The Hurricanes take on the Highlanders in Dunedin tonight at Forsyth Barr Stadium. Join us for live scores from 5.35pm AEDT.
The Highlanders find themselves in 10th place after a win against the Blues followed by tight losses to the Chiefs and Force.
Their defence and set piece has been mid-pace and they’ve averaged a solid two tries per game.
Highlanders centre Malakai Fekitoa has beaten more players in attack than anyone else in the comp; a big stat with the likes of Folau and Jesse Mogg in the mix. Fekitoa probably won’t run at Conrad Smith tonight, but then again, why would you.
This brings us to the Hurricanes, who have probably been doing a bit of recent soul-searching, if there is such a thing in rugby.
They’re fresh off a massive 60-27 win against the bottom-placed Cheetahs; they certainly needed it after starting the season with a tight loss to the Stormers (away) and Brumbies (at home).
The big win last week means they’ve scored the most tries in the comp with 13. Nothing new here as they tend to score more tries than the rest, although it doesn’t convert to overall success.
They have a solid tackle percentage rate around 87% however they still concede tries, and if they’re going to have a serious crack at the title they’ll want to tighten the screws.
They’re going to need everything from in-form Beauden Barrett, the fourth highest scorer this year.
As a side note, the highest point scorer by a country mile is the Lions’ Marnitz Boshoff who, curiously, has scored double what anyone else has managed so far this year.
There’s no telling where either team will take it from here but they’ve both been giving it a fair crack early in the season. Expect another thrilling kiwi derby to kick the weekend off.
Join us at 5.35pm tonight on The Roar, the place to be for live scores and where you can have your say on the go.
Phil Bird
Roar Guru
I think he's a sure thing for the next ABs runsheet.
Phil Bird
Roar Guru
Cheers Diggercane, was good times.
Riccardo
Guest
Saw him play college footy a couple of years ago Tane. Big and fast, even then. Earmarked for me that far ago and can't help but think the two sirs have made an error in his exit from Auckland.
firstxv
Guest
For AB fans \good to see the class shine through with Barrett ultra consistent and a knack of scoring spectacular tries. All 3 Smiths acquiting themselves well and Andre Taylor looks to have found some confidence again. Tonight we get to see how much of an Enforcer Jerome Kaino has still got in him and although critics have always said you never come back better than you were, hes in a position where he went over knowing that was the case so the work required shouldnt be a surprise. So he and Nonu get to sit with 'Benchin' Benji' and come on with 30 minutes to go to likely have to make up a 20 point deficit again.
Adam Julian
Roar Guru
Agree he has been very strong canes should put pati in the midfield, he is a natural centre tand parkes can't tackle and is slow.
Samvandamn
Guest
Right now thats over, whats was with all the 'Caines' business? Most people use their nickname 'Canes' and all those extra 'i's would have slowed down your typing.
Samvandamn
Guest
Na Malakai like most pacific Islanders based in NZ would choose the ABs in a heartbeat. Pacific Island Players will hold out for years with their ABs dream and will only give up and commit to their Island Nation when the writing is on the wall, with there being no chance of representing NZ. Check this out https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kuSF0-YS3A4&list=PLK30pJ0N94DWjt1kPJgrv7wicfwxyVqr5 But yeah Malakai was a very good buy for the Highlanders and has a big future. Blues will be gutted they let him go.
atlas
Guest
How it ended Highlanders 35 (Phil Burleigh, Patrick Osborne tries; Lima Sopoaga 7 pen, 2 con) Hurricanes 31 (Ben Franks, Beauden Barrett 2 tries; Beauden Barrett 4 pen, 2 con) HT: 18-9 Neither side managed a 4-try bonus point, so a winning 4pts for Highlanders and 1 for Hurricanes for finishing within 7pts A night for the 10s - Sopoaga 25 points, Barrett 26 points
Short-Blind
Guest
One of the unsung secrets of why the AB are so strong. NZ has always been the first port of call for south pacific warriors, and now they have colonised the place - long may it continue.
atlas
Guest
He is ex Wesley College, Auckland - but was born in Tonga, so at 21 now been in NZ a few years Maybe he'll choose to follow his Tongan heritage and aim for RWC 2015. 'Up to him' - too early to consider ABs based on one match. Blues squad last year - played for Blues v France in their tour match but don't think ever got a start in Super rugby till he moved to Highlanders
Digby
Roar Guru
Oh, and thanks Phil. Top nudge.
cantab
Guest
good stuff.
Digby
Roar Guru
:D so true mate, so true.
Highlander
Guest
Mite be a little early to get excited just yet, but love the way he is genuine old school tough -that hit on Conrad Smith was a belter, he will be sore tomorrow, given our lack of depth there he may be a shot
Digby
Roar Guru
Dear Mark, If i may be so bold, a few suggestions - 1. Stop changing the team in several positions weekly. It shows in the lack of continuity 2. Please instruct the backs not to kick the ball away. It is plain silly. May i suggest introducing a new rule of no kicking outside the 22? 3. Use Rugby balls at training. This should help with such things as passing and catching. I beleive they are on special for 9.95 at Rebel sports. 4. No more sleeping pills. Otherwise, it is all seems to be going swimmingly, Especially after we introduce neutral refs. Yours, in jest, me ;)
Highlander
Guest
One for you Digger..... I didn't think he had an impact on the outcome, but he did blow a lot
Tane Mahuta
Guest
Anyone else starting to think Fekitoa could be an AB in the not too distant future? Defensively he is excellent (very important for ABs selection) and on attack hes every bit as good. Im not sure how long hes lived in NZ or who he would like to play for but that guy looks to be a very good ABs prospect in a position that many think the ABs are vulnerable.
Johnno
Guest
What was the ref like, do tell did the Highlanders get the rub of the green at crucial times, I wanna know.
Phil Bird
Roar Guru
Mate the guy's a legend.
Phil Bird
Roar Guru
100% mate