Highlanders vs Crusaders highlights: Super Rugby live scores, blog

Roar Guru

13th May, 2016

8304 Reads

Kickoff: 5:35pm (AEST)
Venue: Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
Referee: Chris Pollock
Betting: Highlanders $1.90, Crusaders $1.90

Higlanders
15 Ben Smith (c), 14 Waisake Naholo, 13 Matt Faddes, 12 Malakai Fekitoa, 11 Patrick Osborne, 10 Lima Sopoaga, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Luke Whitelock, 7 Dan Pryor, 6 Elliot Dixon, 5 Joe Wheeler, 4 Alex Ainley, 3 Josh Hohneck, 2 Ash Dixon, 1 Daniel Lienert-Brown
Replacements: 16 Greg Pleasants-Tate, 17 Craig Millar, 18 Siosiua Halanukonuka, 19 Tom Franklin, 20 Liam Squire, 21 Fumiaki Tanaka, 22 Marty Banks, 23 Teihorangi Walden

Crusaders
15 Israel Dagg, 14 Johnny McNicholl, 13 Kieron Fonotia, 12 David Havili, 11 Jone Macilai, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Andy Ellis, 8 Kieran Read(c), 7 Matt Todd, 6 Jordan Taufua, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Luke Romano, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Wyatt Crockett
Replacements: 16 Ged Robinson, 17 Joe Moody, 18 Mike Alaalatoa, 19 Scott Barrett, 20 Tim Boys, 21 Mitchell Drummond, 22 Ryan Crotty, 23 Marty McKenzie

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The Highlanders' Aaron Smith. (AAP Image/ SNPA, Ross Setford)

Digby

Roar Guru

13th May, 2016

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8304 Reads

Tonight the Highlanders play the Crusaders from Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin. Join The Roar from 5:35pm (AEST) for all the action.

The competition within the New Zealand conference is intense and tonight’s match will be no different, as both sides know this is a massive opportunity to further cement the best possible position come the playoffs.

The visiting Crusaders have been in outstanding form, having dropped just the one match, back in Round 1, to lead the New Zealand conference. Another victory tonight will continue to build their impressive lead.

If the Highlanders aspire for the top spot, a win tonight over the Crusaders is paramount.

After some mid-season stutters, the Highlanders have shaken off their slump, clocking up impressive wins over the Brumbies and away to the Chiefs in recent weeks. They come into this match confident of knocking their southern rivals over.

Under the roof in Dunedin, we can expect a high-pace, open contest.

There are so many individual match-ups to look forward to, but one in particular will be the performances of incumbent All Black fullback Ben Smith and the man he replaced in the black 15 jersey, Israel Dagg. Dagg has been in great form, and there is no better chance to stake a claim to win back his spot in the national side.

The match-up at first five will also prove intriguing, with both Lima Sopoaga and the young and impressive Richie Mo’unga pushing for an All Black spot. How these two fair will go a long way to deciding the outcome of tonight’s clash.

Prediction
The Highlanders have the backs, but the Crusaders have the form and the pack.

Crusaders by 3.

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