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The Crusaders must win against the Highlanders to keep their Super Rugby finals aspirations on track when the two sides meet at Forsyth Barr Stadium tonight. We’ll have live scores from 5.35pm AEST.
Super Rugby returns to New Zealand following a three-week break to incorporate the All Blacks’ international series against France.
For Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder, the key will be to ease his All Blacks starters back into the starting XV with Kieran Read, Wyatt Crocket, Luke Romano, Israel Dagg, Owen Franks, Sam Whitelock and Dan Carter all starting at some point in the three-Test series.
Blackadder has left out Franks due to an ongoing issue with an infected elbow, while Keiran Read and Luke Romano will start from the bench.
The Highlanders have made three changes to the side that defeated the Blues 29 days ago, with Tony Woodcock, Elliott Dixon and Kade Poki all making a return to the starting XV.
It has been a dismal season for Jamie Joseph’s men and with just two wins from 13 matches they sit a distant last in the competitive New Zealand Conference.
But a win would lift them above the Southern Kings and off the bottom of the overall ladder and away from the wooden spoon.
Not much has split these two sides in recent times; while the Crusaders have won the last two encounters it is 5-5 in the last ten overall, and the Highlanders recorded a 27-24 victory when the two sides last met in Dunedin back in 2012.
The Crusaders’ only blemish in their past six matches was a nine-point defeat in Waikato, and everything about their recent form has suggested they’re a side who could have a serious influence on the finals.
A loss here could change that, and they’ll be wary about what could end up being a tricky assignment in Dunedin.
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.