The RugbyPass Round Table writers answer the big questions at the mid-point of the Super Rugby Pacific 2025 season.
The Highlanders may have lost electric fullback Finn Hurley for the season, but they have been boosted by the return of the mercurial Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens for their round nine clash with the Fijian Drua.
Highlanders captain Timoci Tavatavanawai returns to the midfield for Friday’s tough test against the ACT Brumbies at Canberra’s GIO Stadium.
Seven players will don Highlanders colours for the first time this weekend as the team gets their 2025 campaign underway in Sydney.
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.
For the Blues game, they've selected their strongest available 23 and again named All Balck Ethan de Groot as captain.