The Crusaders must win against the Highlanders to keep their Super Rugby finals aspirations on track when the two sides meet at Forsyth Barr Stadium tonight. We’ll have live scores from 5.35pm AEST.
Super Rugby returns to New Zealand following a three-week break to incorporate the All Blacks’ international series against France.
For Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder, the key will be to ease his All Blacks starters back into the starting XV with Kieran Read, Wyatt Crocket, Luke Romano, Israel Dagg, Owen Franks, Sam Whitelock and Dan Carter all starting at some point in the three-Test series.
Blackadder has left out Franks due to an ongoing issue with an infected elbow, while Keiran Read and Luke Romano will start from the bench.
The Highlanders have made three changes to the side that defeated the Blues 29 days ago, with Tony Woodcock, Elliott Dixon and Kade Poki all making a return to the starting XV.
It has been a dismal season for Jamie Joseph’s men and with just two wins from 13 matches they sit a distant last in the competitive New Zealand Conference.
But a win would lift them above the Southern Kings and off the bottom of the overall ladder and away from the wooden spoon.
Not much has split these two sides in recent times; while the Crusaders have won the last two encounters it is 5-5 in the last ten overall, and the Highlanders recorded a 27-24 victory when the two sides last met in Dunedin back in 2012.
The Crusaders’ only blemish in their past six matches was a nine-point defeat in Waikato, and everything about their recent form has suggested they’re a side who could have a serious influence on the finals.
A loss here could change that, and they’ll be wary about what could end up being a tricky assignment in Dunedin.
felix
Guest
How do the Saders get bonus points at will so consistently,I think what that means is qualification is never an issue & most likely team to top the log,Biggups to the whole Crusader organisation,Barcelona of world rugby :-)
felix
Guest
Tembavj boks dont get easy penalties their way,2011 world cup quarter final vs Wallabies ring a bell,McCaw even said it himself that the boks would of been a tougher opponent in the semis,he didnt seem the least bit worried about facing the wallabies.no infact I think all SA teams are very harshly judged by the refs especially away from home.
atlas
Guest
Israel Dagg appears likely to be playing at a new Super Rugby franchise next year. Dagg's contract ends with the Crusaders at the end of this season and it's understood he will be at a new side in 2014. http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10893768 +++++ and never heard anything re Guildford's future, he's off contract altogether with NZRU this year, tried and failed for France Top 14, now they've made all their next season appointments, as have Japan I think . . . an Australian franchise maybe??
ohtani's jacket
Guest
Next week is going to be a huge game. Can't wait.
atlas
Guest
Two matches left for these teams Crusaders are both at home, Chiefs then Hurricanes Highlanders both away, Hurricanes and Rebels I think 'rooted at the bottom of the table' says it all. 14 games, 2 wins, 22 points.
DR
Guest
Haha. Am looking forward to next week. Crusaders chiefs should be fun. Hopefully canes can get a win too.
atlas
Guest
Result: Highlanders 12 - Crusaders 40 Highlanders: Tries: B. Smith, Gear - Cons: Slade Yellow card: Hoeata (19th min - foul play) - Red card: Nonu (57th min - tip tackle) Crusaders: Tries: G. Whitelock, Ellis, Carter, Veainu - Cons: Carter 4 - Pens: Carter 3 Yellow card: Flynn Puts Crusaders into 5th place - but still three matches tonight played in SA and that could change Didn't see second half, how bad was the tip-tackle from Nonu in terms of likely weeks suspension??
atlas
Guest
joking - he's doing too much damage to Highlanders
Defier Pariah
Guest
Game was gone anyway Blue.
Ginga ninja
Guest
Can anyone explai why that wasn't offside?
DR
Guest
Haha. Good luck with your fishing.
Defier Pariah
Guest
Are you sure Dan doesnt paddle board?
Defier Pariah
Guest
What! What kind of rugby player doesnt paddle board! Definately a Kiwi. McCaw paddle?
DR
Guest
Nah. Can't be. He doesn't paddle board.
Defier Pariah
Guest
I cant believe you guys are watching this. Marto and Phill are on Fox 2.
Defier Pariah
Guest
Naughty Nonu.
Tembavj
Guest
If he did that against the boks it would be penalty to South Africa.
Defier Pariah
Guest
Thats just it, Quade Cooper is the only Kiwi I know of and he fits your discription perfectly. Im sure Carter was born in Walkabout Creek. His dad was a crocodile wrestler and his mum used to always throw another prawn on the barbi.
DR
Guest
Really? I can't remember him making a lot of mistakes or missing tackles before? Will have to watch more closely :)
Defier Pariah
Guest
He just plays like an Australian, thats all.