All Blacks loose forward Shannon Frizell and big No 8 Marino Mikaele-Tu’u are back in the mix after injury layoffs, both being named on the bench for the game against Moana Pasifika at Mt Smart Stadium.
Sean Withy and Hugh Renton have been given the nod at No 8 and blindside flanker respectively, having stepped up during the past couple of weeks.
Six forwards have been named on the bench this week, including front rowers Andrew Makalio, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Saula Ma’u and flanker Max Hicks, joining Folau Fakatava and Cameron Millar as the sole backs.
There is a ton of competition among the Highlanders loose forwards of late, something head coach Clarke Dermody was relishing.
"We’ve got two guys in Hugh Renton and Sean Withy who’ve earnt their spot," Dermody said.
"They’ve both been our best players in the last few weeks — just trying to create some competition and I guess some impact off the bench with both Shannon and Marino.
"Whoever steps up at the moment is doing a good job for us, so I think it’s really important to have that competition in the squad."
Dermody was looking forward to Umaga-Jensen’s return but was proud of Sam Gilbert’s performance after shifting to the middle during last week’s win after Jake Te Hiwi’s injury.
Gilbert was the "glue" in the Highlanders backline that stepped up against Fijian Drua last week, he said.
"I think he’s shown a real maturity in his position. He’s been with us for a few years now and his voice around the group is something that really drives our team. We’re definitely better when he’s on the field with us."
Moana Pasifika’s Christian Lealiifano has been ruled out with a neck injury and will be replaced by Lincoln McClutchie, linking up with Hawke’s Bay team-mate Ereatara Enari at halfback. They join stalwarts Timoci Tavatavanawai and Danny Toala in the backline.
Super Rugby Pacific
The teams
Highlanders: Sam Gilbert, Connor Garden-Bachop, Fetuli Paea, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Jonah Lowe, Mitch Hunt, Aaron Smith, Hugh Renton, Billy Harmon (captain), Sean Withy, Will Tucker, Pari Pari Parkinson, Jermaine Ainsley, Leni Apisai, Ethan de Groot. Reserves: Andrew Makalio, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Saula Ma’u, Max Hicks, Shannon Frizell, Folau Fakatava, Cameron Millar, Marino Mikaele-Tu’u.
Moana Pasifika: William Havili, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Levi Aumua, Danny Toala, Neria Fomai, Lincoln McClutchie, Ereatara Enari, Solomone Funaki (captain), Alamanda Motuga, Miracle Faiilagi, Samuel Slade, Michael Curry, Suetena Asomua, Samiuela Moli, Ezekiel Lindenmuth. Reserves: Luteru Tolai, Abraham Pole, Joe ‘Apikotoa, Mike McKee, Jonah Mau’u, Manu Paea, D’Angelo Leuila, Fine Inisi.
