The Highlanders have named three players with links to Fiji in their starting xv that will take on the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua in round 14 of the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific competition this weekend.
Former All Blacks 7s winger Jona Nareki makes his way back into the team from injury and will pair up with former Fiji under 20 winger Timoci Tavatavanawai on the wings.
Former Junior Bati representative Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens retains his spot at fullback.
Nareki will be coming up against in-form Drua star Selestino Ravutaumada while Tavatavanawai will be given the task of containing Epeli Momo on the right wing.
The Highlanders will be looking to redeem themselves this week after suffering a heavy loss to table-toppers the Blues in Auckland last weekend.
They will also want to defend their home turf and prevent the Drua from securing their second consecutive win and taking over their spot in 7th place on the Super Rugby Pacific points table.
All Blacks prop Ethan De Groot will co-captain the side along with explosive number 8 Billy Harmon.
The Highlanders starting XV:
Ethan De Groot, Henry Bell, Jermaine Ainsley, Mitch Dunshea, Fabian Holland, Oliver Haig, Sean Withy, Billy Harmon, Folau Fakatava, Ajay Faleafaga, Jona Nareki, Sam Gilbert, Jake Te Hiwi, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens.
Impact:
Jack Taylor, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Saula Ma’u, Max Hicks, Nikora Broughton, James Arscott, Matt Whaanga, Connor Garden-Bachop.
The Highlanders will take on the Drua at 2.05pm this Sunday at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin.
In other matches this week, the Chiefs play the Hurricanes at 7.05pm tomorrow, the Brumbies host the Rebels at 9.35pm tomorrow, Moana Pasifika takes on the Waratahs at 4.35pm Saturday, the Crusaders play the Blues at 7.05pm Saturday, and the Reds meet the Force at 9.35pm Saturday.
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