Live updates of the Super Rugby Pacific clash between the Highlanders and Crusaders in Dunedin.

Highlanders team to face Crusaders

Exciting Otago prospect Lucas Casey will make his Super Rugby Pacific debut, after being named to start at No 8 for the season opener against the Crusaders in Dunedin.

The 22-year-old is the lone player making his Super Rugby debut, while prop Angus Ta’avao, will make his club debut at prop, while Reesjan Pasitoa will come off the bench, having switched from the Brumbies.

Sean Withy and Timoci Tavatavanawai, playing his 50th Super Rugby Pacific game, will co-captain the side.

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The Highlanders have also confirmed lock Fabian Holland will the entire season after dislocating his shoulder in last week’s pre-season clash.

Highlanders: 1. Ethan de Groot, 2. Jack Taylor, 3. Angus Ta’avao, 4. Oliver Haig, 5. Mitch Dunshea, 6. Te Kamaka Howden, 7. Sean Withy, 8. Lucas Casey, 9. Folau Fakatava, 10. Cameron Millar, 11. Jona Nareki, 12. Timoci Tavatavanawai (cc) 13. Jonah Lowe, 14. Caleb Tangitau, 15. Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens.

Bench: 16. Henry Bell, 17. Josh Bartlett, 18. Rohan Wingham, 19. Will Stodart, 20. Veveni Lasaqa, 21. Adam Lennox, 22. Reesjan Pasitoar, 23. Tanielu Tele’a.

Unavailable due to injury: Fabian Holland (shoulder – season), Saula Ma’u (shoulder – eight weeks), Xavier Tito-Harris (hamstring – two weeks), Stanley Solomon (shoulder – two weeks), Finn Hurley (foot – five weeks), Andrew Knewstubb (quad – two weeks). Season Ending: Dylan Pledger (ACL).

Crusaders team to face Highlanders

The Crusaders will have 11 All Blacks on deck as they begin their title defence against the Highlanders.

Eight of those are in the starting side including the return of Leicester Faingaʻanuku who has been named on the left wing as part of a formidable back-three alongside Sevu Reece and Chay Fihaki, while Fletcher Newell, Codie Taylor and Will Jordan will provide plenty of impact.

Sixteen of the 23 played in last year’s grand final triumph over the Chiefs.

Crusaders: 1. Finlay Brewis, 2. George Bell, 3. Seb Calder, 4. Antonio Shalfoon, 5. Jamie Hannah, 6. Dom Gardiner, 7. Ethan Blackadder, 8. Christian Lio-Willie 9. Noah Hotham 10. Rivez Reihana 11. Leicester Faingaʻanuku, 12. David Havili (c) 13. Braydon Ennor 14. Sevu Reece 15. Chay Fihaki.

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Bench: 16. Codie Taylor, 17. George Bower, 18. Fletcher Newell, 19. Taylor Cahill, 20. Corey Kellow, 21. Kyle Preston, 22. Taha Kemara, 23. Will Jordan.

Unavailable: Macca Springer (quad – two weeks), Kershawl Sykes-Martin (hip – two weeks), Johnny McNicholl (hamstring – three weeks), Liam Jack, Maloni Kunawave (both hamstring – eight weeks) Cooper Roberts (stress fracture – eight weeks) Cullen Grace (knee – TBC).

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