The Kings and the Highlanders will meet today in a match that looks likely to be very one-sided. Join The Roar for live scores from the match, starting from 3:20am (AEST).
You won’t find much larger contrasts in the Super Rugby competition than those between these two teams. The Kings are a struggling side who sit at the bottom of the African group, while the Highlanders are the reigning Super Rugby champs.
That said, the Highlanders aren’t quite in the position they were last year. In fact if the season were to come to an end now, they would miss out on finals – so they have some work to do.
This match presents them with a great opportunity to build their case for a finals spot, with the chance not just to win but to win well, and push for a bonus point in doing so.
That would see them draw just a point behind the Hurricanes – who they faced in last year’s Super Rugby final – in the New Zealand conference.
Importantly, they would overtake both the Waratahs and (should they have lost to the Lions) the Sharks, pushing the lower of the two out of a wildcard spot for the time being.
As far as the Kings go, there’s little for them to get out of this game. With only three games left now even a sudden and enormous change of fortunes would still see them fall well short of any chance of qualifying for finals.
Another win or two before the season is out could see them overtake the Sunwolves and possibly the Jaguares, so that must be their motivation. Even so, they just don’t seem capable of causing an upset here.
Prediction
Anything other than a very comfy win for the Highlanders would be a significant surprise.
Highlanders by 20.
Join The Roar for live scores from the match, starting from 3:20am (AEST).
Whakaata
Guest
Why do people say the scoreboard flatters a team. NO IT DOESN'T A game of rugby goes for 80 mins maybe a few extra including refs time. It does not matter when a team scores their points as long as they score more points than the opposition. You could be absolutely poor for 70mins then turn it up for 10 mins and score 2 or three tries and BOOm win the game. That's all that matters. Look at the ABs they regularly turn up for 10-20 minutes of a game and win games they supposedly shouldn't.
WEST
Roar Guru
Poor game by the Highlanders... In the first 70 minutes or so, but made up for it in the last 10 minutes! Lucky they were able to pass it between 2 or more players for the most part. The Highlanders made the Kings look good, gave their 20 fans something to be happy about. Anyway a BP win is good news, Now here comes Estadio Jose Amalfitani!!! just a quick flight halfway around the planet before playing the Chiefs back at Dunners. Still in play off position but will have to play for at least another 20-30 minutes more if they want to remain in a play off position.
Kuruki
Roar Guru
Ugly game. Scoreboard flatters the Highlanders to be honest. The first half was an error ridden mess. There was only 2 points in it at the 3/4 mark.
Seth
Guest
Yeah, they really struggled out there tonight, if only they had had their All Blacks. Coaching Mistake for sure.....
Phantom
Roar Rookie
The score certainly supports your view. Not
James
Guest
everyone having an early night?oh well Highlanders will struggle without thier All black players