The Highlanders have named a powerful line-up for their final pre-season fixture, taking on Moana Pasifika this Waitangi Day (Friday 6th February) at the Queenstown Events Centre.
Halfback Folau Fakatava is set for his first run of 2026, joined by the returning Jona Nareki on the wing and dynamic fullback Jacob Ratumaitavuki‑Kneepkens. Their inclusion adds significant attacking spark as the Highlanders look to build rhythm ahead of next week’s Friday night opening day encounter against reigning champions, the Crusaders.
Two All Blacks will also feature for the first time this year, with Ethan de Groot and Fabian Holland scheduled for second‑half minutes. They will be joined by fellow All Black Timoci Tavatavanawai, adding further experience and impact to the match-day squad.
Moana Pasifika, one of the standout performers of the 2025 season, are expected to bring their trademark physicality and high-energy style to what promises to be a competitive and entertaining contest.
A crowd of more than 4,000 is anticipated at the Queenstown Events Centre — one of world rugby’s most picturesque venues — for the 2.30pm kick-off and the game will be available on the Highlanders YouTube Channel.
Highlanders Squad
First 40
1 Josh Bartlett
2 Jack Taylor
3 Angus Ta'avao
4 Oliver Haig
5 Mitch Dunshea
6 Te Kamaka Howden
7 Sean Withy (C)
8 Nikora Broughton
9 Folau Fakatava
10 Cameron Millar
11 Jona Nareki
12 Tanielu Tele'a
13 Jonah Lowe
14 Caleb Tangitau
15 Jacob Ratumaitavuki Kneepkens
Replacments:
Ethan de Groot, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Henry Bell/Soane Vikena, Rohan Wingham, Josh Tengblad, Fabian Holland, Will Stodart, Veveni Lasaqa, Lucas Casey, Adam Lennox, Nic Shearer, Ressjan Pasitoa, Timoci Tavatavanwai, Jonah Lowe, Josh Whaanga, Taine Robinson
Moana Pasifika has named a strong side to take on the Highlanders in Friday’s pre-season match at the Queenstown Events Centre.
A week after the team’s internal trial game at North Harbour Stadium, a core group from the historic 2025 season and a new wave of exciting talent, will get the opportunity to test themselves against their first opposition of 2026.
After much talk about the makeup of Moana Pasifika’s new midfield combination – the first opportunity has been given to former All Blacks wrecking ball Ngani Laumape and Manu Samoa flyer Lalomilo Lalomilo.
The trip to the deep south marks a special moment for Miracle Faiilagi who will enter his first competitive match as captain. His loose forward partner, Ofa Topeni, has been given a prime chance to impress in the number seven jersey after Niko Jones (injury) and Semisi Paea (serving a suspension from international duty with Tonga) were made unavailable.
Topeni is a product of Dilworth School in Auckland where he was named sportsman of the year in 2022. He later became captain of the Auckland Marist Premier club side and made his first class debut for Auckland during the 2025 NPC season.
Fans in Australia, more specifically Queensland, will be tracking the progress of towering winger Israel Leota who was part of the Brisbane Broncos top 30 squad that won the 2025 NRL Premiership.
Also on the bench is outside back Denzel Samoa, who was one of two players to win a wider training squad contract at the conclusion of a special three-week trial in December.
Some of Moana Pasifika’s standout performers in 2025 will bring impact off the bench, including Feleti Sae-Ta’ufo’ou and Melani Matavao – a testament to the depth of this year’s squad.
It’s an opportunity to test combinations and prepare for the team’s 2026 DHL Super Rugby Pacific season opener against the Drua in Lautoka next Saturday.
Moana Pasifika Starting XV
1 Abraham Pole
2 Millennium Sanerivi
3 Chris Apoua
4 Tom Savage
5 Allan Craig
6 Miracle Faiilagi (c)
7 Ofa Topeni
8 Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa
9 Jonathan Taumateine
10 Patrick Pellegrini
11 Solomon Alaimalo
12 Ngani Laumape
13 Lalomilo Lalomilo
14 Tevita Ofa
15 William Havili
Replacements:
Alefosio Aho, Denzel Samoa, Dominic Ropeti, Feleti Sae-Ta’ufo’ou, Glen Vaihu, Israel Leota, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Julian Savea, Konrad Toleafoa, Malakai Hala-Ngatai, Mamoru Harada, Melani Matavao, Ofa Tauatevalu, Sam Tuitupou, Samiuela Moli, Siaosi Nginingini.
