjan Pasitoa (Ankle)
