Highlanders get key playmaker back for Chiefs clash
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Highlanders have revealed their team to face the Chiefs in a Super Rugby Aotearoa Round Six clash in Hamilton on Sunday.
Josh Ioane returns to the matchday 23 in what is a largely unchanged Highlanders team from last Sunday’s close loss to the Hurricanes in the capital city.
Ioane, who withdrew before the Round One match against the Chiefs with a reaggravated groin strain the injury, will get his first taste of Super Rugby Aotearoa.
“It’s been tough to be on the sidelines watching as there has been some great games going on and I’m excited to get the opportunity to get back out there,” said Ioane.
There are no changes in the forward pack with Dillon Hunt, who left the field last week after sustaining a finger in the eye, being declared fit to play.
Jona Nareki, who has started every match so far for the Highlanders, will be given a chance to make an impact off the bench this week. Scott Gregory will move from the right wing to the left wing making way for Josh McKay to make his competition debut.
In the reserves, Folau Fakatava and Ethan De Groot will be included in the playing team for the first time after Kayne Hammington broke his hand in the final moments of the Hurricanes match and Daniel Lienert-Brown is unavailable due to dental surgery this week. S
Should de Groot take the field this will be his Super Rugby debut.
Head coach, Aaron Mauger, is looking for improvement from his team.
“We have had our chances in every game we’ve played and the guys are working at getting better every time they run out, we are all aware the standard of play in this competition is extremely high and you need your very best against any team,” said Mauger.
Highlanders: 15 Michael Collins, 14 Josh McKay, 13 Rob Thompson, 12 Sio Tomkinson, 11 Scott Gregory, 10 Mitch Hunt, 9 Aaron Smith (co-captain), 8 Marino Mikaele-Tu’u, 7 Shannon Frizell, 6 Dillon Hunt, 5 Jack Whetton, 4 Pari Pari Parkinson, 3 Siate Tokolahi, 2 Ash Dixon, 1 Ayden Johnstone.
Replacements: 16 Liam Coltman (co-captain), 17 Ethan De Groot, 18 Jeff Thwaites, 19 Manaaki Selby-Rickit, 20 Jesse Parete, 21 Folau Fakatava, 22 Josh Ioane, 23 Jona Nareki.
Date: Sunday, July 19
Venue: Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
Kick-off: 15.35 (03.35 GMT)
Referee: Mike Fraser
Assistant referees: Paul Williams, James Doleman
TMO: Brendon Pickerill
