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The early Friday night game sees the Highlanders play host to the Sharks in Dunedin. Join The Roar from 5:35pm (AEST) for all the live action.
The Sharks are coming off a string of losses, and in a tightly contested South African conference away wins are becoming more and more vital.
The big question mark over the Sharks is their ability to score points, as their conservative style of play has restricted an otherwise powerful side.
Tonight’s side lines up with a further reshuffle in the back division, placing pressure on how first-five Garth April runs his side. With dynamic centre Paul Jordaan unavailable, the experienced JP Pietersen is filling in, and he and fullback Willie le Roux’s performances are crucial to the Sharks’ chances.
The Highlanders had the bye last week, allowing them to stew over their shock loss to the Reds a fortnight ago.
They have a settled looking side, with plenty of strike power to call on. Captain Ben Smith comes back into the fold at fullback, and we can expect an attacking game again from this side under the roof at Forsyth Barr stadium. While their counter-attack ability is well known, the biggest challenge for the Highlanders is up front against a powerful Sharks pack. Achieve parity, and it’s unlikely the Sharks will be able to foot it in an open match.
A few match-ups of interest include the duel at halfback, with Cobus Reinach for the Sharks up against Aaron Smith for the Highlanders, while the fullback battle between le Roux and Smith may be a preview of international matches – both are creative and instinctively attacking players who could prove the kingmakers for their respective sides.
Prediction
Highlanders by 16. Too much strike power and cohesion, particularly at home.
Join The Roar for all the action, and join in the commentary below as the match unfolds.
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.