Highlanders v Fijian Drua result: Southern side triumph in Super Rugby Pacific

The Highlanders celebrate Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens' try against the Fijian Drua. Photo / Photosport

All the Super Rugby action as the Highlanders hosted the Fijian Drua in Dunedin.

-The Highlanders sealed their playoff spot with a resounding win over the Fijian Drua at Forsyth Barr Stadium.

-After taking an 18-0 lead to halftime through tries for Jona Nareki and Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, the hosts strengthened their grip in the second spell.

-Nareki completed his double and the defence almost shut out the visitors as the Highlanders moved to sixth in the standings.

-The Drua remained in eighth and could be overhauled by the Crusaders in the final week of the regular season.

Highlanders team to face Fijian Drua

The Highlanders will be bolstered by the return of seasoned campaigners Billy Harmon and Jona Nareki as they prepare to host the Fijian Drua in Dunedin on Sunday afternoon.

Harmon returns to start at No 8, with Nareki on the left wing, while Ajay Faleafaga starts at first five-eighths with Cam Millar ruled out. In the midfield, Sam Gilbert will cover for the injured Tanielu Tele’a, who sustained a knee injury in last week’s match against the Blues, while Jake Te Hiwi shifts to centre.

Connor Garden-Bachop, Matt Whaanga, Daniel Lienert-Brown, and Max Hicks all join the bench, while Nikora Broughton shifts to the pine with Harmon returning.

Kickoff: Sunday 2.05pm at Forsyth Barr Stadium

1. Ethan de Groot (co-captain)

2. Henry Bell

3. Jermaine Ainsley

4. Mitch Dunshea

5. Fabian Holland

6. Oliver Haig

7. Sean Withy

8. Billy Harmon (co-captain)

9. Folau Fakatava

10. Ajay Faleafaga

11. Jona Nareki

12. Sam Gilbert

13. Jake Te Hiwi

14. Timoci Tavatavanawai

15. Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens

Reserves:

16. Jack Taylor

17. Daniel Lienert-Brown

18. Saula Ma’u

19. Max Hicks

20. Nikora Broughton

21. James Arscott

22. Matt Whaanga

23. Connor Garden-Bachop