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Ex-Crusader loose forward named for Highlanders debut against Waratahs

Tom Sanders of Otago collects the ball from a lineout during the round four Bunnings Warehouse NPC match between Otago and Southland at Forsyth Barr Stadium, on August 26, 2023, in Dunedin, New Zealand. (Photo by Joe Allison/Getty Images)

Former Crusaders and Chiefs loose forward Tom Sanders has been named to make his club debut for the Highlanders after returning home from Japan last year.

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The 30-year-old last played Super Rugby in 2021 before joining Tokyo Sungoliath in the Japan Rugby League One for a couple of seasons.

Sanders starts at blindside in a revamped loose forward unit with Nikora Broughton named at No 7 as Billy Harmon and Sean Withy move to the bench. Hugh Renton starts at No 8.

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All Black loosehead prop Ethan de Groot will captain the side for the first time, leading an unchanged front row with Henry Bell and Jermaine Ainsley. Fabian Holland returns to the starting side alongside Max Hicks.

The backline remains unchanged with impressive halves duo Folau Fakatava and Rhys Patchell named again to drive the side around the park.

Sam Gilbert has been named as vice-captain in the midfield with Tanielu Tele’a for the third straight week. The back three of Jona Nareki, Timoci Tavatavanawai and Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens remains unchanged.

Fixture
Super Rugby Pacific
Waratahs
21 - 23
Full-time
Highlanders
All Stats and Data

“Ethan’s a real team man and a leader and we know that he’ll take the additional responsibility in his stride on Friday night with Sam [Gilbert] there to lend a hand,” head coach Clarke Dermody said.

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“We were disappointed with how we finished on Friday night, and we’ve been working hard to channel disappointment into fuel for this game. We’re determined to secure a win, not only for ourselves but for our fans who have been so supportive of this new Highlanders team.

“We want to do it for them too,” said Dermody.

The Highlanders are seeking to knock off a buoyed Waratahs unit who shocked the Crusaders in Super Round with a 37-24 win and remain determined to back it up with another Kiwi scalp.

Highlanders team to play Waratahs: 

1. Ethan de Groot (C)
2. Henry Bell
3. Jermaine Ainsley
4. Fabian Holland
5. Max Hicks
6. Tom Sanders
7. Nikora Broughton
8. Hugh Renton
9. Folau Fakatava
10. Rhys Patchell
11. Jona Nareki
12. Sam Gilbert (VC)
13. Tanielu Tele’a
14. Timoci Tavatavanawai
15. Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens

Reserves

16. Ricky Jackson
17. Daniel Lienert-Brown
18. Saula Ma’u
19. Sean Withy
20. Billy Harmon
21. James Arscott
22. Ajay Faleafaga
23. Jonah Lowe

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Rugby down under could have hit high gear with Anzac Tests

I’d have loved to see Bledisloe Cup rugby on Anzac Day.

Yes, but by now you must realize you don’t hold common opinions, let alone can think for New Zealand rugby’s best interests.

The preparation of the All Blacks is timed to the minute and introducing a test match in the middle of the Super Rugby Pacific season has the potential to throw that carefully managed system into chaos.

I don’t think that should come into it, it’s a business decision when it comes down to it. First though, it hasn’t passed the “is it OK to do?” has it.

I get that surrendering the cup isn’t something the current crop of NZR staff and governors eye with any relish, but I’ll continue to argue that it would ultimately be good for our rugby.

That view would be an oxymoron in their (most peoples) eyes.

I’ll be interested to know what fans think of seeing the proposed Anzac Day clash scuppered. Like, genuinely interested.

I hadn’t been expecting anything, but that’s likely because if it was in the spotlight to expect something, I would have expected the status quo to come out on top like every other time.

But RA’s Bledisloe proposal gives us an opportunity to wonder about how sacred the timing of this competition is and whether we couldn’t reimagine how the season is configured.

Isn’t that being determined now in conjunctin with World Rugby/every other union?

Perhaps RA’s desire to start Anazc Bledisloes from 2026 was a bit premature. Maybe 2028 or 2030 would give everyone enough time to decide how the game can be accommodated.

It could be their is reason to change in that time frame, but why on Nations League years? More pointedly, shouldn’t it be every year?

the idea that the Bledisloe Cup could become Anazc Day’s marquee sports event

I could probably easily get out of the idea these sorts of days aren’t for sport/fun to take center stage. It’s a mentality I don’t think holds everywhere already. But I’m happy to follow what those that really do care about the day (never been a dawn service person) think.

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