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More youth injected into Highlanders unit to face Brumbies
By Ned Lester
The Highlanders boast a young team looking to make a name for themselves and are proving to be ahead of schedule in their return to competitiveness after losing a wealth of experience over the offseason.
Their next challenge awaits in the form of an underperforming Brumbies outfit hungry to right the ship and go one better than previous seasons' semi-final eliminations.
A mountainous task requires a fit and firing team and that's exactly what coach Clarke Dermody has named for the encounter, although a slight departure from the consistency of selection in the opening three rounds.
The team's lone All Black Ethan de Groot is again joined by Jack Taylor and Saula Ma'u in the front row, with Max Hicks and Fabian Holland rounding out a big tight five.
Captain Billy Harmon returns to the starting unit after a disciplinary relegation to the bench last week, joined by Tom Sanders and Hugh Renton in the loose forwards.
Folau Fakatava and Cameron Millar will line up in the halves, giving a glimpse into the team's future and feeding a burgeoning midfield of Sam Gilbert and Tanielu Tele'a.
The lethal back three of Martin Bogado, Timoci Tavatavanawai and Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens-Kneepkens are bound to produce excitement in the crowd and cause headaches for the Brumbies.
It's a home game that promises great insight into where both teams are at, with no result guaranteed in such a highly competitive Super Rugby Pacific season.
The home side will however be without their No 8 Hugh Renton for an estimated six weeks after an ankle injury in the win over the Waratahs.
“We’re gutted to have lost Hughy, he’s been a real asset on the field, but we have confidence in our other loose forwards to do their jobs," Dermody said. "The same goes for Cam, he’s benefitted from two weeks at home training and playing for the development team and has now got his opportunity to prove himself as a starting 10.
“There’s nothing like being at back at home and we’re looking forward to putting on a good show for our fans – our Highlanders family – back at Forsyth Barr stadium on Saturday afternoon,” said Dermody.
Highlanders team to face Brumbies
- Ethan de Groot
- Jack Taylor
- Saula Ma’u
- Fabian Holland
- Max Hicks
- Tom Sanders
- Billy Harmon (C)
- Nikora Broughton
- Folau Fakatava
- Cameron Millar
- Martín Bogado
- Sam Gilbert (VC)
- Tanielu Tele’a
- Timoci Tavatavanawai
- Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens
RESERVES
- Henry Bell
- Ayden Johnstone
- Jermaine Ainsley
- Oliver Haig
- Sean Withy
- James Arscott
- Ajay Faleafaga
- Connor Garden-Bachop
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Latest Comments
It could just be they got their international shot, and developed when they did, sure.
But Brad shields was soft as butter before he left, that’s why he was never going to get more than a few injury replacement caps for the ABs.
Much, much better player for his time up north.
Go to commentsI think Leinster had a plan to win both matches.
The defensive pressure was impressive and it made things hard for sharks with the greasy ball. That’s not an academy team though, a lot of those guys have two SA tours under their belt and a load of Leinster caps. There were a few new caps but so few as to not effect the system. Gunne was a first start but he has had a good few appearances and is a talent in play and attitide.
Sharks reaction to some early errors seemed to shout “Here we go again”.
As good as Leinster played and as hard as they made it, I assumed that Sharks would have the quality to find a way. Leinster slowed the rucks just enough to cause Sharks some issues and overruns etc.
The great Eben Etzebeth was missing and he is clearly great in motivating and driving a team as well as in play. Some thing more than Etzebeth missing. The Leinster players not playing today will be cheering and sucking energy from that performance as much as if they were there. That’s the spirit in the club. Anyone can see how bonded and loyal Snyman, Barrett and Slimani are in a small period of time. I think Leinster have a special setup up there, but Sharks are definately below average in belief, confidence and spirit based on Saturday.
Obviously a straight forward kick for a draw was available at the end but I don’t think that would have been acceptable and Sharks must go for the win at home.
Note: Zebo said in coverage that if Erasmus has the reigns with Sharks they would be no1 in URC and Champions Cup ‘By a distance’. I don’t agree with that ofcourse but in between sucking up to Erasmus he is clearly pinpointing what he believes is a coaching issue.
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