The final round of Super Rugby has arrived and in the fiercely competitive New Zealand conference champions the Highlanders host the Chiefs. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 5:30pm (AEST)
The Chiefs lead the New Zealand conference, with the Highlanders in third.
The Highlanders can top the Super Rugby standings but they would need a bonus-point victory. The Chiefs can remain as conference leaders but unless the Crusaders draw with the Hurricanes they will need to win.
The Highlanders have won their last two matches with bonus points, and beaten the Chiefs in the last five meetings, but overall the Chiefs enjoy a 15-12 advantage, including a 7-6 edge in away matches.
For the Chiefs, All Blacks lock Brodie Retallick returns from his rest last week, and discarded sevens veteran Liam Messam makes his first start of the season, bumping Same Cane from No.8 to 7.
Kane Hames, Nathan Harris and Atu Moli will start alongside each other for the second consecutive week, while the backs are unchanged from the line-up who ravaged the Reds 50-5 in Brisbane last Friday.
The Highlanders have made two changes in the front row and altered their midfield from last week. Daniel Lienert-Brown (prop) and Alex Ainley (lock) both return to the starting team after recovering from injury. Josh Hohneck moves to the bench and is joined by Liam Coltman, who has recovered from a lengthy injury break.
In the midfield, Malakai Fekitoa returns to second five-eighth and reunites with Matt Faddes, arguably the form centre of the competition, to reform what was a very effective midfield combination prior to the June break.
Prediction
Expect this match to be played at Test-match intensity. Territory will be key, but it should open up later. The Highlanders have had a huge travel schedule lately which could be a factor, but their bench is has delivered this season.
Highlanders by five.
Mike Julz
Guest
Nothing beats top NZ teams playing each other. Pure entertainment running rugby and skill. Beats any rugby matches in the world, and I'll say it beats any rugby league matches as well, even the best from what NRL can offer.
P2R2
Roar Rookie
Jaguares to thrast the buggers
Baylion
Roar Rookie
A lot of pressure off the Lions players now and they can enjoy the game later tonight. Only need one point now because the Saders couldn't stop the Canes from earning a BP. If they can play a relatively low risk game they can do it. Unfortunately low risk isn't part of their make up
wardad
Guest
"Grumble ,grumble ,grumble hates local derbies especially when its his team getting beaten...." Bugger .Well done Landers.Dammit.
Highlander
Guest
Ta chook, off to Aus, but to play who?
Highlander
Guest
Just out of the stadiam, amazing pace that the Chiefs play with, no one will want them in the knockouts. Highlanders just scrap and create chances with pressure, Ben Smith showing again by he is the best player on the planet right now. Standard of NZ rugby is great this year, we should enjoy it while we can.
ebop
Guest
Ferocious game Well done Highlanders, you b'stards ;) And well done Canes
Machooka
Roar Guru
Haha Digger... and congrats to Muzzo and Highlander. Well done guys!
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
..... then finished strongly to take out the game. They took their opportunities... they have had the wood over the Chiefs last few years but after travelling back from BA this week I thought it might have been a bit much. A lot of credit must go to Jamie Joseph for managing his squad so well.
The Other Steve
Roar Guru
So both last years finalists are building momentum into the finals. Especially the Canes, whom - to be fair - many questioned their chances after their first few games.
taylorman
Roar Guru
Well done Highlanders. Shows I can't pick em. Got both tonight's matches wrong. The overseas sides are more predictable.
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Thanks for the Blog Adam, must of been exciting to blog.... great work
Kuruki
Roar Guru
Well who would have thought the Hurricanes were going to finish on top of the NZ conference. Result went as i thought it would, Highlanders have had the measure of the Chiefs in recent history and that looks like it will continue into the finals. I'm actually happy with this result because it buries any chance of the Chiefs having to play the Highlanders in round 1. If i'm correct i think we will be off to play the Stormers?? Just a little bit confident the Chiefs can go to Africa and shock the Stormers with their expansive game. The weather will play a huge factor and the Chiefs will be praying that it doesn't rain.
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Fantastic game!.. congratuations to Highlander and Highlander fans... a really good game that was anyone's up until YC but the Landers deserved their win ... Canes supporters will also be delighted but they deserved the elevation to winners of the NZ conference. They had to beat Crusaders away with a BP... they achieved that when there are few others could have, so congratulations to the Wellington based team and their supporters.
hog
Guest
Two outstanding games of rugby.
Sqn Cdr The Lord Flashheart
Guest
Woop Woop! Thanks and congrat Highlanders :) Canes top NZ twice in a row, maybe top overall if the Lions slip up!
Digby
Roar Guru
An outstanding game. Well done to both teams. Thank you Highlanders! Commiserations to the Chiefs and their supporters. Well, I know what I will be doing next Saturday night. ?
Ralph
Roar Guru
More proof a vanilla forward pack can set enough of a platform if you have a quality attack.
Adam Julian
Roar Guru
FULLTIME: Highlanders: 25 v Chiefs: 15
chracol
Guest
Yeah and I believe the Jaguares could account for a second string Lions team very easily based on how they played against the Highlanders last weekend.