The Highlanders have named a powerful line-up for their final pre-season fixture, taking on Moana Pasifika this Waitangi Day (Friday 6th\u00a0February) at the Queenstown Events Centre brought to you Bayleys Queenstown.<\/p>\n
Halfback\u00a0Folau Fakatava\u00a0is set for his first run of 2026, joined by the returning\u00a0Jona Nareki\u00a0on the wing and dynamic fullback\u00a0Jacob Ratumaitavuki\u2011Kneepkens.\u00a0Their inclusion adds significant attacking spark as the Highlanders look to build rhythm ahead of next week\u2019s Friday night opening day encounter against reigning champions, the Crusaders.<\/p>\n
Two All Blacks will also feature for the first time this year, with\u00a0Ethan de Groot\u00a0and\u00a0Fabian Holland\u00a0scheduled for second\u2011half minutes. They will be joined by fellow All Black\u00a0Timoci Tavatavanawai,\u00a0adding further experience and impact to the match-day squad.<\/p>\n
Moana Pasifika, one of the standout performers of the 2025 season, are expected to bring their trademark physicality and high-energy style to what promises to be a competitive and entertaining contest.<\/p>\n
A crowd of more than 4,000 is anticipated at the Queenstown Events Centre \u2014 one of world rugby\u2019s most picturesque venues \u2014 for the 2.30pm kick-off and thanks to Bayleys Queenstown (Match Day Sponsor) the game will be available on the Highlanders YouTube Channel. \u00a0<\/p>\n
Highlanders Squad\u00a0<\/p>\n
First 40\u00a0
\n\t1\u00a0 Josh Bartlett
\n\t2 Jack Taylor
\n\t3 Angus Ta’avao
\n\t4 Oliver Haig
\n\t5 Mitch Dunshea
\n\t6 Te Kamaka Howden
\n\t7 Sean Withy (C)
\n\t8 Nikora Broughton
\n\t9 Folau Fakatava
\n\t10 Cameron Millar
\n\t11 Jona Nareki
\n\t12 Tanielu Tele’a
\n\t13 Jonah Lowe
\n\t14 Caleb Tangitau
\n\t15 Jacob Ratumaitavuki Kneepkens<\/p>\n
Replacments:
\n\tEthan de Groot, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Henry Bell\/Soane Vikena, Rohan Wingham, Josh Tengblad, Fabian Holland, Will Stodart, Veveni Lasaqa, Lucas Casey, Adam Lennox, Nic Shearer, Ressjan Pasitoa, Timoci Tavatavanwai, Jonah Lowe, Josh Whaanga, Taine Robinson
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