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The Blues had a thrilling two-point win over the Highlanders on the first night of Super Rugby in 2016, despite scoring less tries than the opposition.
4/6 penalties compared to just 1/3 from the Highlanders have the Blues a win over the reigning champs to start the year.
Final score
Blues 33
Highlanders 31
The 2016 Super Rugby season will get under way on Friday evening, as the Blues take on the Highlanders at Eden Park in Auckland. Join The Roar from 5:35pm (AEDT) for live scores and commentary.
After a disastrous 2015 campaign where they finished the competition in 15th spot with only three wins, the Blues will look to rectify their results following the acquisition of All Black legend Tana Umaga as coach.
It will be a tough ask for the 42-year-old to turn the Blues back into the powerhouse of Super Rugby they once were, with even the great Sir John Kirwan not being able to provide strong results over the last three seasons.
All Black lock Patrick Tuipulotu will return to the starting line-up after hip surgery to strengthen a largely inexperienced squad. Jerome Kaino will not be making an appearance in the first game of the season after being suspended for punching Pauliasi Manu in the Blues trial game against the Chiefs.
Suffering Blues’ fans are holding onto hope that this can be a productive campaign and Kaino’s brain snap not being a sign of things to come. However, it will be tough playing without their captain, especially against last season’s champions.
The Highlanders were the fairy-tale of Super Rugby in 2015, showing that a champion team really can defeat a team of champions, following their defeat of a star-studded Hurricanes outfit in the final.
The defending champions have selected an experienced side to begin their campaign, with a host of All Blacks set to pull on the jersey after World Cup success.
Led by halfback Aaron Smith, the Highlanders backline will be extremely hard to contain and will no doubt go close to equalling their 54 try, 450 point effort last season.
Head-to-head, the Highlanders have won six of their last eight matches against the Blues and outscored them 74-31 on their way to two wins over them in 2015.
Prediction
Even at Eden Park, the Highlanders will be far too strong for an ailing Blues squad still in the phase of rebuilding.
Highlanders by 16.
Join The Roar for live coverage of the 2016 Super Rugby opener from 5:35pm (AEDT) and be sure to add your comments in the section below.
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.