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[VIDEO] Highlanders vs Chiefs: Super Rugby highlights, scores, blog

Roar Guru
27th June, 2014
Teams

Highlanders
Ben Smith (co-capt), Richard Buckman, Malakai Fekitoa, Shaun Treeby, Patrick Osborne, Lima Sopoaga, Aaron Smith, Nasi Manu (co-capt), Shane Christie, Elliot Dixon, Joe Wheeler, Tom Franklin, Ma'afu Fia, Brayden Mitchell, Kane Hames

Reserves: Ged Robinson, Matias Diaz, Chris King, Josh Bekhuis, Lee Allan, Fumiaki Tanaka, Hayden Parker, Phil Burleigh.

Chiefs
Gareth Anscombe, Dwayne Sweeney, Robbie Fruean, Bundee Aki, Tom Marshall, Aaron Cruden (co-capt), Augustine Pulu, Liam Squire, Tanerau Latimer, Liam Messam (co-capt), Brodie Retallick, Michael Fitzgerald, Ben Tameifuna, Mahonri Schwalger, Pauliasi Manu

Reserves: Nathan Harris, Jamie Mackintosh, Josh Hohneck, Matt Symons, Tevita Koloamatangi, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Tim Nanai-Williams, James Lowe.

Venue: Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
Kick-off: 5.30pm AEST
Referee: Garratt Williamson (New Zealand)
Last meeting: Chiefs 21-19 Highlanders; 2014 season
History: Chiefs 15, Highlanders 7
TV: Live FoxSports
Betting: Highlanders $2.00, Chiefs $1.83
Aaron Smith of the Highlanders. (Credit:SNPA / Ross Setford)
Roar Guru
27th June, 2014
114
4141 Reads

Dunedin plays host to a vital Super Rugby derby between the Highlanders and Chiefs this afternoon. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 5.30pm AEST.

Both the Highlanders and Chiefs remain in the hunt for the finals but a loss tonight for either side could spell the end of their ambitions.

The Highlanders are currently in fifth position on the ladder but the Chiefs are only three points behind, so expect a tight contest between two sides desperate for a win.

All Blacks trio Aaron Smith, Ben Smith and Malakai Fekitoa all return for the Highlanders after playing in the recent Test series against England.

The trio will certainly have their say in a match, and the Chiefs will particularly need to keep a eye on Ben Smith. Smith has been in terrific form at fullback and has made plenty of metres over the gainline this season.

As defending champions, the Chiefs’ chances of going back-to-back will worsen with defeat. On their day, they can be a joy to watch but their form of late doesn’t bode well.

Before the June Test window, the Chiefs suffered defeats to the Hurricanes and Waratahs. These losses now leave the Chiefs in a precarious position as the season reaches its climax.

The Highlanders at home will be tough to beat but the Chiefs will take confidence from the fact that they have won their past three matches against tonight’s rivals.

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The Chiefs will give it their all but the class of Aaron and Ben Smith should be enough to guide the Highlanders home.

Highlanders by 6.

Join The Roar for live scores and coverage of the Highlanders vs Chiefs match from 5:30pm (AEST).

If you are following the match, be sure to drop your thoughts in the comments below.

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