- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
The Highlanders, after a first Round bye, kick off their 2015 Super Rugby campaign at home under the roof at the Forsyth Barr Stadium hosting their Southern rivals the Crusaders. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 5.35PM AEDT.
The Highlanders will be targeting this match as a must win at home as they look to build upon a successful 2014 campaign and again feature in this year’s playoffs.
WATCH THE LATEST RUGBY HIGHLIGHTS
Possessing a potent back three led by Ben Smith, a straight and hard running midfield marshalled by All Black halfback Aaron Smith, the Highlanders promise plenty of excitement and point scoring ability.
Whether their forward pack can provide enough ball for this backline will be the key and pre-season results would indicate the ability is there with wins over the Crusaders and Brumbies.
Providing the Southern men some confidence will be the lacklustre display from the Crusaders in Round 1, going down at home to a spirited and hungry Rebels side in Christchurch.
Of particular concern will be the breakdown where they were out enthused by the Rebels and an obvious area to attack for the Highlanders.
The Crusaders also lacked direction in their backline playing far too laterally for long periods and no doubt Coach Todd Blackadder will have addressed that this week in training.
With the likes of Ryan Crotty and Israel Dagg options for him to bring back into the side, one should expect a more composed effort tonight.
The Southern Derby is always hotly contested and exciting affairs and tonight promises to be no different.
Join me as I cover all of the action as it happens and leave your thoughts on the match below.
Tip: Highlanders
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.