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

Roar Guru

6th July, 2014

11295 Reads

Teams

Waratahs
Israel Folau, Alofa Alofa, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Kurtley Beale, Rob Horne, Bernard Foley, Nick Phipps; Wycliff Palu, Michael Hooper (captain), Stephen Hoiles, Kane Dougles, Jacques Potgieter, Sekope Kepu, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson.

Reserves (from): Tolu Latu, Jeremy Tilse, Paddy Ryan, Will Skelton, Mitch Chapman, Pat McCutcheon, Brendan McKibbin, Jono Lance, Taqele Naiyaravoro, Cam Crawford

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

Kickoff: 4.05pm AEST
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Last Meeting:Round 3, 2012: Highlanders 18, Waratahs 17
Referee: Steve Walsh
Betting: Waratahs $1.29, Highlanders $3.60
Last 5: Waratahs WWWWW, Highlanders WLLWW

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Israel Folau ran riot for the Waratahs. (Source: AJF Photography)

Digby

Roar Guru

6th July, 2014

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11295 Reads

This crunch match to wrap up Round 18 of Super Rugby action sees the Waratahs hosting the Highlanders at Allianz Stadium in Sydney. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 4:00pm AEST.

The race to qualify for the playoffs is red hot and both of these sides are likely to feature.

Before the round, the Waratahs led both the Australian conference and the overall competition.

A win today would not only seal a playoff position but guarantee them one of the coveted first two placings, earning a bye in the first week of playoffs and a guaranteed home semi-final.

The Highlanders were second in the New Zealand conference, based on points differential, to the Crusaders and a win today would help keep the pressure on their rivals.

There are some mouth-watering match ups to look out for, the most notable between Israel Folau and Ben Smith.

These superb fullbacks have been in sublime form this season and provide options and impetus for both teams, particularly on attack. How they perform could go a long way to deciding the outcome.

The clash of the centres sees a contrast in styles, with Adam Ashley-Cooper’s agility pitted against Malakai Fekitoas power, and the service of the opposing halfbacks in Aaron Smith and Nick Phipps will be vital to set these backlines alight.

The Waratahs have been in dynamic form at home and are many punters favourites for this year’s Super Rugby title.

The Highlanders have quite a challenge in front of them, but are arguably the form team of the New Zealand conference and hold plenty of strike power of their own.

Can the Waratahs continue their strong run of form? Or will the Highlanders secure a strong victory on the road?

Join us as we cover the match live and don’t forget to leave your comments below as the match unfolds.

Tip: Waratahs by 10.

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