Highlanders blend experience with seven new faces for Waratahs

Seven players will don Highlanders colours for the first time this weekend as the team gets their 2025 campaign underway in Sydney.

Injuries to a handful of familiar faces have helped pave the way for two Super Rugby debuts in the starting XV. Co-captain Timoci Tavatavanawai’s shift to the midfield is the other noteworthy selection.

There’s electric pace aplenty across the backline, with youngsters Caleb Tangitau and Michael Manson starting outside the physical midfield duo of Tavatavanawai and Tanielu Tele’a. Finn Hurley provides cover from the bench.

Jonah Lomu destroys England at 1995 RWC | RPTV

Jonah Lomu destroys England at 1995 RWC | RPTV

Jonah Lomu scores four unbelievable tries against England at the 1995 Rugby World Cup. You can watch a full replay of the match on the new RugbyPass app.

Download now

Nathan Hastie and Taine Robinson have been named to start in the halves in something of a surprise selection, with Folau Fakatava and Cam Millar named as reserves.

In the forwards, All Blacks Ethan de Groot leads the front row of former Blues hoker Soane Vikena and the 140 kg Saula Ma’u. Rising talent Fabian Holland starts alongside Mitch Dunshea in the second row.

A Super Rugby debut has been handed to Lui Naeata, who has been selected on the blindside flank next to Sean Withy and co-captain Hugh Renton.

“We are excited to get our season underway, there is a lot of enthusiasm and energy around the squad as we prepare for a tough opener against the Waratahs,” head coach Jamie Joseph said.

“We have named a mix of debutants and experienced players to provide us with the understanding and creativity needed to take on a team full of international players.”

Highlanders team to play Waratahs

1. Ethan de Groot
2. Soane Mikaele Vikena  (Highlanders Debut)
3. Saula Ma’u
4. Fabian Holland
5. Mitch Dunshea
6. Lui Naeata (Super Rugby Pacific Debut)
7. Sean Withy
8. Hugh Renton (CC)
9. Nathan Hastie
10. Taine Robinson (Highlanders Debut)
11. Caleb Tangitau (Highlanders Debut)
12. Timoci Tavatavanawai (CC)
13. Tanielu Tele’a
14. Michael Manson (Super Rugby Pacific Debut)
15. Sam Gilbert

 Impact:

16. Henry Bell
17. Daniel Lienert-Brown
18. Sefo Kautai (Highlanders Debut)
19. Nikora Broughton
20. Veveni Lasaqa (Highlanders Debut)
21. Folau Fakatava
22. Cameron Millar
23. Finn Hurley

Injury update:

Oliver Haig (foot / 9 weeks )
Jonah Lowe (ACL / 7 weeks )
Thomas Umaga-Jensen (shoulder / 2 weeks)
TK Howden (hamstring / 4 weeks)
Jona Nareki (ankle /5 weeks)
Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens (neck / 9 weeks)