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De Groot returns for Highlanders to play Hurricanes
By Ben Smith
All Blacks prop Ethan de Groot returns to the Highlanders as they prepare to face on the best front rows in Super Rugby Pacific against the Hurricanes.
After being injured against the Brumbies two weeks ago, De Groot returns along with lock Max Hicks, while veteran tighthead Jermaine Ainsley has been sidelined with injury.
Exciting prospect Saula Ma'u will start in Ainsley's place, with 21-year-old Rohan Wingham in line to debut off the bench.
Partnering Hicks in the second row is Fabian Holland, while Sean Withy, Billy Harmon and Tom Sanders form the loose forward trio.
With Tanielu Tele'a ruled out through suspension, Jonah Lowe has been named at centre to partner Sam Gilbert. Josh Timu has been named on the bench as midfield cover.
The halves and back three remain unchanged from the team that just fell short against the Chiefs.
The Highlanders will lean a strong home record to break a five-match losing streak against the Hurricanes and a winless run against New Zealand teams that extends back to 2021.
Highlanders team to play Hurricanes:
1. Ethan de Groot
2. Henry Bell
3. Saula Ma’u
4. Fabian Holland
5. Max Hicks
6. Sean Withy
7. Billy Harmon (C)
8. Tom Sanders
9. Folau Fakatava
10. Rhys Patchell
11. Jona Nareki
12. Sam Gilbert (VC)
13. Jonah Lowe
14. Timoci Tavatavanawai
15. Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens
Reserves
16. Jack Taylor
17. Daniel Lienert-Brown
18. Rohan Wingham
19. Oliver Haig
20. Nikora Broughton
21. James Arscott
22. Ajay Faleafaga
23. Josh Timu
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Latest Comments
It’s a good, timely wake up call for NZ Rugby (seem to be a few of them lately!) - sort out the bureaucratic nonsense at board level. We can’t expect to stay the number one option without keeping fans/players engaged. We’ve obviously been bleeding players to league for years but can’t let the floodgates open (although I think this headline is hyperbolic as it’s a result of a recent Warriors pathways system where they are tracking things more closely) Understand the need to focus boys on rugby if they’re at a proud rugby school too, don’t think it’s harsh at all re Barakat in Hamilton. Reward the committed players with squad positions. An elite 1st XV system in NZ has done more for league than they even realise, think it’s good to protect our game further.
Go to commentsDon’t pay a blind bit of notice to Lukie… he likes the sound of his own voice and is always looking for something controversial to say. He has been banging on about Leinster's defensive system all season like he knows something Jacques Nienebar doesn’t. Which is the reason why he didn’t apply for the job obviously
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