Chiefs vs Highlanders highlights: Highlanders down table-topping Chiefs

Peter, I think they will go with Cruden but also feel that Sopoaga outplayed him 'generally' over the weekend at least for the 1st test at EP The try that Cruden scored was a beaut.

And this year has been so different for mine, because usually you have 2 and a half nz teams that will fill most of the All Blacks jerseys, but the sort of form the top 4 teams are in we will be seeing almost equal numbers of players from each being selected or at least in contention.

I'm afraid I think you're right, even though I just cant bring myself to imagine Ben Smith not being a starter...

It's patently obvious that the Kiwi teams are playing at an infinitely higher level than their Aussie counterparts … a point that's underlined by the points they have accumulated.

Yeah agree, Naholo has just solved the right wing problem overnight. Still think Cruden will get the nod but Hansen seems to like introducing and developing new test caps just for the sake of it these days so giving Sapoaga more test time than he's had so far fits in nicely with that plus it covers a major Cruden / Barrett injury. When NMS comes back it appears it will be Ben Smith under pressure from all these young guys taking up old spots, with Mac pressing hard for a chance as well. Must be good to be Hansen right now. The Super comp is providing a smorgasbord of lobster and caviar by the truckload.

Yes and then you have Milner Skudder to return, another certain to grab a position...somewhere...

Agreed RT, what little chance McKenzie had of playing vanished with Naholo's return. He may get a look in for the 3rd test as a reserve if the AB's win the first two, otherwise he will need to wait for EOYT like the Ioane brothers. I love Elliot Dixon, he is a complete footballer with exactly the right attitude for his position, unlike someone like Steven Luatua. Who do you think will be the the AB first five, RT?

We got you at a good time OB - looked last week that the bye couldn't come round quick for you, a week off and a rest and chiefs will be back to their best

Yeah the conference system is a joke. The Crusaders, Chiefs, Highlanders and the Hurricanes are 1st, 2nd, 3rd and forth in points but rank 1st, 5th, 6th and 7th on the table. As far as I know since 2011 NZ is the only country that has had teams with more points than those above them in the table, in fact I could be wrong but I think this has happened every year for NZ. But it is what it is....

For all those who believe that young Damian McKenzie should be wearing black this year, not sure his performance tonight was up there... too many little errors, perhaps bought about by trying to be the 'key' in every move, every week... obviously a great talent but 2016 might just be a year or two too early ... at least that is my opinion. I know only one game... but of late, opposition sides seem to have worked a strategy that at the least limits is ability. Anyhow I don't think Hansen and Co will be losing too much sleep over the back three with Naholo and Dagg back as well ,,,

Congrats mate - your team played a quality match tonight. And I agree, Macca got a lesson tonight on how NOT to catch the high-ball. He dropped 4 catches and just dropped 2 balls clean while running with ball in hand. Teams don't deserve to win when they commit so many errors and when its against the Landers, well then, you're just asking for trouble. And tonight, trouble arrived with a capital "T". The bye next week couldn't have come at a more opportune time, for the Chiefs. They need to re-group even though Cane said he wanted to play......time-out is what's needed otherwise, you try to play too much and game plans, don't work like that when your players, are tired. The first YC was the correct call but the second was just plain stupid by the Chiefs player. FGS, he just got on the field and goes and does that......he could find himself out of the 23 from now on, after that effort. But, take nothing away from the commitment the Landers showed tonight. I thought both scrums went well and even the line-outs to some extent. I was surprised by the Landers missed tackles at HT but, JJ certainly got them back on the job in the 2nd half and their defensive effort in this half, was just extraordinary. I agree with the commentators - Naholo played a blinder and I just hope, he hasn't aggravated his leg injury because he deserves to be back on the right flank, for the ABs......thus allowing BS, to stay at FB. So, its back to the drawing board for Rennie & Co hence the week off, is a welcome respite to regather, regroup and re-energise themselves, for the run home.

Well done Connor, thanks for the work doing the blog. I missed the first 20 odd minutes but Highlanders' forwards defence was tighter than Donald Drumfph's Mexican wall, forcing the rushed Chiefs to drop too much pill. Not a bad attack either, the Smith bros, M.Fekitoa and monster wingers, wow. LoL.

And shows up the slight softness of both Cruden's and McKenzie's defence.

Stormers, Brumbies , Lions all above the Chiefs even though the Chiefs have more points and more wins...yeah joke alright

I think the margin between Cruden and Sopoaga is razor thin. They are completely different players, but I like what both bring to the table. I can easily see AB's going with Sopoaga. AB selectors would have to be very pleased with what they saw from him and Naholo and Elliot Dixon as well as the other All Blacks playing.

commiserations to Chiefs fans... beaten by a team who wanted it more... little mistakes mostly forced by the combative Highlanders.. you guys will freshen up and with injured players returning, I'm still backing you will be there or thereabouts..

yep... I apologise but thought your boys had gone off the boil and inspite of the historical advantage, I thought... no way. It was well deserved and good luck for the rest of your run home, which looked more than a little teacherous, but the team can take heart from tonight.

Well that loss leaves the Chiefs languishing in 5th place' even tho they are 1st equal on points with the crusaders. Which makes a joke of this cr@p conference system. Great win by highlanders.