- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
The first week of the 2014 Super Rugby finals sees the Highlanders facing the South African conference leading Sharks in Durban at 1:05am (AEST) on Sunday morning.
Under the guidance of head coach Jake White the Sharks emerged as Super Rugby’s premier side in the first half of the competition, winning seven of the opening eight game. However, the Sharks have dropped the ball in recent weeks winning just three of their last five.
The Highlanders scraped into the finals in sixth place, just one point above the Hurricanes. Similar to the Sharks, the Otago-based franchise has not performed well in the latter half of the season, winning only one of their last five.
Having won six of their last eight games at home, and considering the Highlanders recent poor form, the Sharks remain firm favourites. White’s side lost some of its fear factor after dropping a home game to this weekend’s opponents — the Highlanders — and came further back to the pack following a road loss to the Brumbies.
Defeats either side of the June Test break to South African rivals cost them a realistic shot at top spot, but the Sharks bounced back to winning ways with an impressive 34-10 result away to the Stormers last weekend. That gave them a much-needed lift in confidence heading into the finals. In further good news, flyhalf Patrick Lambie looks set to return after a long lay-off with an arm injury.
The ‘do or die’ qualifying finals match features a number of key battles that could ultimately decide the game. In the front-row, Highlanders hooker Ged Robinson faces a challenge in international rugby hard-man and Springbok Bismarck du Plessis.
In the backline, Springbok wing JP Pietersen with pull on the 13 jersey and face in form outside centre Malakai Fekitoa. Fekitoa has been in fine form for the Highlanders in the 2014 season, earning the young flyer an All Blacks cap in the recent Test series against England – he also leads the competition in line breaks with 64. The Sharks will need to limit his options in defence if they are to claim a victory in Durban.
At the back, Highlanders and All Blacks fullback Ben Smith returns for the Highlanders after a leg infection kept him out of last week’s loss to the Crusaders. Utility back Frans Steyn will feature at first-five for the Sharks.
The Sharks will need to limit the Highlanders key players and take their opportunities at goal if they are to win this game. The Sharks have scored the second lowest amount of tries (29) in 2014 so will need to have rock-solid defence to limit the Highlanders attacking players.
Defence will also be key for the Highlanders if they are to prevail, going into the finals the side leads the competition in: missed tackles per game (26.6), running metres conceded (705m), and line breaks conceded per game (6.5).
With elimination on the line, however, this game will be much closer than the bookmakers are indicating.
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.