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The second qualifying final of the 2014 Super Rugby finals see the Sharks host the struggling Highlanders at Kings Park in Durban, with the action kicking off at 1:05am (AEST).
The Sharks are six wins from eight at home in 2014 and enter this match as hot favourites, thanks not only to their home ground advantage, but their opponents’ recent stretch of poor form.
The Highlanders enter this do-or-die clash with form against them, off the back of two disappointing losses against the Waratahs (a 28-point loss) and the Crusaders (a 26-point loss). They will need to rid these recent memories from their minds if they are to have any chance of causing an upset in this match.
The Sharks on the other hand are coming off a convincing win over the Stormers and are sure to be pumped up to fly their nations flag, being the only South African side to make the finals.
Despite each side’s recent form, the Highlanders will enter this match drawing on the confidence from the win they secured against their opponents in Round 11. In that match the Highlanders stunned the Sharks in Durban, securing a bonus-point win after Malakai Fekitoa showed off some All Black magic.
Fekitoa has beaten 61 defenders during the regular season – that’s at least 10 more than any other player this season. If he can add to that number in this match, the Highlanders may be in with a chance of an upset.
Looking forward to Sunday morning, the Sharks’ kicking game and defence will be key to determining this match. For the Highlanders, their ability to face the long road trip and also bounce back from two deflating losses will be telling.
With elimination on the line, this game is poised to be a far tighter clash than the odds suggest.
Venue: Kings Park Stadium, Durban
Time: 1:05am (AEST)
Last Time: Highlanders 34-28 Sharks (Round 11 2014)
Head-to-head: Sharks 10 Highlanders 8
Referee: Steve Walsh
TV: Fox Sports 2 (LIVE)
Betting: Sharks $1.14, Highlanders $5.75
Join The Roar for live score and coverage of the Sharks versus Highlanders from 1.05am (AEST) on Sunday morning.
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.