This crunch match to wrap up Round 18 of Super Rugby action sees the Waratahs hosting the Highlanders at Allianz Stadium in Sydney. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 4:00pm AEST.
The race to qualify for the playoffs is red hot and both of these sides are likely to feature.
Before the round, the Waratahs led both the Australian conference and the overall competition.
A win today would not only seal a playoff position but guarantee them one of the coveted first two placings, earning a bye in the first week of playoffs and a guaranteed home semi-final.
The Highlanders were second in the New Zealand conference, based on points differential, to the Crusaders and a win today would help keep the pressure on their rivals.
There are some mouth-watering match ups to look out for, the most notable between Israel Folau and Ben Smith.
These superb fullbacks have been in sublime form this season and provide options and impetus for both teams, particularly on attack. How they perform could go a long way to deciding the outcome.
The clash of the centres sees a contrast in styles, with Adam Ashley-Cooper’s agility pitted against Malakai Fekitoas power, and the service of the opposing halfbacks in Aaron Smith and Nick Phipps will be vital to set these backlines alight.
The Waratahs have been in dynamic form at home and are many punters favourites for this year’s Super Rugby title.
The Highlanders have quite a challenge in front of them, but are arguably the form team of the New Zealand conference and hold plenty of strike power of their own.
Can the Waratahs continue their strong run of form? Or will the Highlanders secure a strong victory on the road?
Join us as we cover the match live and don’t forget to leave your comments below as the match unfolds.
Tip: Waratahs by 10.
LifestyleSpecialist
Roar Rookie
Carn the Tahs! Only issue is this will be the first time since Super Rugby started that I won't be in Australia come finals time. Typically this is the time the Tahs will be there and may even win. Touch wood.
Mark Richmond
Roar Guru
Agree BB, Shute Shield coverage is great. ABC commentary is normally excellent for most sports, but no I've no idea what was going on yesterday. I listen to Radiosports NZ coverage of games over the ditch whilst traveling, their commentary is excellent, as is their and the ABC's coverage of NRL.
Mark Richmond
Roar Guru
I always do Brett, I have my earpiece in at the game.
Crashy
Guest
Wolf pack Almost 30k.
Billy Bob
Guest
The highlanders could beat the Tahs also, with another shot, a bit more luck, and a different game plan. This was a closer game than the score indicates. Tahs lucky not to lose a player to the bin for holding back. And I'm a Tahs fan. Very pleased with the win but the Landers were threatening for 70 minutes. Didn't relax till the last ten.
Jerry
Guest
So do the Crusaders. They're 7-1 against Aus/SA and 3-4 against NZ opposition. They're not dominating though, even when they win.
Wolfpack
Guest
What was the attendance figure vs brumbies last week?
WallaTah
Roar Rookie
Well done Tahs. Awesome rugby and teamwork displayed by them. I enjoyed this game very much!
JB
Guest
Disagree Elisha tahs bombed at least two tries in the first half, half time score should have been 25 or 30 to 9, tahs just finished better in the second half nothing to do with highlander defense
JB
Guest
Cruden looks back in form they are a very different outfit with him in good knick. Mind you I can also see the blues getting over them no chiefs in finals
Workung Class Rugger
Guest
Pirates, That was just in the sevond half. Six tries to one all up.
bennalong
Guest
If you haven't noticed, Bobbo, they're winning because the forewards are getting go foreward and making other teams go backward. The Sharks could be a problem, but not the Kiwi teams. And the Sharks will have to travel! Of course if the Tahs 'drop the ball'....... But they're looking like they're enjoying themselves at home and that will likely continue.
PiratesRugby
Guest
Wow. I did not see the game but 5 tries to 1 reads like a horror story for the Highlanders. Well done Tahs.
bennalong
Guest
JC and Winston Did you see the game against the Blues? Both were pedestrian for this late in the season with buckets of unforced errors The Saders were helped over the line by Jackson.
bennalong
Guest
That's cause you were barracking against the Tahs! DH!
Sportym
Guest
Well played Tahs. And congratz on the home final. Enjoy Tahs fans!! Get behind your team and pack the stadium!
Sportym
Guest
How on earth did you come to that conclusion ? Take off the tin foil hat!
Paul
Guest
they and the Chiefs are the only team capable of winning away of home against they Sharks and Tahs. Chiefs struggle against NZ opposition
PeterK
Guest
unless SANZAR appoint Jackson or Pollock to ref the final. Both favour crusaders big time.
PeterK
Guest
Sa is easily the weakest conference