Highlanders boosted with return of key Stags duo
“Sean [Withy], has been a key player for us all year, and we have really missed him. It will be nice to have him back.”
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The Highlanders’ quest for success in the rather large Crusaders assignment on Saturday has been given a Southland boost.
The Stags duo of prop Ethan de Groot and looseforward Sean Withy will both return for the Highlanders as the southern team attempts to point their 2025 campaign in the right direction with five round-robin games to play.
Withy has been one of the Highlanders’ best in 2025, but he missed the last two outings because of suspension.
de Groot was initially named to start in the Highlanders’ game against the Chiefs last Saturday, but the All Black was a late omission when he rolled his ankle.
de Groot has recovered and has been named to start against the Crusaders in Dunedin on Saturday night.
Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph was pleased to have both de Groot and Withy back to start.
“Obviously [de Groot] is a quality loosehead prop with a lot of experience playing against his All Black team friends, but he creates a real confidence within our own group, that’s one thing,” Joseph said.
“Sean [Withy], has been a key player for us all year, and we have really missed him. It will be nice to have him back.”
Fellow Stag Mitchell Dunshea will again start at lock with hooker Jack Taylor named on the bench.
Another contracted Stag, Sevu Reece, will start on the right wing for the Crusaders.
Southland-raised Will Stodart earns a second career start for the Highlanders, and his first at No 8, after playing lock against the Fijian Drua two weeks ago, becoming the fourth No 8 used by Joseph this season.
THE TEAMS
Highlanders: Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Timoci Tavatavanawai (captain), Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Jake Te Hiwi, Jonah Lowe, Cameron Millar, Folau Fakatava, Will Stodart, Sean Withy, TK Howden, Fabian Holland, Mitch Dunshea, Saula Ma’u, Soane Vikena, Ethan de Groot. Reserves: Jack Taylor, Josh Bartlett, Sefo Kautai, Oliver Haig, Veveni Lasaqa, Nathan Hastie, Sam Gilbert, Josh Whaanga.
Crusaders: Will Jordan, Sevu Reece, Dallas McLeod, David Havili (captain), Macca Springer, Taha Kemara, Noah Hotham, Christian Lio-Willie, Ethan Blackadder, Xavier Saifoloi, Jamie Hannah, Scott Barrett, Fletcher Newell, Codie Taylor, George Bower. Reserves: Ioane Moananu, Tamaiti Williams, Kershawl Sykes-Martin, Tahlor Cahill, Corey Kellow, Kyle Preston, Rivez Reihana, Chay Fihaki.