Highlanders coach Clark Dermody is keen for a response from his crew following a goose-egg efficiency towards the Reds in spherical 9, so will probably be happy to welcome numerous gamers again to full well being this week.
Lock Mitch Dunshea is ready for his Highlanders debut having joined the crew from the Crusaders over the offseason and recovering from his 2023 Achilles harm. He’ll companion younger Fabian Holland within the second row.
The loose-forward trio of Oliver Haig, Sean Withy and captain Billy Harmon is retained for the competition, however No. 8 Hugh Renton will make his return from harm off the bench.
Welsh first five-eighth Rhys Patchell returns to the No. 10 jersey, transferring Cam Millar to the bench. Jake Te Hiwi traces up outdoors Patchell within the No. 12 jersey for the competition, stepping in for the rested Sam Gilbert.
Connor Backyard-Bachop shifts to the left wing to make method for Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens at fullback to finish the modifications within the squad.
“We’re working exhausting to take the learnings from every of our matches ahead to the subsequent sport. We have now focussed on getting our fundamentals proper, guaranteeing our set-piece is sound and our collective mindset on observe,” stated Highlanders head coach Clarke Dermody.
Highlanders crew to face the Western Power
Ethan de GrootHenry BellSaula Ma’uMitch DunsheaFabian HollandOliver HaigSean WithyBilly Harmon (C)Folau FakatavaRhys PatchellConnor Backyard-BachopJake Te HiwiTanielu Tele’aTimoci TavatavanawaiJacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens
RESERVES
16. Jack Taylor17. Daniel Lienert-Brown18. Jermaine Ainsley19. Will Tucker20. Hugh Renton21. James Arscott22. Cameron Millar23. Martín Bogado
