Highlanders v Fijian Drua result: Southern side triumph in Super ...
The Highlanders celebrate Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens' try against the Fijian Drua. Photo / Photosport
All the Super Rugby action as the Highlanders hosted the Fijian Drua in Dunedin.
-The Highlanders sealed their playoff spot with a resounding win over the Fijian Drua at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
-After taking an 18-0 lead to halftime through tries for Jona Nareki and Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, the hosts strengthened their grip in the second spell.
-Nareki completed his double and the defence almost shut out the visitors as the Highlanders moved to sixth in the standings.
-The Drua remained in eighth and could be overhauled by the Crusaders in the final week of the regular season.
Highlanders team to face Fijian Drua
The Highlanders will be bolstered by the return of seasoned campaigners Billy Harmon and Jona Nareki as they prepare to host the Fijian Drua in Dunedin on Sunday afternoon.
Harmon returns to start at No 8, with Nareki on the left wing, while Ajay Faleafaga starts at first five-eighths with Cam Millar ruled out. In the midfield, Sam Gilbert will cover for the injured Tanielu Tele’a, who sustained a knee injury in last week’s match against the Blues, while Jake Te Hiwi shifts to centre.
Connor Garden-Bachop, Matt Whaanga, Daniel Lienert-Brown, and Max Hicks all join the bench, while Nikora Broughton shifts to the pine with Harmon returning.
Kickoff: Sunday 2.05pm at Forsyth Barr Stadium
1. Ethan de Groot (co-captain)
2. Henry Bell
3. Jermaine Ainsley
4. Mitch Dunshea
5. Fabian Holland
6. Oliver Haig
7. Sean Withy
8. Billy Harmon (co-captain)
9. Folau Fakatava
10. Ajay Faleafaga
11. Jona Nareki
12. Sam Gilbert
13. Jake Te Hiwi
14. Timoci Tavatavanawai
15. Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens
Reserves:
16. Jack Taylor
17. Daniel Lienert-Brown
18. Saula Ma’u
19. Max Hicks
20. Nikora Broughton
21. James Arscott
22. Matt Whaanga
23. Connor Garden-Bachop