Technically, that should be teams — plural — as two mostly separate XVs have been named for the preseason game against the Crusaders in Timaru tomorrow.
Young forwards Will Stodart (first half) and Jack Taylor (second half) will handle the captaincy duties in the absence of incumbent co-captains Timoci Tavatavanawai and Hugh Renton, although there has been no confirmation yet of a permanent skipper for 2026.
The first-half team features new Highlanders contracted players Tomas Lavanini, Xavier Tito-Harris and Stanley Solomon, while wider squad members Lucas Casey and Meihana Grindlay get an opportunity to impress.
Plenty will be keen to see Casey in action at openside after his spectacular season for Otago, while established man Veveni Lasaqa wears the No 7 jersey in the second half.
There is a need to cement depth at halfback with Dylan Pledger gone for the season with injury, so Adam Lennox and Nic Shearer will be in the spotlight.
Shearer remains in the wider squad to provide cover for Lennox and incumbent Folau Fakatava, while veteran former Highlanders halfback Kayne Hammington is also training with the squad for a few weeks.
The starting back three looks young and vibrant with 2025 rookie sensation Caleb Tangitau joined by Tito-Harris on the wing and the intriguing Solomon at the back.
Cameron Millar starts in the No 10 jersey, former Brumbies and Force utility Reesjan Pasitoa will replace him at first five, and Taine Robinson will appear at fullback in the second half.
All Blacks forwards Ethan de Groot and Fabian Holland are still preparing for action, and while Taylor, Tangitau and TK Howden are involved, fellow All Blacks XV representatives Sean Withy and Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens will sit this one out.
Several senior Highlanders, including Mitch Dunshea, Renton and Jona Nareki, will also be on spectator duty for a game played over four quarters.
Highlanders teams
To play Crusaders
First half: Stanley Solomon, Caleb Tangitau, Tanielu Tele’a, Meihana Grindlay, Xavier Tito-Harris, Cameron Millar, Adam Lennox, Will Stodart (captain), Lucas Casey, Oliver Haig, Tomas Lavanini, Tai Cribb, Sefo Kautai, Soane Vikena, Josh Bartlett.
Second half: Taine Robinson, Solomon, Jonah Lowe, Tayne Harvey, Josh Whaanga, Reesjan Pasitoa, Nic Shearer, Nikora Broughton, Veveni Lasaqa, TK Howden, Cribb, Josh Tengblad, Angus Ta’avao, Jack Taylor (captain), Rohan Wingham.
