Both finalists almost took maximum points from the five round competition and will enter the final off the back of good runs of form. Highlander’s management have kept faith with the team that has produced the results over the last few weeks and both players with injury concerns, Pari Pari Parkinson and Jona Nareki have been included.
Team co-captain, Ash Dixon, will play his 100th game for the Highlanders having made his debut in 2015 after a few seasons with the Hurricanes. The inspirational leader was named captain of the Maori All Blacks this week.
Blues v Highlanders, 7.05pm, Saturday 19 June, Eden Park, Auckland
1. Ethan De Groot
2. Ash Dixon (cc)
3. Siate Tokolahi
4. Pari Pari Parkinson
5. Bryn Evans
6. Hugh Renton
7. Billy Harmon
8. Kazuki Himeno
9. Aaron Smith (cc)
10. Mitch Hunt
11 Jona Nareki
12. Scott Gregory
13. Michael Collins
14. Patelesio Tomkinson
15. Josh Ioane
RESERVES
16. Liam Coltman
17. Ayden Johnstone
18. Josh Hohneck
19. Josh Dickson
20. James Lentjes
21. Kayne Hammington
22. Sam Gilbert
23. Teariki Ben-Nicholas