Tonight the Highlanders play the Crusaders from Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin. Join The Roar from 5:35pm (AEST) for all the action.
The competition within the New Zealand conference is intense and tonight’s match will be no different, as both sides know this is a massive opportunity to further cement the best possible position come the playoffs.
The visiting Crusaders have been in outstanding form, having dropped just the one match, back in Round 1, to lead the New Zealand conference. Another victory tonight will continue to build their impressive lead.
If the Highlanders aspire for the top spot, a win tonight over the Crusaders is paramount.
After some mid-season stutters, the Highlanders have shaken off their slump, clocking up impressive wins over the Brumbies and away to the Chiefs in recent weeks. They come into this match confident of knocking their southern rivals over.
Under the roof in Dunedin, we can expect a high-pace, open contest.
There are so many individual match-ups to look forward to, but one in particular will be the performances of incumbent All Black fullback Ben Smith and the man he replaced in the black 15 jersey, Israel Dagg. Dagg has been in great form, and there is no better chance to stake a claim to win back his spot in the national side.
The match-up at first five will also prove intriguing, with both Lima Sopoaga and the young and impressive Richie Mo’unga pushing for an All Black spot. How these two fair will go a long way to deciding the outcome of tonight’s clash.
Prediction
The Highlanders have the backs, but the Crusaders have the form and the pack.
Crusaders by 3.
Join The Roar for all the action, and don’t forget to comment below as the action unfolds!
JesuitGeneralBlackPope
Guest
Hoho..what a Beautiful match
Phantom
Roar Rookie
I cant wait til the Tron has a covered stadium and we can see more games like that one without the influence of the dodgy weather. Christchurch has a plan similar to FB stadium but it will take time.
ThePope
Roar Rookie
Watched it delayed. It's now 12:44am and I just about have my sh*t back together. That was absolutely mental! The Highlanders just WANT it so much, and when they get the chance they don't shy away from pulling out their fancy stuff straightaway. The coolness of Sopoaga to spot the chance, select the option, then carry it out to perfection after such a draining twenty minutes of full on defence...! Stunning. What a game!
Bobbo7
Guest
Yep for mine Sopoaga should be right in AB contention. Better than Cruden and Barrett. Big call but the way he steered the herd in last years finals shows he has the big game knackers.
Lostintokyo
Guest
Agree Moaman. If he wants an Aussie passport I will give him mine.
Simoc
Guest
You'll find England will play a structured game against the Wallabies, and lose convincingly..
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
yeh posted on wrong thread.... needed a filler! ...lol
Marty
Guest
..and 10 time less entertaining.
Highlander
Guest
that's a good summary OB, good to have so many NZ teams playing at a high level, nice to see us get our running game back tonight too. Ps....just how good are the Smiths
Digby
Roar Guru
Some nice edits here ;)
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
The Brums b Rebs game is much more structured than this one was...
Old Bugger
Guest
It is but, the Chiefs are still in it for top spot. I hoped for a Landers win to get everyone within shot of top spot and hopefully, a Canes win tomorrow, will give that scenario. This match was just about a copy of last week. The Saders had the run for the first 20mins before it all went pear-shaped....just like the Chiefs. I'm sure everyone will realise now - if you are going to kick-return to the Landers, then you have to be sure of your kick-game otherwise, a bad kick will spell disaster for any side, facing them. I noticed there was very little follow-up from the Saders players each time one of their own, did a kick-return and what happens - the Landers just attacked with a kick and chase game. Same thing last week. Apart from that, the Landers are proving to be a side who not only defends to the death but, attacks to the death also. Some great tries that just broke the Saders first line defence with ease.....a reverse of the first 20mins and IMO, this was the breaking point for the Saders. Crotty should've been in the starting side but, it was what it was....well, its onwards and these next few weeks, are going to be absolutely, unforgettable. Congrats Highlander....that really is some side, as we head into the pointy phase.
Digby
Roar Guru
A big old Orca head? :D
Digby
Roar Guru
Cant disagree, both deserving.
Machooka
Roar Guru
Digger... you know you are the man! Massive... like an orca man :)
Digby
Roar Guru
Don't need me to do that, turns out they are quite capable of getting it done themselves ;) Looking forward to it mate, should be grand.
Machooka
Roar Guru
Frankly Highlander... it's all bullshyt for my Tahs from here on in, but I'd love to do the Bull. It's what's after that that has me worried. Like really worried :) Enjoy your win mate as it was just excellent... fantastic... so so good it stings!! :))
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
MOTM .. Faddes or Elliot Dixon ....
Highlander
Guest
Thanks DC, great blog - couldn't arrange for your boys to be stood down for another couple of weeks could ya?
Digby
Roar Guru
Thanks Rob.