- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
It’s first versus second in the New Zealand Conference this evening with the Chiefs hosting the Crusaders. We’ll have live scores from 5.35pm AEST.
Any doubt as to whether the Crusaders had genuinely shaken off their poor early season form was quickly extinguished when they met the Blues in Round 14.
The Crusaders steamrolled the the Blues in Christchurch last Saturday, consistently overpowering their opponents at the breakdown to win 23-3.
The Chiefs notched their fourth consecutive win last Friday night, edging out the Hurricanes 17-12 in Wellington in what was a strong defensive performance from Dave Rennie’s men.
Unfortunately for the home side Ben Afeaki will be missing due to a calf injury with Ben Tameifuna set to start in his absence, while Lelia Masaga has been dropped in place of Patrick Osborne out wide.
The Crusaders received a blow during the week when Owen Franks was ruled out with a hamstring injury, with Nepo Laulala set to start at tighthead in his place.
Corey Flynn and Ben Funnell have also been withdrawn due to injury, though Codie Taylor, Israel Dagg and Tom Taylor will all come back into the starting lineup.
The Chiefs currently top the overall Super Rugby table with 48 points, six points clear of the Crusaders, who sit second in the New Zealand Conference.
If they are to overhaul their Waikato counterparts before season’s end they almost certainly need to win tonight.
But with several crucial outs in their forward pack, they’ll need to be at their absolute best.
Will the Chiefs stamp their authority on the New Zealand Conference with a win tonight, or does the Crusaders’ charge have too much momentum to be stopped?
Find out from 5.35pm AEST and if you’re following along, leave us your thoughts in the space 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.