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Match Result
What a bizarre game, the Highlanders took a strong lead heading into the half time break. Then two penalty tries and a yellow card to Joe Wheeler turned the game on it’s head and the Highlanders were looking like they were going to get run over. Some gutsy work though kept them in it, Fekitoa and Smith were outstanding while the front row from the Chiefs was dominant all night.
Cruden’s boot continues to be a worry and he missed three penalties, and Horrell missed one, in the end it was the Highlanders with just 24% of the territory who got the job done. Banks kick after the siren shows that he could be a future star for the franchise.
It’s the Highlanders 20 defeating the Chiefs 17.
Match Preview
The Chiefs will be looking to continue their perfect start to the season when they host the Highlanders in an outstanding New Zealand conference game. Join us for live scores and commentary from 5:25pm AEDT.
It’s been smooth sailing so far for the Chiefs in 2015; the return of Sonny Bill Williams has certainly given them an extra edge in midfield and Charlie Ngatai appears to have taken another step forward.
Although it is worth noting the Chiefs won their first three games in both 2010 and last year before losing their fourth game of the season.
The Highlanders got their season on track last week against the Reds, following a loss to the Crusaders in Round 2 after having the bye in Round 1.
If you use the two sides’ form against the Crusaders as an indicator you would say the Chiefs will win this one comfortably after a dominant display. They have also beaten the Brumbies, who many think will be challenging for the title come the business end of the season.
Both sides have great attacking weapons and as previously mentioned Ngatai has been great this season, tied with the Highlanders’ Wasiake Naholo as the only two players to beat at least 10 defenders this season.
Upsetting the lineout could be a key to victory, with the Highlanders completing 94.1 per cent and the Chiefs 93.8 per cent to be ranked first and second with lineout success.
The last two games between these sides stand at one apiece. The largest margin in those two games was just four points, when the Highlanders broke a four-game losing streak to the Chiefs 25-21 at Forsyth Barr.
The Chiefs have dominated recent encounters, winning five of the last seven games, but one of those losses for the Chiefs was at home, when the Highlanders prevailed 23-19 in 2012.
Prediction
The Chiefs side are the benchmark team in the competition and they were simply ruthless last week against the Crusaders, playing outstanding running rugby and scoring tries at will.
This one is going to be a high-scoring affair and the Chiefs have too much up their sleeves for the Highlanders.
Chiefs by 8.
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.