- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
It wasn’t a classic this evening but it was dramatic and keenly fought between these two great rivals, the Highlanders coming away with a four-point win over the Blues.
» Click here to read the full match report
Final score
Blues 12
Highlanders 16
This Round 3 match from New Zealand sees the Highlanders travelling to Auckland to play the Blues. Join The Roar from 5:35pm (AEDT) for all the action.
The Highlanders have had a poor start to 2017, losing both of their opening games at home, while the Blues are appearing in their first home fixture, determined to build upon their win-and-loss start.
Both sides will look to utilise their obvious strengths out wide and for the Highlanders, it’s a must to play an open, expansive game, as the Blues have a huge advantage up front, with several All Blacks returning to the starting side.
The Highlanders though are mobile and will try break the game down, eliminating any structured approach to negate the Blues’ advantage.
The Blues halves’ control will go a long way to deciding the outcome, as loose kicking and poor options will allow the Highlanders to bring their dangerous backline into the match.
There are several match-ups to look out for tonight, primary being Malakai Fekitoa up against rising star Reiko Ioane, while at halfback, Aaron Smith goes head-to-head with Augustine Pulu, where the latter will look to expose Smith on defence with his strong running game.
Prediction
I can’t get past the Blues’ forward pack, too strong over 80 minutes.
Blues by 6.
Join us live on The Roar for this game, and feel free to leave your comments on the match 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.