SATURDAY APRIL 27th 2024 FORSYTH BARR STADIUM DUNEDIN
Highlanders
Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Tanielu Tele’a, Jake Te Hiwi, Connor Garden-Bachop, Rhys Patchell, Folau Fakatava, Billy Harmon (C), Sean Withy, Oliver Haig, Fabian Holland, Mitch Dunshea, Saula Ma’u, Henry Bell, Ethan de Groot
Reserves. Jack Taylor, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Jermaine Ainsley, Will Tucker, Hugh Renton, James Arscott, Cameron Millar, Martín Bogado
Force
Kurtley Beale, Bayley Kuenzle, Sam Spink, Hamish Stewart, Chase Tiatia, Ben Donaldson, Nic White; Reed Prinsep, Carlo Tizzano, Will Harris, Izack Rodda, Sam Carter, Santiago Medrano, Tom Horton, Marley Pearce.
Reserves. Feleti Kaitu’u, Josh Bartlett, Tiaan Tauakipulu, Jeremy Williams, Michael Wells, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Max Burey, Henry O’Donnell
Referee. Dan Waenga, Assistant Referees. Paul Williams, Mike Winter
This may be the toughest game of the weekend to call, after the Highlanders were embarrassingly held to a doughnut last week and the Force walloped the Crusaders. The Force’s recent triumph stands out as possibly the highlight of their 17-year history, especially given the exceptional performances of Kurtley Beale, Izack Rodda, and Sam Carter. The only alteration to their starting lineup is the inclusion of prop Marley Pearce.
The Highlanders have returned Folau Fakatava and Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens to the run-on XV, while Welsh fly-half Rhys Patchell also returns. The New Zealand team will pose a much greater challenge on their home turf, leaving one to ponder whether the Force can replicate their performance from last week or if it will merely be another fleeting highlight in an otherwise lackluster season for them. The Force have lost their last 12 matches away from HBF Park.
About Blues vs Reds
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