It’s the battle of New Zealand’s top two teams. The Chiefs will have their hands full when they welcome the Highlanders tonight at Waikato Stadium.
Both sides are coming off fairly impressive wins last weekend. The Highlanders out-gunning the Blues with a flurry of point scoring in the first half while the Chiefs displayed poise, fight and stubbornness to out muscle the Crusaders.
This game could certainly see plenty of points being scored their backline has great depth and attacking flair and up front there are loads of mobile bodies to help carry the ball up field and gain meters. As much as their ability to throw the ball around and play an expansive game it will be up the middle and their defense that will be the difference in this one.
Even though the Highlanders shoed plenty of flare and attack as well as spirited defense in one half of footy.
The second half wasn’t quite as crisp for the Highlanders, giving up the ball and at key times and allowing the Blues to dictate the play to them instead.
The Blues had found their rhythm and mounted a fierce run to the finish and the Highlanders did little to close them down. Their fast start helped to keep their noses in front. They definitely can’t afford to slacken off in this game no matter what stage of the match it is.
It was a similar story for the Chiefs last week they always kept slightly ahead of the Crusaders yet as soon as the opposition started playing with more possession, the Chiefs lost control of the game and gave away numerous penalties.
The Chiefs will be looking to rectify the number of penalties conceded; it was one of their poorest areas of their game last week. If they give up the same amount they can’t expect the Highlanders to miss out on opportunities to kick for points.
Chiefs’ halfback Tawera Kerr Barlow will be playing his first game of the season and he’ll be looking to have a big impact. In the mean time Liam Messam goes into no:8 and a new face Liam Squire is another debutant for them.
Highlanders have a new debutant in Winston Stanley joining the backline while one of the stars from their previous game Malakai Fekitoa takes over the left wing. Joe Wheeler will start the game and Jarrad Hoeata is taking over for the injured Brad Thorn.
Tip: Chiefs
Charlie Mackay
Roar Rookie
That was last week's game mate... too slow!! ;)
Renee Matey
Roar Rookie
Not everyone has the opportunity to 'put in a little effort and search for a link to watch the game' (sic) as you are assuming that people who love rugby have the spare time to watch and search. For those that may work or who have other committments at the times rugby matches are played, 'live blogs' are sometimes the only way they can keep up with and feel like they are watching games they are really interested in. That's why it is incumbent on so called bloggers to actually blog and describe the action and not just comment.
Kuruki
Roar Guru
Maybe you should put in a little effort yourself and search for a link to watch the game. There are plenty. Give yourself a red card and go sit down.
Kuruki
Roar Guru
McCaw is still the best test match 7 in NZ, he is not the best Super rugby 7. Just like Dagg is still the best test match 15, but not in Super rugby. Cruden and Carter imo are neck and neck, Cruden will be outright number one at the next WC. Woody is still probably our best loosehead scrummager, but around the paddock he has been overtaken by guys like Crockett and B Franks. Carter, McCaw , Woody they can still perform at that elite level, they just can't do it all year anymore and that's why people keep questioning them during the Super campaigns yet they keep delivering for the All Blacks. Often you will see oposition teams lift to another level when they face the All Blacks, these blokes do the same when they put on the Black jersey. When they start to drop off in black, that is when you know they are past it.
Victoria Liu-Pearson
Roar Guru
Everyone, has different styles in how they do things. I don't believe there is a right or wrong way. Majority of the time when I am commentating on sports, I mainly do it via Twitter. And to be honest I could do an entire description if I wanted to but by then the action would have happened and the point of writing something is lost. For me, that just doesn't work. I prefer writing as the moment happens, even if I miss a tiny bit of it by a few seconds or couple of minutes. I guess in my own way I work a little bit similar to how the NHL teams updates their games. It notes the most important areas from the goals, penalties and other bits of action. I like keep the full description and things when summarising up games or writing post match thoughts, which I don't do here too much as yet. Down the track hoping to be able to wrap them up a bit more as I did during the tennis. Plus, I don't think you can really have everyone blogging the same way, it would take away the fun of seeing different styles, and I do believe being able to chat to the fans in the comments section is a lot of fun. That's what allowed people to feel part of a thread, you bring them into it as well not just ignore them while keeping up with the action. Regards.
winston
Roar Rookie
Agreed, they've improved heaps
Clark
Guest
Everyone else seems to be satisfied champ, maybe you could just watch it at the pub or something?
Clark
Guest
Despite the loss, I have been really impressed with the Highlanders over the first two games, they are really looking like the really deal, especially their defense.
felix
Guest
What a comment damn,felt a little chill as I read that,very cold :-)
Ten
Guest
All I am saying is that coming from someone not watching the game I would have liked at least some description of the action which other bloggers like red Kev, biltong, etc manage to do. Keeping it sharp is fine for chatting with your mates who are watching, but a big part of a live blog (in my understanding) is at least some description of the action especially to those without access to vision. I am sorry you have taken offense.
Victoria Liu-Pearson
Roar Guru
Good to see you atlas. Hehe yeah happens to me sometimes when view games. Sometimes I'll forget to write comments myself.
Highlander
Guest
Huge effort from the Mainlanders - loving the direct and simple Jamie is directing this year. Gain-line tackling and real attack at the break down. Note to coach - drop kick practice next week, esp for when there is only 3 minutes left! But credit to the Chiefs - they do everything at such speed - scary at times.
atlas
Guest
aaaagh just when i said good feed - thought I'd stay with same for Waratahs/reds, and it's showing cricket try again!!
winston
Roar Rookie
Cheifs will be scary good when back to full strength
Digby
Roar Guru
Yeah!! I have a point in tipping!! Can only go up from here ;)
winston
Roar Rookie
Close but think the Tahs will get there at home
atlas
Guest
Cheers VLP - managed to get a decent live stream today, go so wrapped up in the game, while no one likes a draw I thought it wouldn't have been a bad outcome if Cruden had missed that last conversion Good effort from both sides, esp Highlanders away from home, might give a few surprises this year
Batdown
Guest
Who ya picking winston?
winston
Roar Rookie
now on to the reds vs the best provincial side in the world :p
Victoria Liu-Pearson
Roar Guru
Thanks Diggercane. Hoping I can get to covering the Canes soon.