The Highlanders have lost captain Billy Harmon due to an injury, but have replaced him with an All Black for their 12th round against the Crusaders this weekend.
Harmon, is recovering from a cut to his hand received during the Highlanders win in Tonga last weekend.
However, Ethan de Groot is set to return from All Black rest to take over the captaincy and take his starting spot in the front row.
Hard running Nikora Broughton replaces Harmon at the back of the scrum while impressive 20-year-old Will Stodart will lace up his boots for the third time this year.
Highlanders Head Coach Clarke Dermody, impressed by Cameron Millar, rewards him with another start at first five. "I was pleased with how Cam led the team last week, especially when Billy had to leave the field in Tonga," Dermody said. "He stepped up and he’s been given the opportunity to do that again for us this week."
Argentinian international, Martín Bogado, comes onto the left wing to replace Connor Garden-Bachop who sustained a head knock in Tonga and is completing his HIA protocols while injury replacement outside back Finn Hurley has the chance to play his second game for the Highlanders from the bench on Saturday night.
The Highlanders and Crusaders have a rivalry steeped in history, going back to the beginning of Super Rugby more than quarter of a century ago.
Their games are always a fan favourite on the calendar, and the match up is set to return to Forsyth Barr Stadium in front of crowds for the first time since 2021 Super Rugby Aotearoa.
In 2022, the game was played in the bubble with no crowds. In 2023, it was played in Melbourne as part of the Super Round.
It's anticipated the crowd will be the largest of the year with tickets selling faster than any other game this season, according to a Highlanders spokesperson.
A nostalgic element to this weekend’s game will also be the Heritage jerseys that both the Highlanders and the Crusaders will play in.
The Highlanders’ Heritage jersey is inspired by the 1997-1999 jersey and arcs back to games played in front of the Terraces at Carisbrook featuring legends of the game such as Taine Randall, Josh Kronfeld and Anton Oliver.
The Highlanders meet the Crusaders at 7.05pm, on Saturday May 11, at Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin.
The Highlanders:
- Ethan de Groot (c)
- Henry Bell
- Jermaine Ainsley
- Mitch Dunshea
- Fabian Holland
- Oliver Haig
- Sean Withy
- Nikora Broughton
- Folau Fakatava
- Cameron Millar
- Martín Bogado
- Jake Te Hiwi
- Tanielu Tele’a
- Timoci Tavatavanawai
- Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens
RESERVES
16. Jack Taylor
17. Ayden Johnstone
18. Saula Ma’u
19. Will Tucker
20. Will Stodart
21. James Arscott
22. Sam Gilbert
23. Finn Hurley
Injured/unavailable: Jonah Lowe (knee), Hugh Renton (ankle), Rhys Patchell (pec), Jona Nareki (hamstring), Matt Whaanga (shoulder), Ricky Jackson (hamstring), Billy Harmon (hand), Connor Garden-Bachop (HIA), Josh Timu (ankle).
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