The Highlanders, playing with the support of a home crowd, are favourites to win tonight against the Bulls at Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin.
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Last weekend the Highlanders celebrated their third win of the season against the Rebels, 30-33.
Meanwhile, the Bulls came to grips with new injuries and losing to the Hurricanes for the first time since the 2008 season.
Though the Highlanders’ game last weekend was rather scrappy, they were good enough to repel the Rebels even with team problems.
Winger Kurt Baker was cited last weekend for a clean-out at a ruck in the 12th minute and has received a six-week suspension from all forms of the game.
The Bulls are suffering majorly with injuries; Deon Stegman suffered a painful groin injury, while Dewald Potgieter pulled his bicep. Fullback, Jurgen Visser, is out with a foot injury and flyhalf Jacques-Louis Potgieter is suffering from a quad contusion, though both trained this week.
Head-to-head, the Highlanders have won 11 of their 18 games against the Bulls. However, in terms of the Super Rugby ladder, the Bulls are ranked higher with 17 points to the Highlanders’ 15.
Can the Highlanders continue climbing the ladder with a fourth win?
Or will the Bulls overcome their injuries and defeat the New Zealanders?
Tip: At home, the Highlanders will be too strong.
Join The Roar at 5.35pm (AEST) for live scores and commentary, and be sure to have your say and join the debate below.
Uncle Eric
Guest
In a word Dubaikiwi, no!!
Kuruki
Roar Guru
There is no almost about it.
Kuruki
Roar Guru
My 8 year old nephew is better then Halfpenny he has scored thrice as many tries and run through 10x more players.
Tane Mahuta
Guest
Mapu you say you liked the ref because he let the game flow. He penalised Fekitoa for no reason! He allowed a try that was a clear infringement without using the TMO and he penalised and free kicked 24 times whereas Walsh only awarded 15 penalties and free kicks in the Reds game. He was awful.
Common Sense
Guest
He's more useful on wing.
fredstone
Guest
You mean an unbiased ref, eh.
James
Guest
I think the only way for SA teams to win anywhere is to have a SA ref with them
Mapu
Guest
Ok I don't get ya
Tane Mahuta
Guest
Leigh Halfpenny was the best back and more specifically the best fullback. This year its Mike Brown so far.
Tane Mahuta
Guest
Were the players running or the ref?
Daz
Guest
Glad the Highlanders won. At least that means I'm one up.
Tane Mahuta
Guest
Wayne Barnes is better than Hoffman.
Mapu
Guest
Tane I really thought that the ref made a good game of it.yes I missed the end but I enjoyed the running in that game.
Tane Mahuta
Guest
Dont associate that guy with the greatest action TV star of all time.
Digby
Roar Guru
That was never a debate ;)
Dubaikiwi
Guest
Great game, it was only bad hands cost the Bulls, but some really good defense from the highlanders. I enjoyed that game, now for a aus derby, will it live up to the standard
Mapu
Guest
Sorry again I left to refuel for next game as it was over.
Garth
Guest
Smith still ahead of Folau all last year.
Garth
Guest
Wayne Barnes.
Garth
Guest
Steve Walsh doesn't use a mirror, that's what the big screen is for.