The Crusaders took a tight 3-point win in a thriller over the Highlanders on Saturday.
» Click here to read the full match report
Final score
Highlanders 27
Crusaders 30
The Highlanders and Crusaders clash at Dunedin in a tantalising New Zealand conference battle in Round 2 with the two sides coming off differing results to start their seasons. Catch all the live scores, highlights and action on The Roar from 5:35pm (AEDT).
In what is shaping up to be an insanely tight New Zealand conference battle for finals spots this year as it was last season, this bumper collision between two of Super Rugby’s powerhouses is vital for both sides.
The Crusaders snuck past a valiant Brumbies outfit last week at home, holding on late in the game for a 17-13 win to start their 2017 campaign.
While less than convincing at home with what was perceived to be a much better side than their opponents, they can still be pleased with the result because it’s more than the Highlanders are working with.
The Highlanders tasted defeat to kick off the new season last week, letting in three tries to zero in a nine-point defeat at home to the Chiefs.
While the boot of Lima Sopoaga kept the Highlanders in it, they showed a lot of rust in offence and simply weren’t able to break the advantage line regularly and threaten the Crusaders defence, a point they will be looking to improve on this week.
The Crusaders carry a superior historical record into the contest, having won 19 and lost just 10 against the Highlanders, but for what it’s worth, the Landers have won the last two.
Including their only meeting last year at this same venue, where the Highlanders put 34 points past the Crusaders in a massive win amongst a tight finals race.
Both sides are coming off performances that fell short of the mark and have plenty to improve on for the rest of the season.
Team News
The Highlanders have had a change of guard for this week following an injury to regular skipper Ben Smith who has been ruled out with concussion issues. Elliot Dixon has been brought into the starting line-up in his stead and also given the captaincy.
Richard Buckman is one of two other changes to the starting line-up, slotting into fullback to replace Ben Smith who is also having concussion troubles.
Siosuia Halanukonuka has also been called into tight head prop in favour of Siate Tokolahi as well.
For the Crusaders, five-eight Richie Mo’unga has been ruled out after the discovery of a broken bone in his left hand after last week’s win and he will be replaced by Mitchell Hunt.
David Havili has been put in at fullback in place of Israel Dagg who has just been shuffled across to the right wing instead.
In the forwards, Matt Todd will come back into flanker, pushing Jed Brown onto the bench, while Ben Funnell also goes to the reserves to make room for Codie Taylor at hooker.
Prediction
While the Crusaders didn’t look perfect last week, they still ground out a win in tough conditions and showed off plenty of strength defensively.
On that note, the Highlanders struggled in attack big time last week, so coming up against a strong defensive outfit could bare some bad news for them on the scoreboard.
Crusaders to win by 9
Mark
Guest
3 Tries down Tevita Lees wing No you see why he isn't with the Blues anymore Complete and utter rubbish
Sylvester
Guest
I think he needs to play centre. As soon as he moved in closer to the ball, things started happening.
Kuruki
Roar Guru
The Crusaders could not have found a better signing then Tamanivalu, he has given them exactly what they needed in that back line. Masterful signing.
BBA
Guest
I am a Crusaders fan, so naturally enjoyed the victory but thought Smith really disrupted a lot of Crusaders ball and was all over our half back. Both Smith and Sopoaga had nice kicks and vision to scre tries. I do agree they were a bit anxious at times. However still feel its the forward pack that should be copping it. If the Highlanders had held on to win 27-6 the 9 and 10 wouldn't have been criticised, however apart from a poor choice re a drop goal and noting that Smith was off the field for the last 10 mins when the Crusader scored 3 tries I feel that it is tough picking on those two for what happened.
Hello Everybody.
Guest
1 of 5. I wouldnt conut out the Blues just yet.
Kirky
Roar Rookie
Yep' Digger it's not a good look by old Lima', but I do think he's getting down in the wrong side of the pecking order for 1st/5s as there's some talent for that spot all over the place, so I wouldn't be surprised if he heads off over, ~ I hope I'm wrong but he'd be stretched to get a game against the Lions!
Old Bugger
Guest
Look I agree - both players are darn good when the side is going forward - unstoppable sometimes but, it just seems to me, that these positions become extremely critical, when the team is on the back foot. We've seen the HL's play against 2 NZ sides and the contrast between both games is like chalk and cheese. Last week, the HLs won all the stats except the score-board but this week, they were made to play for their stats and unfortunately, the let down was their bench. So why/how come neither Smith or Sopa, could lead their sides to victory, in these either/or scenarios??
Kirky
Roar Rookie
Mapu! ~ Sure was mate that was rugby at it's best, and I don't think the Highlanders will suffer too much as it's early in the piece, and they sure weren't thrashed, they'll kick butt along the way I'm sure as both those teams have players to come back yet, so it's an ominous look alright for the rest of the Competition and I personally predict the winner will be from one of four teams from good old Aotearoa!
Kirky
Roar Rookie
I agree mate, Sopoaga and Smithy were made to do a lot of unnecessary work and it seemed as if they were getting smothered prior to getting on the front foot with a move they'd normally do with ease, ~ but that was due to the very good attacking around the rucks and mauls by the Crusaders.
Old Bugger
Guest
My apologies but from what I saw, Sopa played a lot of game in a sweeping position and only ventured forward when his forwards were on the front foot. As for Azza, I agree, he was right behind his pack but, his delivery to Sopa seemed, anxious for want of a better word. He just seemed to try too hard when IMO, he shoulda just played a service role and let the speed of his service, dictate. Oh, and if you think his box kicks were exceptional, than you have to be open-minded because Smith's box-kicking is what he is renowned for doing especially, behind an ABs pack. Hence, he's doing nothing new. Did either Smith or Sopa do any sniping or attacking runs at the opposition defence line??? Now compare those performances with what TJP/TKB have done and what Cruds and BB have done. All in all, I'd say those four players have been not only directing but dictating, how their respective sides, have performed. And, they are doing so whether or not their sides, are on the front or back foot.
Kirky
Roar Rookie
Jeezuz'! What a game, my boys, my boys, in Red and Black it appeared they were gone for all money, ~ Two of the heavyweights of New Zealand with a traditional rivalry, which has always been there. I couldn't see the Crusaders coming back, but they dug in and took the ball up big time, with two probable tries disallowed. it would've been all too easy for the Canterbury boys to lie down, kudos' to them for their get up and go. With the Highlander using a very rushed defence, there was no quarter given and therefore the pace of the game was right up there, ~ bit like Test rugby and it showed no one team in New Zealand at least should be taken lightly. ~ Heap of newer players in both sides also, cool to see that! Just had a look through the Fox Program for tonight and it's rugby, rugby, and rugby, in that order of preference right through till the smallies' so it looks like a night in the lazy Boy for this old Dude!
taylorman
Roar Guru
Whew, 27-6 down, go figure. Saders have gone from late season starters to late match starters. Still fairly physical encounters these derby matches. Saders will get better with Reads return as well.
BBA
Guest
Gee you are a tough critic OB, I thought Smith and Sopoanga had good games and looked dangerous on attack. I thought it was the Highlanders getting smashed in the tight 5 and depth on the bench that cost them. Seems rather rough to then single out the #9 and 10 for blame.
Old Bugger
Guest
That was a great come from behind win but the important issues for me are Azza Smith and Lima Sopoanga. These two guys IMO, played very ordinary tonite and the pressure will start to come as the Lions series, gets closer and closer. Nevertheless, with regards to the first two rounds, then I'd have to say that both of them would be on the third line of AB selection, for their respective spots. Yep I know that its early days with 3 and a bit months to go to the tour opener but gees, TJP and TKB have been leading the HB roles with Gus not too far behind while BB and Cruds have been leading the FH roles with IMO, Otere Black shining in the background. Smith and Sopa will need to start leading their team across the paddock. IMO, a problem for Lima is he plays sweeper too often but perhaps, thats a reflection of how his forwards are failing to get front foot ball. We have an interesting 3mths peeps especially when, we start to crystal-ball Hansen's selections.
Machooka
Roar Guru
More pie please!!
Machooka
Roar Guru
This is so unlike a season start for da 'Saders... they usually start slow and then come on. Ominous?!?
Machooka
Roar Guru
Wow... what a game. Thanks NZ rugby :) Hard luck Muzzo... I thought you were there. Almost. Thanks Connor for your call... you were only 6 points away from a perfect prediction. I'll shut-up next time eh :) :)
Connor Bennett
Editor
Two wins from two for the Crusaders to start the season and two losses from two for the Highlanders.
Highlander
Guest
Two weeks in a row DC his decision making has been shakey
Tipene Roar
Roar Rookie
Ow for Australian and Saffa teams again.not one of them could match that in skills or physicality.that was brutal in a great way