The Brumbies' resilience steered them to a crucial win over the Highlanders on Friday night, with the game hanging in the balance until a late Len Ikitau try put the result beyond doubt.
Highlanders captain Timoci Tavatavanawai returns to the midfield for Friday’s tough test against the ACT Brumbies at Canberra’s GIO Stadium.
A small but good crowd showed up on a sunny Friday afternoon and was treated to some running rugby from the two teams, trying to iron out the cobwebs ahead of the new campaign in two weeks.
The Highlanders have opted to start kicking ace Cam Miller for their crunch quarter-final against the Brumbies in Canberra.
The Highlanders have promoted a number of young guns into the starting side to play the Hurricanes with a playoff spot assured.
In-form playmaker Cameron Millar will miss the Highlanders’ final regular season match at home when they take on the Fijian Drua.
The Highlanders head to Brisbane in what might just be a critical contest against the Reds as they look to keep up in the race for the playoffs.
Fly-half Ajay Faleafaga will start at Super Rugby Pacific match for the first time on Saturday when the Highlanders take on the fifth-placed Melbourne Rebels.
Kiwis are making their presence felt in November via several international teams in the north, and not just the All Blacks and Maori All Blacks.