The Highlanders host the Blues at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin tonight (7:35pm local). Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 5:35pm (AEDT).
There may be lots of hype around the Blues’ new recruit Benji Marshall, but the real focus of this match should be on both the Blues and Highlanders and how they will perform in their first outing for 2014.
The Blues finished their pre-season winless. Needless to say, it has not been the ideal preparation for them, especially when they have lost those games from a winning position.
Losing can be a habit and it’s one the Blues have possessed far too often in the last few seasons.
Key injuries have played a part in the off-season, however that is little excuse; they have a team that is good enough to compete consistently.
For the Highlanders, it’s a case of starting again. Like their opponents, they have always been close just not close enough.
Last year they showed glimpses of their talent; their ball movement was far better and their metre gains were impressive.
However, their mental game and their defence left a lot to be desired. If they can get their game together, the possibilities of this team are endless.
In this game they will be going into it fairly confident as they have had the wood on the Blues of late. It is as good of an opportunity as any for them to stamp their authority early in the season.
When Marshall makes his impact will be interesting. It wouldn’t be of any benefit for the Blues, or him, to send him out there if they are behind and chasing points.
However, if they are in front with adequate time left, it’ll be a prime opportunity to let him run.
Look out also for Peter Saili and Charles Piutau, both had impressive games last year for the Auckland side.
Meanwhile the Highlanders aren’t short of bright sparks; Aaron Smith has been influential and consistent, and Ben Smith was one of the most talked about All Blacks last year – he had a phenomenal season and will be looking for recapture that same form again.
Ageless Brad Thorn is another one to watch. He may be getting on, but the old fella has plenty left in those legs.
The Highlanders also have some debutants on a show who will be looking to make the most of their first game.
Tip: Highlanders.
Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 5:35(AEDT).
Old Bugger
Guest
JM absolutely agree...I never really had any solid word for Noakes. JK has a migraine coming on now cos I think he & Ted are still trying to ease BM into the pivot role. I know Hickey is only 19yrs/20yrs old and too early maybe to toss him the jumper but, JK needs to look at giving this kid a crack. Oh and btw, its about time he gave Piri the shunt - his attitude is stuck in his puku (stomach) and his nono (arse). That's gotta be the most roly poly bodyline figure that I've ever seen on the Weeps for ages. He's too old, too slow and too bloody roly poly.
Old Bugger
Guest
atlas dont understand why the blues went for the last ditch penalty as opposed to having a go for a bonus pt try?? Smacks to me of lacking confidence with ball in hand grunt work - that's a seriously bad omen for JK & Co. Either that or they've been reading too many headlines last week. It's certainly gonna be a long week for them. Congrats to the H'landers - well earned, hard fought and defensively strong match from all of them. JJ has just earned a reprieve.
Kuruki
Roar Guru
He has always had potential but never lived up to it. Hopefully he can keep channeling that aggression into useful areas of the game and not into being a niggler.But i have to say the entire Highlanders team looked hungry. When a team is committed on D like that something good is happening off the park. Hopefully we see a winning culture start to take over at the Highlanders, i support them in every game unless they are playing the Chiefs.
Otagoz
Guest
Born and bred with Otago - Southland blood in my veins. Remember the late 40s/50s when Otago and Southland were nigh on unbeatable. Grew up knowing how to ruck effectively and how to take the punishment meted out in the dark recesses of a Dunedin ruck.in the mud and slush. You don't grow up in those conditions and give up your allegiances -Even if your team struggles a bit! I saw enough at the Waratahs trial in Newcastle to think that the green machine will give a lot of teams a few headaches again this year, there's a number of solid players in the squad who aren't fazed by big name reputations. No hype! I hope the Waratahs don't get sucked into the early season hype. Tomorrow at the SFS will tell.
winston
Roar Rookie
Hoeata may get a recall to the ABs if he keeps this up
atlas
Guest
Points scorers Highlanders 29 (A. Smith, M. Fekitoa, B. Smith, P. Osborne tries; L. Sopoaga 3 cons, pen) Blues 21 (F. Saili, A. Ta'avao, P. Tuipulotu tries; C. Noakes 3 cons).
Digby
Roar Guru
I wonder how much tidier the scrums might be if they called time off?
James Mashuk
Guest
Look guys. If blues want to win. Find a no. 10 position. This guy has no idea what hes doing
Highlander
Guest
Great start to the NZ conf, and a win to the good guys - The Smiths, and Loosies magnificent. Midfield backs played waaaay above expectations. Awesome to see Highlanders targeting and competing at the breakdown, bring back rucking and we will be real challengers Benji - Total metres run 120, total metres gained 2 - learn to run straight son!!
Digby
Roar Guru
Blues came home with a wet sail but Higlanders too much of a head start. Well done Higlanders. Great effort. Blues have some work to do but the raw potential is there for sure.
Elisha Pearce
Expert
They're not technically allowed/meant to. There's one ref who regularly does it, an up and comer. Forget his name right now. But he's a legend for it.
Tane Mahuta
Guest
Benji Marshall looked OK for his first effort. Well done Landers.
Victoria Liu-Pearson
Roar Guru
HIGHLANDERS WIN!!! Great game from both teams but in particular the home team.
John
Guest
Blues were horrible until Benji came on. He MUST start at fullback next week. Well done highlanders though.
Victoria Liu-Pearson
Roar Guru
Once again great defence from the Highlanders boy they've been stubborn. That'll see them take this victory impressive first half from them. Not as great in the 2nd but they did enough to win this one. Blues, recovered pretty well from their sloppy 1st half, their 2nd half has been good though plenty of good things.
Victoria Liu-Pearson
Roar Guru
Times passed with the scrums thus eliminating time for the Blues to strike they can still get something. Highlanders have played it well though
Digby
Roar Guru
They really need to fix that. Can't understand why they dont call time off
Elisha Pearce
Expert
Solid time wasting by Highlanders here. Ticking clock at scrums are a blight on the game and it's been expertly exploited there! :)
Victoria Liu-Pearson
Roar Guru
I do agree with the commentators about the Highlanders defence it has been exceptional in this game, but it is one game. If they are able to replicate it on a regular basis through the course of the whole season...they would be a great team.
Elisha Pearce
Expert
Ah righty. Thats fair. Just wondering, not meaning it to have a dig. I've enjoyed this second half a fair bit. Back and forth for large parts.