- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
Good afternoon and welcome to our coverage of the Crusaders hosting the Highlanders from AMI stadium in Christchurch with kick off at 5:35pm (AEST).
An incredibly important game for both teams with playoff positions and home advantage for the finals up for grabs.
For the Crusaders, who currently lead the New Zealand conference on 46 points, a bonus point win today would likely secure not only the New Zealand conference but second place overall and a week off with home advantage for the semi-final, pending of course the result from the Sharks match who currently have the same number of wins but an inferior points differential.
The Highlanders are currently on 42 points and a bonus point win themselves while denying the Crusaders any bonus points can see them finish first in the New Zealand conference and secure home advantage for the first rounds of the playoffs.
A loss today may also see the Highlanders fail to qualify for the playoffs depending on other results so a good performance today is essential.
Both sides have everything to play for today and should produce a cracking encounter.
The rugby gods seem to be against the Highlanders tonight with their highly influential co-captain Ben Smith being made unavailable and playing away in Christchurch after suffering a heavy defeat in Sydney last Sunday to the table topping Waratahs may seem like a bridge too far for the men from the deep south but anyone who saw the last classic encounter between these two great southern rivals know that nothing can be taken for granted and given what is at stake for the victor this match will go down to the wire.
Join us as we cover the live action and don’t forget to have your say during the match below.
Tip: Crusaders by 6
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.