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The opener of Super Rugby Round 6 sees the Highlanders host the Western Force from under the roof at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin. Join The Roar for all the action from 5:35pm (AEDT).
The Highlanders want to further cement their standing as one of the form teams of 2016, after an impressive start to their campaign.
For their part, the Force need to put their season back on track.
The Perth franchise are on the third leg of their New Zealand tour, and it has not been a happy time, suffering heavy defeats to the Hurricanes and Chiefs.
Unfortunately there is little reprieve for the beleaguered squad, as they are now up against arguably the form Kiwi team.
The biggest issue for the Force has been their attack and converting hard-earned territory and possession on the scoreboard. Their pack, led by the hard-working Matt Hodgson, compete well at the setpiece and the breakdown, and they will fancy they can get on top of the Highlanders up front, but what they do with the ball is the key.
The challenge for halves Alby Mathewson and Peter Grant is creating and maximising opportunities, while also controlling the match with the boot. An off night with their tactical kicking could prove disastrous, as the Highlanders’ counter-attacking abilities, led by fullback Ben Smith, are lethal.
The Otago side will be happy to continue on from previous weeks, with their accurate kicking game and pressuring the opposition into forcing their hand, then feeding off those errors.
Prediction
The Force will battle hard, but there will be a similar result from the previous few weeks.
Highlanders by 28.
Join The Roar for all the action live, and be sure to comment on the match as it happens.
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.