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FULLTIME – HIGHLANDERS 36 CHIEFS 9
<!more>In what can only be described as a dominant performance, the Highlanders have made a statement here tonight with a comprehensive win over the highly fancied Chiefs tonight at Invercargill.
From the outset, the Highlanders were intent on playing for territory and led by pin point kicking from Aaron Smith, Lima Sopoaga and Ben Smith, the Highlanders lumped the pressure on a Chiefs side who were forced into errors throughout the match and as the Highlanders continued to apply the pressure the Chiefs simply had no answers, conceeding four trys and unable to cross the line themselves.
It was a composed and efficient performance from the Highlanders this evening as they take outright second in the New Zealand conference and have their eyes on the front running Hurricanes with two rounds to be played.
The Chiefs simply could not get going tonight, they lacked cohesion with ball in hand and the match was permeated with a number of unforced errors as their much vaunted offloading game deserted them. The Chiefs will not look back fondly on this match and will need to pick themselves up quickly for a trip to Brisbane next week. They are still well in the hunt for a playoff spot however their chances of earning home ground advantage has taken a hit this evening.
Good evening and welcome to this crunch Super Rugby match featuring the Highlanders playing host to the Chiefs from Rugby Park in Invercargill which promises to be a pivotal match in sorting out the New Zealand conference.
Kick off scheduled for 5:35pm AEST.
With both sides occupying the fourth and fifth wildcard spots on the Super Rugby ladder with the Chiefs holding a one point lead, tonight’s match would provide the winner with an advantage over the other with only two rounds to be played.
For the Highlanders, a win tonight is paramount for their season. With two rounds to go, both away to the Hurricanes and Blues and with their All Black rest schedule still to be completed, they must make use of their last home game of the season to give themselves the best chance of finishing in the first wildcard spot and a home playoff match.
The Chiefs will also be highly motivated tonight with a tricky away game to a resurgent Reds side and the Hurricanes to finish; points tonight are a must for their hopes of a home playoff.
Unfortunately for the Chiefs, their injury woes have continued losing regular Captain Liam Messam from the starting side, replaced by Maama Vaipula while Captaincy has been handed to Sam Cane in the interim.
In some relief, Michael Fitzgerald has returned from injury to partner Ross Filipo in the second row while the Chiefs two Southland brothers, Marty and Damian Mackenzie, will be relishing the opportunity to start together in their former hometown.
For the Highlanders, lock Mark Reddish is unable to start and has been replaced by Tom Franklin in an otherwise unchanged line-up from last weekend.
There are plenty of mouth-watering clashes to take note of this evening, none more so than at halfback, where Aaron Smith will be squaring up against All Black hopeful Augustin Pulu while at centre, Malakai Fekitoas clash with inform Chief Charlie Ngatai will be one to keep note of.
Damian Mackenzie, playing tonight at fullback, has launched into his first full season of Super Rugby like a veteran and will be looking forward to matching himself against a world class opponent in Ben Smith, holding the fort at the back for the Highlanders.
Tonight’s match promises to be the match of the round and I encourage you to join me as I cover all the action live and hope you can add your thoughts below.
Tip – Chiefs
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.