Three adjustments have been made to assist the Highlanders’ probabilities towards the Western Force in a battle of two groups with simply three factors separating them on the ladder.
The Western Drive are keen to hold onto their sixth-placed standing on the desk as they’re presently within the playoff image, however the Highlanders are snapping at their heels in eighth.
The return of All Black Ethan de Groot supplies an immense enhance to the Southerners’ hopes, after two tight losses to Australian opposition the place their scrum was out underneath loads of stress.
Skilled head coach Jamie Joseph preferred what he noticed kind his unfastened ahead trio towards the Brumbies in spherical seven, backing Sean Withy for one more run within the No. 8 jersey, together with rising star Veveni Lasaqa and TK Howden.
“I believed we introduced good stress final week each on assault and defence,” the coach stated. “The hassle was there, however too many little errors and penalties value us momentum at essential instances.
“If we are able to rectify these areas, I’m positive we are able to get issues again on observe. The Drive are a superb staff, and they are going to be hurting after a slim loss to the Reds, so we expect an immense encounter on Saturday evening”
Highlanders staff to play the Western Drive
- Ethan de Groot
- Soane Vikena
- Saula Ma’u
- Fabian Holland
- Mitch Dunshea
- Te Kamaka (TK) Howden
- Veveni Lasaqa
- Sean Withy (VC)
- Nathan Hastie
- Taine Robinson
- Jona Nareki
- Timoci Tavatavanawai (C)
- Thomas Umaga-Jensen
- Caleb Tangitau
- Sam Gilbert
Impacts:
16. Jack Taylor
17. Josh Bartlett
18. Sefo Kautai
19. Will Stodart
20. Michael Loft
21. Adam Lennox
22. Tanielu Tele’a
23. Michael Manson
