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Round nine of the 2013 Super Rugby season opens on Friday evening when the bottom-placed and winless Highlanders take on the second-placed ACT Brumbies. Join us for live scores and commentary from 5.35pm AEST.
The Highlanders have been the shock of the season so far, with many predicting the All Black studded squad to yield big results this season.
But the reality has been disastrous for the men from Otago, who are yet to collect a win coming into their seventh game.
Media pressure has focused on Ma’a Nonu, the big centre being blamed for the losses even though he has only played in four of the six games so far this season.
While Nonu’s defence may not be up to scratch, the pack seems to be the more glaring issue for the side.
Comparatively the Brumbies have been on fire this season, having picked up five wins from their seven games.
After a great start to their South African stretch with wins over the Sharks and Bulls they lost to the Stormers and are coming off a very disappointing draw against new boys Southern Kings.
The Brumbies forwards have struggled with some of the larger South African packs and absence of top try scorer Jesse Mogg has certainly shown.
Brumbies coach Jake White has made his frustrations public and is hoping that his team can make amends for the disappointment of the draw at home to the Kings.
They will be looking to regain both momentum and the top spot this weekend with a big win in Dunedin, and I see the Highlanders woes continuing this weekend with the Brumbies running out victorious by more than seven.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.