Highlanders team named for Round 15
- 231
The Highlanders have confirmed a settled matchday 23 to face the Hurricanes in Wellington this week, with co-captains Hugh Renton and Timoci Tavatavanawai leading a group that will be motivated to put in a good performance after a poor second half against the Chiefs last week.
Head Coach Jamie Joseph has backed a forward pack that has worked hard throughout the season. The front row of Ethan de Groot, Jack Taylor, and Angus Ta’avao provides a powerful anchor for the Highlanders’ scrum, with locks Mitch Dunshea and Tomás Lavanini laying the platform for an improved lineout in recent weeks.
In the loose forwards, Te Kamaka Howden, Lucas Casey, and co-captain Hugh Renton make a balanced trio of experience, physicality, and form, with Howden recently awarded the 2026 Forward and Defender of the Year and Casey named the 2026 Rookie of the Year at the Highlanders Awards evening last night.
Young halfback Nic Shearer makes his third appearance of the season partnering with Cameron Millar, whose kicking game and composure will be key in controlling territory against a Hurricanes side that thrives on broken-field opportunities. The midfield pairing of Jona Nareki and Timoci Tavatavanawai offers direct running and defensive authority, while the back three of Jonah Lowe, Xavier Tito-Harris, and Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens gives the Highlanders genuine counter-attacking threat.
The bench features a strong mix of experience and youthful spark. Henry Bell, Daniel Lienert-Brown, and Saula Ma’u provide punch in the front row, while Oliver Haig and Sean Withy cover the middle and back rows with high work rate. Daniel Lienert-Brown will potentially play his 140th game and is the Highlanders’ most capped forward.
In the backs, Adam Lennox, Stanley Solomon, and Meihana Grindlay offer versatility and finishing ability ideal for lifting the tempo late in the match. Solomon and Grindlay are both in line to debut for the Highlanders.
Jamie Joseph said the group is clear on the challenge ahead.
“The Hurricanes play with real speed and ambition, and we respect that. But we’re clear on who we are and what we want to bring. This team has worked hard, they’re connected, and they’re hungry to put in a performance our people can be proud of.”
Highlanders v Hurricanes – 7:05pm Saturday 23rd May, Hnry Stadium, Wellington
HIGHLANDERS STARTING XV
- Ethan de Groot
- Jack Taylor
- Angus Ta’avao
- Tomás Lavanini
- Mitch Dunshea
- Te Kamaka Howden
- Lucas Casey
- Hugh Renton (cc)
- Nic Shearer
- Cameron Millar
- Jonah Lowe
- Timoci Tavatavanawai (cc)
- Jona Nareki
- Xavier Tito-Harris
- Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens
IMPACT
16. Henry Bell
17. Daniel Lienert-Brown
18. Saula Ma’u
19. Oliver Haig
20. Sean Withy
21. Adam Lennox
22. Stanley Solomon ** (Super Rugby and Highlanders Debut)
23. Meihana Grindlay * (Highlanders Debut)
Unavailable due to injury:
Finn Hurley (Hamstring – 1–2 weeks)
Nikora Broughton (Knee – 2 weeks)
Season Ending:
Dylan Pledger (ACL)
Fabian Holland (Shoulder)
Josh Tengblad (Knee)
Reesjan Pasitoa (Ankle)
Josh Bartlett (Foot)
Caleb Tangitau (Achilles)
