Live updates of the Super Rugby Pacific clash between the Highlanders and Moana Pasifika as Super Round continues at the new One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch.

– Highlanders won their most recent clash 39-19 last month

– The Highlanders sit outside the playoffs with three wins from nine

– Moana Pasifika haven’t won since the season opener

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The Highlanders have won six of their past seven games against Moana Pasifika, but have struggled away from Forsyth Barr Stadium recently, winning just one of their past nine games outside Dunedin.

Injuries to wingers Caleb Tangitau and Jona Nareki have allowed Xavier Tito-Harris into the side and forced Jonah Lowe out to the right wing, while the forward pack sees Soane Vikena and Saula Ma’u come into the front row. Argentine Tomas Lavanini returns from injury in the second row.

Head coach Jamie Joseph was complimentary of Moana Pasifika in his comments before the game.

“This is a different team to the one we played earlier in the season. Big and physical, and they demonstrated last week that they are still a very committed team with the ability to test any team.”

Moana Pasifika, who have been kept scoreless in the first half of their last two games against New Zealand teams, have Israel Leota returning to the midfield after recovering from a round 2 ankle injury against the Hurricanes.

Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa will put on the No 8 jersey again after making an impressive 23 tackles, 21 carries and beating 10 defenders in his side’s loss to the Waratahs in Sydney last week.

Highlanders: 1. Ethan de Groot, 2. Soane Vikena, 3. Saula Ma’u, 4.Mitch Dunshea, 5. Tomas Lavanini, 6. Oliver Haig, 7. Veveni Lasaqa, 8. Nikora Broughton, 9. Adam Lennox, 10. Cameron Millar, 11. Xavier Tito-Harris, 12. Timoci Tavatavanawai, 13. Tanielu Tele’a, 14. Jonah Lowe, 15. Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens.

Bench: 16. Jack Taylor, 17. Josh Bartlett, 18. Angus Ta’avao, 19. Te Kamaka Howden, 20. Hugh Renton, 21. Lucas Casey, 22. Folau Fakatava, 23. Taine Robinson.

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Moana Pasifika: 1. Abraham Pole, 2. Millennium Sanerivi, 3. Chris Apoua, 4. Allan Craig, 5. Jimmy Tupou, 6. Miracle Faiilagi, 7. Semisi Paea, 8. Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, 9. Jonathan Taumateine, 10. Patrick Pellegrini, 11. Glen Vaihu, 12. Tevita Latu, 13. Solomon Alaimalo, 14. Tuna Tuitama, 15. William Havili

Bench: 16. Mamoru Harada, 17. Malakai Hala-Ngatai, 18. Paula Latu, 19. Tom Savage, 20. Ola Tauelangi, 21. Augustine Pulu, 22. Lalomilo Lalomilo, 23. Israel Leota

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