Ethan de Groot returns to captain Highlanders
Usual Highlanders captain Billy Harmon will miss the game against the Crusaders, because of a cut he picked up on his hand against Moana Pasifika, meaning de Groot steps in as captain.
Sign up to get The Southland Tribune editions sent direct to your email inbox for free.
Southland’s Ethan de Groot has returned from a week off and will step straight into the captaincy duties against the Crusaders in Dunedin on Saturday.
de Groot missed the win over Moana Pasifika in Tonga because of an All Black rest week but is back to start at loosehead prop in the Highlanders’ all important South Island derby.
Usual captain Billy Harmon will miss the game against the Crusaders, because of a cut he picked up on his hand against Moana Pasifika, meaning de Groot steps in as captain.
Nikora Broughton replaces Harmon at No 8 while Will Stodart comes onto the bench for the third time this season.
Stodart is one of three Southland lads named on the bench with hooker Jack Taylor and back Finn Hurley also in the reserves. It will be Hurley’s second Highlanders game if he is used off the bench.
Argentinian international, Martín Bogado, comes onto the left wing to replace Connor Garden-Bachop who sustained a head knock in Tonga and is completing his HIA protocols.
Meanwhile, former Gore High School pupil Cameron Millar retains the No 10 jersey with Highlanders coach Clarke Dermody impressed with his performance against Moana Pasifika.
“I was pleased with how Cam led the team last week, especially when Billy had to leave the field in Tonga, he stepped up and he’s been given the opportunity to that again for us this week.”
Highlanders v Crusaders – 7:05pm, Saturday 11th May, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
Ethan de Groot (c)
Henry Bell
Jermaine Ainsley
Mitch Dunshea
Fabian Holland
Oliver Haig
Sean Withy
Nikora Broughton
Folau Fakatava
Cameron Millar
Martín Bogado
Jake Te Hiwi
Tanielu Tele’a
Timoci Tavatavanawai
Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens
RESERVES
Jack Taylor
Ayden Johnstone
Saula Ma’u
Will Tucker
Will Stodart
James Arscott
Sam Gilbert
Finn Hurley
Injured/unavailable: Jonah Lowe (knee), Hugh Renton (ankle), Rhys Patchell (pec), Jona Nareki (hamstring), Matt Whaanga (shoulder), Ricky Jackson (hamstring), Billy Harmon (hand), Connor Garden-Bachop (HIA), Josh Timu (ankle).