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FULLTIME – FORCE 3 HIGHLANDERS 23
It wasnt a classic match by any stretch but in the end it was a gritty and hard earned win for the Highlanders who now meet the Chiefs in what is shaping as a pivotal clash for placings within the New Zealand conference and Wildcard spots for the playoffs.
The first half was a territorial affair, both sides looking to play in the other half and a high number of errors from both teams leaving us with a three point margin at halftime.
In the second half the Highlanders applied the screws, their tactical kicking through Lima Sopoaga and Ben Smith accurate and applied pressure for long periods of time on the Force who eventually withered despite a brave effort on defence, restricting the Highlanders to two trys in the match.
The Force will look back on this match and rue their gameplan. A host of attacking opportunities were wasted through aimless kicking and poor execution making life far too easy for the Highlanders who were comfortable winners.
For the Highlanders, Ben Smith was prominent in his 100th match while Matt Hodgson has possibly the biggest engine going around for the Force.
The Force remain rooted to the bottom of the table while the Highlanders look forward to a big match next week in pursuit of the playoffs.
The third match of our triple header for Super Rugby Round 15 sees the Highlanders stop off in Perth to take on the Force at nib Stadium. Join us for all the action from 9:45pm (AEST).
The Highlanders will want to grab a valuable away win to keep themselves in the playoff hunt, while the Force are at the bottom of the table with only pride to play for.
It looks a relatively simple assignment for the Highlanders, but despite the season’s results Perth has proved a stumbling block to many fine teams over the years, and the Force will have regained some confidence coming off solid win over the Waratahs in Perth.
The Force certainly have the forward pack to get the job done and have proven time and again they are able to hold onto the ball for long periods of time.
This will be needed again this evening, as will another stand-out performance from captain Matt Hodgson, their terrific openside flanker.
Aimless kicks to the Highlanders’ back three would be ill advised, so a tight, high-percentage game plan will most likely be on offer from the Force.
Hoping for a hard, dry pitch, the Highlanders will look to do as they have done all season, utilising the quick service of Aaron Smith at halfback to unleash their dynamic attacking backline.
Nick Cummins will have his hands full with Waisake Naholo out wide, a match-up to keep an eye on.
Another match-up to look forward to is the clash at centre between Kyle Godwin and Malakai Fekitoa, two young and extremely talented players.
Can the Highlanders continue their march towards the playoffs or will the Force register their third win of the season for the faithful in Perth? Join The Roar for all the action from 9:45pm (AEST).
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.