The Highlanders, after a first Round bye, kick off their 2015 Super Rugby campaign at home under the roof at the Forsyth Barr Stadium hosting their Southern rivals the Crusaders. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 5.35PM AEDT.
The Highlanders will be targeting this match as a must win at home as they look to build upon a successful 2014 campaign and again feature in this year’s playoffs.
WATCH THE LATEST RUGBY HIGHLIGHTS
Possessing a potent back three led by Ben Smith, a straight and hard running midfield marshalled by All Black halfback Aaron Smith, the Highlanders promise plenty of excitement and point scoring ability.
Whether their forward pack can provide enough ball for this backline will be the key and pre-season results would indicate the ability is there with wins over the Crusaders and Brumbies.
Providing the Southern men some confidence will be the lacklustre display from the Crusaders in Round 1, going down at home to a spirited and hungry Rebels side in Christchurch.
Of particular concern will be the breakdown where they were out enthused by the Rebels and an obvious area to attack for the Highlanders.
The Crusaders also lacked direction in their backline playing far too laterally for long periods and no doubt Coach Todd Blackadder will have addressed that this week in training.
With the likes of Ryan Crotty and Israel Dagg options for him to bring back into the side, one should expect a more composed effort tonight.
The Southern Derby is always hotly contested and exciting affairs and tonight promises to be no different.
Join me as I cover all of the action as it happens and leave your thoughts on the match below.
Tip: Highlanders
Frustrated
Guest
I agree. This ref shouldn't be let near another first class game. I don't suppo either team but he ruined that game with innocuous penalties.
pjm
Roar Rookie
Never seen such a poor refereeing performance.
Sean Turner
Roar Guru
Nadolo and Ellis returning next week will boost this side immeasurably. Both key cogs in the Crusaders backline.
RobC
Roar Guru
gonna be there DC. Gonna be a couple of great games, man
Digby
Roar Guru
Yip, best part, no injuries either. One more effort in Perth than a bye, so far so good!
Batdown
Guest
Thanks for the call DigC and well done to your beloved Hurricanes for this morning. Great start to the S15 season!
Digby
Roar Guru
Hard luck mate, thought they might just get there at the end. First round bys are no good.
Digby
Roar Guru
He was good.
Digby
Roar Guru
I havent no, mind you, management have had a bit on their plate just quietly.
RobC
Roar Guru
thanks man.
Digby
Roar Guru
Thanks Riddler
Digby
Roar Guru
Cheers Rob. Good luck to your Reds mate.
Digby
Roar Guru
Barrett, and well deserved.
RobC
Roar Guru
swinging arm from the back?
Machpants
Guest
Thanks for the call digger. Btw have you heard where the TBC game for the Canes vs the highlander towards the end is going to be? Rumor round here says Masterton! Maybe wishful thinking, but I'd prefer Mangatanoka.... It's just up the road☺
Digby
Roar Guru
Crusaders simply more composed and lead by Colin Slade, dictated terms for the majority. The Highlanders certainly did not lack for endeavour, but lacked cohesion and timing and perhaps suffered from having a first round bye but will be better off for the run and can hit the ground running next week. Thanks for joining in and please join me in the morning for the two matches from SA as the Blues battle the Stormers and the Sharks host the Lions. For now, here is the link for the next match, Reds v Force starting in approx 10 mins hosted by Brent. http://www.theroar.com.au/2015/02/21/queensland-reds-vs-western-force-2015-super-rugby-live-scores-blog/
RobC
Roar Guru
Gday DC. That was a bit of a see saw. Thanks for the call. Nice job!
Batdown
Guest
I would say Todd, he was everywhere!
Lano
Roar Guru
Fekitoa or Slade MOTM?
AndyS
Guest
Classic tactical conundrum at the end there. Went the accepted route and took the points with 5 to go, lost momentum and were ultimately lucky to salvage the bonus point.